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City Council Study Session — 08/16/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 15 Mayor Klausing noted for staff directive, that there appeared to be no consensus supporting a feasibility study for street lighting or a franchise fee. Mayor Klausing personally opined that he would have liked to see the studies performed to provide additional information as to their feasibility, without committing to implementing the fees. Councilmember Maschka opined his support of "biting the bullet," in addressing the budget issue in 2005, with his support of up to an additional 10% levy increase, rather than making significant cuts in the 2005 budget and related personnel and programming. The audience responded with applause to Councilmember Maschka's comments. Councilmember Ihlan opined that attempts to reduce expenses or raise revenue for this year was not going to permanently deal with the $700,000 operating gap, given the impacts to various departments due to a zero-percent levy increase for the last two years. Councilmember Ihlan concurred with Councilmember Maschka's comments, and opined that the majority of Roseville taxpayers would also concur. The audience again responded with applause. Mayor Klausing sought clarification as to consensus on a street light utility and/or franchise fee. Councilmember Maschka opined that he questioned the use of fees and impacts to the integrity of the tax system and good public policy. Mayor Klausing concluded that direction to staff would be that there was no Council consensus to support study of a street light utility fee or a franchise fee. Public Works Director Duane Schwartz Public Works Director Schwartz noted that the department's proposed 2005 Budget represented a"status quo budget," and addressed his perception of the three budget categories within his department: that of aesthetic and safety issues (i.e., leaf program and right-of-way maintenance); prolonging community investment in the City's infrastructure (i.e., street, water and