HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 02-09 City Council Workshop PacketPLEASE NOTE START TIME IS 5:30 PM
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
MANAGER WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M. Monday, February 9, 2015
City Hall, Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Update on Franchise Fee Consideration to Fund Street Repairs
2. Mind Mixer Demonstration
3. Human Rights Commission Discussion
E. NEW BUSINESS
None
F. ADJOURNMENT
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melinda Coleman, City Manager
FROM: Michael Thompson, Director of Public Works / City Engineer
DATE: February 4, 2015
SUBJECT: Update on Franchise Fee Consideration to Fund Street Repairs
Introduction
The City Council will hear an update on the public input received thus far in addition to the next
steps as part of the Franchise Fee consideration to help fund street repairs.
Background / Discussion
At the November 10, 2014 council workshop, staff presented the idea of a gas franchise fee to
help fund local street repairs. The workshop presentation included information on the pros and
cons of a franchise fee, how the revenue would greatly improve the overall condition of
Maplewood’s streets, in addition to a likely estimate of what a typical customer would pay per
month as shown in the table below.
The City Attorney coordinated with the Xcel Energy representative to gather the comparative
data regarding similar suburban cities and associated franchise fee structure on the gas utility.
As shown in the Attachment 3 a number of cities collect a franchise fee to help pay for city
related programs and costs. Cities in this area that have already have implemented what
Maplewood is now considering are Forest Lake, Cottage Grove, Bayport, Afton, Newport, Saint
Paul, North St. Paul, Oakdale, and South St. Paul.
To solicit additional feedback a notice was posted in the December newsletter regarding the
potential fee, how to contact the city to provide feedback, and also to give notice of a
neighborhood meeting scheduled for December 16, 2014 at the Maplewood Community Center.
Nine residents attended the open house meeting on December 16 to provide input and ask
questions. A summary of that interaction is attached. Of the nine attendees, seven took a
position on the proposed fee with 4 opposed and 3 in favor as shown in the two attached city
maps.
D1
Workshop Packet Page Number 1 of 29
Additionally staff received feedback via e-mail or phone call from six additional residents with
varying views/comments:
1) Can the franchise be on Cable TV and not the gas utility bill?
2) Supports the idea because all pay including those who don’t pay regular property taxes.
Everyone needs to pay. Asked if it could be paid once per year instead of monthly on
the utility bill.
3) Does not like the fee on the utility bill.
4) Agrees with it and asked if it would replace assessments.
5) Does not want the fee and the City must live within its means.
6) This proposal is headed in the right direction and is a no brainer.
As the process moves forward there will be additional opportunity for residents, businesses, and
others to provide feedback and comments.
Lastly, to ensure transparency and continue seeking public input, last week a link was published
on the City’s homepage website on this proposed fee which includes all background
information. The link is at http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=292
Budget Impact
There is no budget impact.
Recommendation
This is an update item to the council conveying that staff will continue to move forward with the
Franchise Fee option and take the next steps in working with Xcel Energy and creating and
bringing forward Ordinance language for consideration in the coming months. Suggestions and
additional input from the council is appreciated at this point in order to ensure staff is moving
forward in a prudent manner.
Attachments
1. League of MN Cities Article on Franchise Fees
2. November 10, 2014 Workshop Presentation
3. Franchise Fees of Other Cities (Comparisons)
4. December 16, 2014 Open House Summary
5. Photo of Map of those In Favor (from 12/16/14 meeting)
6. Photo of Map of those Opposed (from 12/16/14 meeting)
D1
Workshop Packet Page Number 2 of 29
D1, Attachment 1
Workshop Packet Page Number 3 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdi L lSFunding Local StreetsPhoto taken in South MaplewoodCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 4 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionQikR iQuick ReviewCit ’ t li t f d l l t t•City’s are struggling to fund local street maintenance such as mill and overlays• Cannot continue to raise property taxes and increase special assessments• Need a sustainable source of revenue that is dedicatedfor specific “street repair” purposeCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 5 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionQikR iQuick ReviewWh id it ?•Why consider it now?• Extreme pressure from citizens about pavement stripping issues as shown on the first slide• Brooklyn Park, Woodbury, Burnsville, and many others are dealing with premature pavement failureCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 6 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionWh i i ?What is it?Citi th i db Stt Sttt t d t•Cities authorized by State Statute to adopt franchise fees to raise revenue• Dozens of cities such as Elk River, Edina, Brooklyn Center, Richfield, Minnetonka, have tk i il htaken a similar approach• Revenue for specific use such as street it ( ill& l k lfmaintenance (mill & overlay, crack seal, fog seal)City Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 7 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdbk f hid?Feedback so far on the idea?D f lit dit ti•Dozens of complaints and interactions with residents – south leg and elsewhere• Held an open house on October 2, 2014• 45 attended to hear about the 5-year CIP and the idea of a gas franchise• Six page letter and update mailed to residents after meeting to recap and obtain additional feedbackCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 8 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdbk f hid?Feedback so far on the idea?Sidtifbtith•Some residents in favor but with conditions• Specific use• Possible sunset date• It must fund additional work only• Dedicated for street repairs only (no py(transfers)City Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 9 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdbk f hid?Feedback so far on the idea?P•Pros• Local control• Easy to administer• More streets fixed• Dedicated for specific use•Sustainable revenue sourceSustainable revenue source• Transparency through fund accountingCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 10 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdbk f hid?Feedback so far on the idea?C•Cons• Raises utility cost by franchise fee amount• Potential opposition from non-profits, tax exempt parcels… churches, etc…• Opposition from residents where streets are in good condition• Looked at as another government fee/taxCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 11 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionFdl ?Fees and total revenue?R t t f $470 000 t llfi i•Revenue target of $470,000 to allow fixing additional 2 miles per year• What about the fee?• Residential -> $2.50/month• Commercial -> $6.00/month•Other types->Varies•Other types-> VariesCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 12 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee Discussion7274WHAT ABOUT OUR 135 MILES OF STREETS IN 5 YEARS?687072DITIONCurrent CIP + Franchise Fee6466OOD CONCurrent CIPFranchise Fee586062% IN GODo Nothing545658City Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 13 of 29
Gas Franchise – More FixesCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 14 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionWh d f h ?Where do we go from here?St fftfdtdd•Staff proposes to move forward to address deteriorating pavement• Public outreach for additional feedback• If support, bring back report of public pp g p poutreach, proposed ordinance language, fee schedule, and continued coordination with Xcel EnergyCity Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 15 of 29
Gas Franchise Fee DiscussionQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?City Council WorkshopNovember 10, 2014City of Maplewood, MinnesotaD1, Attachment 2Workshop Packet Page Number 16 of 29
Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
MINNESOTA GAS RATE BOOK - MPUC NO. 2
FRANCHISE AND OTHER CITY FEES Section No.
5th Revised Sheet No.
5
44.1
(Continued on Sheet No. 5-44.2)
Date Filed: 07-28-14 By: David M. Sparby Effective Date: 10-01-14
President and CEO of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Docket No. E,G999/CI-09-970 Order Date: 03-23-11
S:\General-Offices-GO-01\PSF\RA\Rates\Current\Mn_gas\Mg_5_44-01_r05.doc
Franchise and other city fees, as designated below will be included in the customers’ monthly bills computed under the indicated rate classes
and effective in the following Minnesota communities:
The Company remits 100% of these fees collected from ratepayers to the local government unit.
— Indicates fee is not applied
* May include Negotiated Transportation Service. Any future NTS customer in a franchise city without a specific NTS franchise rate will be
billed the Firm Transportation franchise fee. CityResidentialCommercialFirm – Non-demandCommercialFirm – DemandSmallInterruptibleMedium &LargeInterruptibleFirmTransportation*InterruptibleTransportationEffective Date Expiration Date Afton $2.00 $4.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 01/2005 08/16/2024
Bayport $1.25 $10.00 $25.00 $10.00 $50.00 $10.00 $10.00 01/2014 05/04/2028
Big Lake $4.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 10/2014 07/23/2020
Chisago City $1.00 $3.00 $35.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 06/2009 12/31/2029
Cottage Grove $1.65 $4.95 $8.25 $16.50 $24.75 $24.75 $24.75 01/2010 11/04/2023
Delano $0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm
$0.0391
per therm 01/2003 --
East Grand Forks 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 12/2005 12/19/2025
Faribault1 $1.62 $3.78 $32.40 $91.80 $270.00 — — 01/2006 11/08/2024
Forest Lake $3.00 $7.50 $15.00 $75.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 05/2013 01/27/2033
Goodview $2.35 $3.50 $55.00 $30.00 — — — 07/2006 04/30/2026
Kandiyohi $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 04/2014 12/01/2033
Lake City 2.0% 2.0% $0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm 04/2013 04/30/2015
Lindstrom $1.00 $3.00 — $30.00 — — — 06/2009 12/31/2029
Moorhead 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% $0.005
per therm 5.0%
5.0%
small
$0.005
per therm
medium &
large
09/1991 03/01/2015
1 Faribault: The franchise fee excludes the city, invoices to the city, or meters on city facilities or property.
Franchise Fees
N
D1, Attachment 3
Workshop Packet Page Number 17 of 29
Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
MINNESOTA GAS RATE BOOK - MPUC NO. 2
FRANCHISE AND OTHER CITY FEES (Continued) Section No.
6th Revised Sheet No.
5
44.2
(Continued on Sheet No. 5-44.3)
Date Filed: 09-18-13 By: David M. Sparby Effective Date: 01-01-14
President and CEO of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Docket No. E,G999/CI-09-970 Order Date: 03-23-11
S:\General-Offices-GO-01\PSF\RA\Rates\Current\Mn_gas\Mg_5_44-02_r06.doc
Franchise and other city fees, as designated below will be included in the customers’ monthly bills computed under the indicated rate
classes and effective in the following Minnesota communities:
The Company remits 100% of these fees collected from ratepayers to the local government unit.
— Indicates fee is not applied
* May include Negotiated Transportation Service. Any future NTS customer in a franchise city without a specific NTS franchise rate will
be billed the Firm Transportation franchise fee. CityResidentialCommercialFirm – Non-demandCommercialFirm – DemandSmallInterruptibleMedium &LargeInterruptibleFirmTransportation*InterruptibleTransportationEffective Date Expiration Date Franchise Fees
Mounds View 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 01/2014 12/31/2014
New Brighton $0.017
per therm
$0.016
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm 01/2003 11/25/2022
Newport $1.00 $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 01/2011 10/18/2026
North St. Paul 2.75% 2.75% $0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm 12/1998 09/07/2018
Oakdale $1.50 $5.00 $8.00 $17.00 $17.00 $17.00 $17.00 11/2013 10/27/2023
Sauk Rapids $2.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 08/2003 06/15/2023
Shoreview $1.30 $8.00 $112.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 10/2013 07/17/2031
South St. Paul 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 07/2000 06/30/2015
Spicer $0.50 $1.50 ––– ––02/2013 10/01/2032
St. Augusta $3.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 06/2010 03/01/2030
C
D1, Attachment 3
Workshop Packet Page Number 18 of 29
Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
MINNESOTA GAS RATE BOOK - MPUC NO. 2
FRANCHISE AND OTHER CITY FEES (Continued) Section No.
2nd Revised Sheet No.
5
44.3
(Continued on Sheet No. 5-44.4)
Date Filed: 04-15-13 By: Judy M. Poferl Effective Date: 05-01-13
President and CEO of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Docket No. E,G999/CI-09-970 & E,G999/PR-13-7 Order Date: 03-23-11
S:\General-Offices-GO-01\PSF\RA\Rates\Current\Mn_gas\Mg_5_44-03_r02.doc
Franchise and other city fees, as designated below will be included in the customers’ monthly bills computed under the indicated rate
classes and effective in the following Minnesota communities:
The Company remits 100% of these fees collected from ratepayers to the local government unit.
— Indicates fee is not applied
* May include Negotiated Transportation Service. Any future NTS customer in a franchise city without a specific NTS franchise rate will
be billed the Firm Transportation franchise fee. CityResidentialCommercialFirm – Non-demandCommercialFirm – DemandSmallInterruptibleMedium &LargeInterruptibleFirmTransportation*InterruptibleTransportationEffective Date Expiration Date St. Cloud1 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% — 3.0% 3.0%
small 09/2007 08/31/2027
St. Joseph $1.00 $1.75 $10.00 $0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm
$0.005
per therm 02/2004 11/19/2023
St. Paul2 See fee schedule in the Notes section on the following sheets. 11/2007 08/31/2026
St. Paul Park $1.50 $4.00 $30.00 $15.00 $335.00 $150.00 $15.00 08/2005 05/15/2025
Stillwater $1.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 12/2003 06/30/2015
1 St. Cloud: The franchise fee for residential heating customers will be 1.5% during the months of November – April.
2 St. Paul: The monthly franchise fee will be as stated below. The residential service franchise fee will be as stated except during the
winter months, November - April when there will be no fee. The fee shall not exceed $50,000 during any calendar year from any
negotiated transportation service customer. The schedules below show the meter and demand factor for each year of the St. Paul
franchise and for each of the customer classifications.
Franchise Fees
D
D1, Attachment 3
Workshop Packet Page Number 19 of 29
Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
MINNESOTA GAS RATE BOOK - MPUC NO. 2
FRANCHISE AND OTHER CITY FEES (Continued) Section No.
Original Sheet No.
5
44.4
(Continued on Sheet No. 5-44.5)
Date Filed: 07-06-10 By: Judy M. Poferl Effective Date: 03-23-11
President and CEO of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Docket No. E,G999/CI-09-970 Order Date: 03-23-11
S:\General-Offices-GO-01\PSF\RA\Rates\Current\Mn_gas\Mg_5_44-04.doc
Notes:2 St. Paul:
Customer Class Meter Factor - Monthly Charge per Account
Start Date 1-Nov-2006 1-Nov-2008 1-Nov-2010 1-Nov-2012 1-Nov-2014
End Date 31-Oct-2008 31-Oct-2010 31-Oct-2012 31-Oct-2014 31-Oct-2016
Residential (May - October) $3.70 $3.70 $3.70 $3.70 $3.70
Small Commercial Firm $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72
Large Commercial Firm $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72
Small Commercial Demand Billed $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72 $3.72
Large Commercial Demand Billed $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Small Interruptible $8.17 $8.17 $8.17 $8.17 $8.17
Medium Interruptible $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Large Interruptible $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Large Firm Transportation $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Interruptible Transportation - Small $8.17 $8.17 $8.17 $8.17 $8.17
Interruptible Transportation - Medium $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Interruptible Transportation - Large $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17 $11.17
Negotiated Transportation * - - - - -
Start Date 1-Nov-2016 1-Nov-2018 1-Nov-2020 1-Nov-2022 1-Nov-2024
End Date 31-Oct-2018 31-Oct-2020 31-Oct-2022 31-Oct-2024 31-Aug-2026
Residential (May - October) $3.85 $4.00 $4.16 $4.33 $4.50
Small Commercial Firm $3.87 $4.02 $4.18 $4.35 $4.53
Large Commercial Firm $3.87 $4.02 $4.18 $4.35 $4.53
Small Commercial Demand Billed $3.87 $4.02 $4.18 $4.35 $4.53
Large Commercial Demand Billed $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Small Interruptible $8.50 $8.84 $9.19 $9.56 $9.94
Medium Interruptible $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Large Interruptible $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Large Firm Transportation $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Interruptible Transportation - Small $8.50 $8.84 $9.19 $9.56 $9.94
Interruptible Transportation - Medium $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Interruptible Transportation - Large $11.62 $12.08 $12.56 $13.07 $13.59
Negotiated Transportation * - - - - -
*Franchise fee is based on customer’s prior rate schedule before transferring to this service. If none, the Large Interruptible
Transportation Service fee applies.
N
N
D1, Attachment 3
Workshop Packet Page Number 20 of 29
Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
MINNESOTA GAS RATE BOOK - MPUC NO. 2
FRANCHISE AND OTHER CITY FEES (Continued) Section No.
Original Sheet No.
5
44.5
Date Filed: 07-06-10 By: Judy M. Poferl Effective Date: 03-23-11
President and CEO of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation
Docket No. E,G999/CI-09-970 Order Date: 03-23-11
S:\General-Offices-GO-01\PSF\RA\Rates\Current\Mn_gas\Mg_5_44-05.doc
Notes:2 St. Paul: (continued)
Customer Class Volume Factor - Monthly Charge per Therm
Start Date 1-Nov-2006 1-Nov-2008 1-Nov-2010 1-Nov-2012 1-Nov-2014
End Date 31-Oct-2008 31-Oct-2010 31-Oct-2012 31-Oct-2014 31-Oct-2016
Residential (May - October) $0.0467 $0.0635 $0.0806 $0.0977 $0.1148
Small Commercial Firm $0.0489 $0.0509 $0.0529 $0.0549 $0.0569
Large Commercial Firm $0.0489 $0.0509 $0.0529 $0.0549 $0.0569
Small Commercial Demand Billed $0.0489 $0.0509 $0.0529 $0.0549 $0.0569
Large Commercial Demand Billed $0.0254 $0.0274 $0.0294 $0.0314 $0.0334
Small Interruptible $0.0275 $0.0295 $0.0315 $0.0335 $0.0355
Medium Interruptible $0.0084 $0.0089 $0.0094 $0.0099 $0.0104
Large Interruptible $0.0084 $0.0089 $0.0094 $0.0099 $0.0104
Large Firm Transportation $0.0254 $0.0274 $0.0294 $0.0314 $0.0334
Interruptible Transportation - Small $0.0275 $0.0295 $0.0315 $0.0335 $0.0355
Interruptible Transportation - Medium $0.0084 $0.0089 $0.0094 $0.0099 $0.0104
Interruptible Transportation - Large $0.0084 $0.0089 $0.0094 $0.0099 $0.0104
Negotiated Transportation * - - - - -
Start Date 1-Nov-2016 1-Nov-2018 1-Nov-2020 1-Nov-2022 1-Nov-2024
End Date 31-Oct-2018 31-Oct-2020 31-Oct-2022 31-Oct-2024 31-Aug-2026
Residential (May - October) $0.1194 $0.1242 $0.1291 $0.1343 $0.1397
Small Commercial Firm $0.0592 $0.0615 $0.0640 $0.0666 $0.0692
Large Commercial Firm $0.0592 $0.0615 $0.0640 $0.0666 $0.0692
Small Commercial Demand Billed $0.0592 $0.0615 $0.0640 $0.0666 $0.0692
Large Commercial Demand Billed $0.0347 $0.0361 $0.0376 $0.0391 $0.0406
Small Interruptible $0.0369 $0.0384 $0.0399 $0.0415 $0.0432
Medium Interruptible $0.0108 $0.0112 $0.0117 $0.0122 $0.0127
Large Interruptible $0.0108 $0.0112 $0.0117 $0.0122 $0.0127
Large Firm Transportation $0.0347 $0.0361 $0.0376 $0.0391 $0.0406
Interruptible Transportation - Small $0.0369 $0.0384 $0.0399 $0.0415 $0.0432
Interruptible Transportation - Medium $0.0108 $0.0112 $0.0117 $0.0122 $0.0127
Interruptible Transportation - Large $0.0108 $0.0112 $0.0117 $0.0122 $0.0127
Negotiated Transportation * - - - - -
*Franchise fee is based on customer’s prior rate schedule before transferring to this service. If none, the Large Interruptible
Transportation Service fee applies.
N
N
D1, Attachment 3
Workshop Packet Page Number 21 of 29
Page 1 of 3
Gas Franchise Fee
Open House Meeting Summary
12/16/2014
A total of 9 people attended the meeting with 7 attendees taking a position on this issue (3 in favor and
4 opposed). The following summary of questions and answers were taken:
If we are currently designing 10 miles of road and we start doing 12 miles of road with
engineering be charging time and a half for engineering on the extra 2 miles?
o No.
I live on a county road what benefit do I get from this?
o This is a good question. You live on a County Road however you still use the local street
system. Also, typically if you live on a County Road you are not assessed similar to those
living on local City streets.
How does the gas franchise fee apply to apartments?
o It would apply similarly to how the electric bill is paid. The rate for such apartments will
be reviewed to understand an average per unit cost.
Can Maplewood add a special sales tax for road work?
o The City could increase property taxes for roadwork however it would not necessarily
make it dedicated. The franchise fee option makes it very transparent on the money in
and money out and it would be fully dedicated to street repairs.
The City should just invest in lottery tickets.
o Thank you for the comment.
How much of the fee would Xcel keep and how much would Maplewood actual get?
o The City would get the entire amount. It is a pass through.
Will the presentation be available on the City website?
o Yes. After the notes and summary information are completed.
Maybe the state wide gas tax might help or the Move MN group.
o Perhaps. But the City still needs to move forward with this option if local street repair is
a priority.
If the fee for a resident is $2.50 after they add taxes residents will be looking at a fee more like
$3.00.
o No. This is a pass through and is not subject to additional taxes.
Could the City bill residents and business directly?
o There would be a substantial cost for that as the City currently outsources its billing
functions.
In favor of a sunset date.
o Thank you for the comment.
D1, Attachment 4
Workshop Packet Page Number 22 of 29
Page 2 of 3
Gas Franchise Fee
Open House Meeting Summary
12/16/2014
Since businesses use the roads more can they pay a greater share to help reduce the $2.50 per
month for residential?
o This could be explored however businesses do pay reasonable share with the current
revenue scenario.
What about seniors or those on fixed income. Can there be a waiver or rebate program?
o This could be explored however the administration of a number of applications may
become cumbersome. This is something that could be further defined in a franchise fee
ordinance upon moving forward.
If this were to move forward the City should publish reports on what projects the fee help
complete each year and how much was spent.
o Yes. This is a very good comment and the City could complete an annual report
regarding projects implemented as a direct result of the franchise fee revenue.
How does the fee affect assessments on projects?
o It will not affect the current assessment policy. The franchise fee is additional revenue,
not a substitute.
Is there a way to charge people who park in church parking lots?
o There is no easy or cost effective way to do this.
Can the City charge or make MnDOT help pay for fixing the roads that have the different
pavement mix design?
o Likely not. This is an issue from the late 1980s/early 1990s.
Does the trash hauling help reduce the number of trucks and trips and has this helped slow the
deterioration of the roadways?
o Yes. A garbage truck does the damage of what 1,000 cars can do. The design of street is
based on equivalent single axle loads (ESALS) and the fewer heavy vehicles utilizing the
streets is good for the longevity of the street.
Are county roads designed to a different standard?
o Typically they may be designed for heavier/commercial traffic loading depending on the
segment.
Do we get any money from the tax on truck for heavy use?
o The Minnesota Highway Users Tax Distribution Fund collects revenue from gas taxes,
motor vehicle tax, motor vehicle sales tax, and earned interest. The City gets a small
portion of this which it can put to use on 20% of its city streets.
If there is a sunset clause it should have a stop date.
o There is flexibility in how the ordinance is written.
D1, Attachment 4
Workshop Packet Page Number 23 of 29
Page 3 of 3
Gas Franchise Fee
Open House Meeting Summary
12/16/2014
Just another tax with a new name
o It is a fee, not a general tax. The fee is spread over all utility users such as residential,
commercial, non‐profits, etc. The fee gets at more accurately collecting revenue from
all the users of the local street system whereas if it was a general tax increase then
many parcels are exempt from property taxes thus placing the burden on others.
How do taxes in other cities (that also have a franchise fee) compare to those of Maplewood
o There are many variables and this comparison was not available. It was explained that
the reason this franchise fee concept was brought forward was because of a grass roots
effort of citizens that wanted more streets fixed. This is an option.
Already have a cable franchise fee – how is that used
o There is a franchise fee on cable that is used for right of way management and
programming for example by the Ramsey/Washington Counties Cable Commission.
How long until you get to my street if you start in south Maplewood – they live in north
Maplewood and don’t see the benefit
o It could take a number of years depending on condition compared to other streets.
Currently the south leg streets are experiencing the pavement stripping issues that need
more immediate attention.
Already too expensive to live in Maplewood
o Thank you for the comment.
The gas franchise would be treated as Pay As You Go – would not bond against future revenue –
only do the work you can pay for now
o The plan is to pay for the work with available revenue and not bond.
D1, Attachment 4
Workshop Packet Page Number 24 of 29
D1, Attachment 5
Workshop Packet Page Number 25 of 29
D1, Attachment 6
Workshop Packet Page Number 26 of 29
D2
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melinda Coleman, City Manager
FROM: Mychal Fowlds, IT Director
DATE: February 4, 2015
SUBJECT: Mind Mixer Demonstration
Introduction
A demonstration of Mind Mixer will be shown highlighting what Mind Mixer is and how it can be used to
increase engagement with citizens.
Background
The City Council approved a contract with Mind Mixer in September of 2014 with the purpose of engaging
our citizens regarding the proposed 2015 budget along with other future topics. The budget item was
created and staff received a few visitors and comments with minimal marketing of the new tool. No other
topics have been posted to date. Staff still feels strongly in this tool and the potential outreach it can
provide.
Staff is currently looking at the communication strategy for the City and how best to manage the various
pieces of that moving forward. Staff envisions a unified approach where all avenues, Mind Mixer included,
complement each other and help further the goals of the City Council and meet the needs of our citizens.
Budget Impact
At this point there is no budget impact associated with this item.
Recommendation
This item is being brought before you for informational purposes only and therefore there are no
recommendations at this time.
Attachments
Workshop Packet Page Number 27 of 29
Item D-3
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melinda Coleman, City Manager
FROM: Karen Haag, Citizen Services Director
DATE: February 4, 2015
RE: Human Rights Commission Discussion
Introduction
The Maplewood Human Relations Commission (HRC) was created by City Ordinance on April
18, 1968. It is a seven-member committee. In October of 2004 the HRC was down to three
members and was not meeting due to a consistent lack of a quorum to convene. In February
2005 the council moved to suspend the HRC. In July 2010 the HRC was reestablished by
Ordinance and renamed the Human Rights Commission. The first meeting of the new HRC
was in January of 2011. At that time staff was directed to examine the current mission
statement and goals of the commission and to propose revisions to better suit the climate and
diversity of the community.
Background
The mission of the HRC as set by the City Council and in partnership with the State Department
of Human Rights is to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public
accommodations, public services and education and to work consistently to improve the human
relations climate of the community. The HRC is not charged with specific duties but sponsors
and promotes activities for Maplewood residents that increase sensitivity and awareness of
diversity in our community, advises the Mayor, City Council and other city commissions of
human relations issues and offers no-fault grievance mediation services to the residents of
Maplewood.
The diversity and challenges faced by our City since the reestablishment of the HRC in 2011
have significantly changed. Staff agrees the time is appropriate for re-evaluating how we as a
City through our committees and commissions meet community needs.
In 1968 Human Rights Commissions were created across the State to meet the needs of racial
tension and diversity conflicts. Currently, in addition to the State Department of Human Rights,
there are literally hundreds of resources for our changing culture to turn to for public services
and human relations.
Since 2011 the HRC has spent a great deal of its time conducting poster and speech contests.
In the fall of 2012 the Commission sponsored two forums that were held at the Community
Center on State Constitutional Amendments. These were very successful and served as an
informative platform to educate the public on issues that directly related to Human Rights.
Since then, aside from general conversation regarding Human Rights and the speech and art
contests the HRC has held significant meetings related to Public Safety that have been
pertinent and are directly related to Human Rights. The topics were: Integrative Youth
Workshop Packet Page Number 28 of 29
Development Program, Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit with Ramsey County and a
Community Listening Session on Police Accountability and Public Safety.
Before 2002 the staff liaison for the HRC was a representative from the Police Department.
Since 2002 it has been the City Clerk Department. With our changing climate and community
needs it has become obvious to City staff that the HRC would be better suited as a Commission
of the Police Department. Additionally, staff suggests that the Commission should convene as
the need arises much as the Police Civil Service Commission.
Citizen Service staff will continue to be involved as needed and provide administrative aspects
of the HRC with meeting notifications, packets, minutes, etc.
Consideration
This report is provided for informational and discussion purposes.
Workshop Packet Page Number 29 of 29