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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 16, 2009 Page 5 9. General Ordinances for Adoption a. Adopt an Ordinance Approving the 2010 Fee Schedule Finance Director Chris Miller summarized the annual Request for Council Action dated November 16, 2009, detailing staff-recommended adjustments to the Fee Schedule establishing fees and charges for services of the City's regulatory func- tions, following staff's comprehensive review of those fees. Mr. Miller advised that staff was only recommending establishment of two new fees to offset costs currently funded by non-program revenues, including pathway patching fees and engineering-related fees for plan review and permits. Discussion among staff and Councilmembers included recommended increase of $5 in the leaf pick-up program for 2010 to more completely cover the program costs through fees to reduce taxpayers subsidizing the program. Councilmember Ihlan expressed concern that, since the City would pick up leaves regardless to keep them out of the stormsewer, this increase seemed to set the residential service up to fail based on ever-increasing fees, making it less and less affordable and unavailable for those needing the services. Councilmember Ihlan opined that she would prefer to see this program made available to all, with costs for the program spread across the community via sewer fees. Councilmember Ih- lan further opined that this program was unique to Roseville and appreciated by program participants. Councilmember Ihlan questioned the basis for the recom- mended $5 fee increase. Public Works Director Duane Schwartz advised that the recommended increase was to off-set the subsidy portion; with the assumption that the City receives a benefit from the program after the $45,000 program costs to clean gutters and streets, with this fee an attempt to pick up the remainder from participants of the program. Mr. Schwartz advised that program participants remained steady, with approximately 12 - 1300 residents using the program; and further noted increased costs of running the program due to inflation, equipment and staff costs. Mayor Klausing noted that Councilmember Ihlan made some good points; how- ever noted the extensive discussions held by previous City Councils, as well as the current body, in addition to review by one or more advisory commissions; with the current program balancing interests of program participants and that of the entire community. Mayor Klausing opined that continuing the program was a wonderful asset to the community, helped in making it a welcoming community, and remained of value. However, Mayor Klausing further opined that there was a need to ensure that costs came closer to those benefiting most directly; and clari- fied that the City picked up leaves in the storm gutter, but this allowed partici- pants to place their leaves on the boulevard for pickup by the City. Councilmember Roe noted comments last year from a resident stating that the City and his waste hauler were very competitive in providing this service. Coun-