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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 12 Councilmember Holden agreed with an open house but thought they also needed to show the trails in addition to public safety. Mayor Grant thought they should make a running list of some of the things that are upcoming such as fire trucks, fire station, fire chiefs, extending trail to Highway 96, Lake Johanna Trail, and additional fees from St. Paul water. The question to the public is do they value the items to the point that they are willing to do a franchise fee. If they do franchise fees they owe it to the public to tell them exactly where the fee is going. He favored an open house to get feedback. Councilmember Fabel didn't see why it should be any different than any budget hearing they have. They are asking people how they'd like to spend money raised by the City whether it is raised by levy and a direct property tax or this indirect form of taxation, which is an unequal form of taxation, and irrational in many ways. He thought which of the funds need to be funded should be part of their overall budget discussion and put in the tax base. He felt the rational way of taxing at the city level was to impose a property tax. Councilmember Holden said that being in a joint agreement with two other cities they don't have the option to say they aren't going to buy a fire truck. Councilmember Monson said she wasn't committing one way or another but she did want resident's opinions on a franchise fee. Councilmember Holden stated this was a less regressive tax because lower income people get energy assistance so the franchise fee gets significantly lower based on use and payment, where property taxes are regressive. Further discussion ensued on a timeline for an open house. It was decided that April may be a good time and it was suggested that a representative from Xcel Energy be invited to attend F. Sound Wall Discussion City Administrator Perrault explained that the City has discussed pursuing a potential sound barrier in the city, typically along Old Highway 10 and Highway 96 south of Wedgewood Circle. Highway 51 and Glenhill area were also discussed. MnDOT is accepting applications this year through December 3 Vt for 2029 sound barrier projects. Should the City want to submit an application and be awarded a project, the City would be responsible for 10 percent of the cost. Did Council want staff to continue to pursue this? Councilmember Holden wondered what the City's ranking was last time. City Administrator Perrault said this year with every application they will do a noise reading, then base the ranking on cost effectiveness, number of people served, etc. Councilmember Monson said she would advocate for applying and even if they win they don't have to do it. Mayor Grant noted some of the costs could be assessed.