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City Council Study Session —10/18/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 6 Discussion Councilmember Ihlan opined her support and preference for applying the cost as a property tax as part of the levy, rather than a fee; citing the ability for property owners to glean tax deductions or rebates from a property, and allowing more transparency in the collection of the costs. Councilmember Kough spoke against the street light fee and opined that street lighting and maintenance of such was a requirement for cities to provide to ensure taxpayer safety. Councilmember Kough further opined that, if someone deviated from the standard spacing provided and requested additional lighting (i.e., in an alleyway), then they should be charged as applicable. Councilmember Schroeder concurred with Councilmember Ihlan's comments regarding leaving it on the tax rolls, rather than as a separate fee. Councilmember Schroeder opined that this discussion was part of a larger issue and needed review of the City's street light policy. Councilmember Schroeder questioned whether light installations were at appropriate locations; encouraged the City's attempt to capitalize on the "Group Five" rate offered by Xcel Energy while it was still available; and the need to further define adequate street lights in commercial areas for safety purposes and not for provision of quasi-decorative lights. Councilmember Schroeder definitively spoke against a street light fee; opining that it should be part of the levy. Mayor Klausing, while having previously spoke against a street light fee, recognized the need to close the structural balance gap in the budget; and expressed his willingness to revisit the possibility of a street light fee. Councilmember Kough suggested the City consider timers on street lights. Staff Directive Council consensus was "no."