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2003-10-17 Friday News The Friday News October 17, 2003 Discussion of Franchise Fees The City is in the process of negotiating and drafting the franchise fee with Xcel Energy. In years past, one of the reasons negotiations broke down with Xcel was that the City requested a provision that would allow us to charge a franchise fee. At that time, Xcel was not willing to allow the inclusion of such a clause. A franchise fee is essentially a tax on utilities that is passed directly on to the consumer. Xcel would include the fee on the account bill with a notation that the funds would be passed through to the City. Xcel is now willing to include such a provision in the agreement. Many cities are instituting franchise fees as a way to recoup revenue from state aids that were lost. Xcel is recommending a flat 1% fee for each utility. If the City were to institute such a franchise fee, we could generate the following revenue: Electric (1% applied as a flat fee) = $88,000 and Gas (1% applied as a flat fee) = $70,000 For residential homeowners, the franchise fee would be .94 cents/month for gas and .71 cent/month for electric. These funds could be used for any project designated by the City or merely to supplement the general fund. On Tuesday night the City Council will be discussing whether or not they are interested in imposing a franchise fee or including language that would allow the City to do so in the future. Community Action Council Presentation to Council Community Action Council (CAC) is a non-profit agency that works in partnership with individuals, families, volunteers, schools, churches, service organizations, businesses and cities to help our neighborhoods and communities stay strong and healthy. Their mission statement is “In the spirit of caring for our neighbors, Community Action Council provides support to people and communities to prevent violence, ensure school success and promote long-term economic self sufficiency.” Their services help people find long lasting solutions to problems. Their services include battered women’s shelters, domestic violence intervention, sexual assault services and violence prevention education. They also provide a number of neighborhood and community services including: school based family support services, neighborhood family support services, child care resource and referral, no interest family loans, income tax services and a holiday gift program. I was recently contacted by CAC President Mary Ajax regarding their “Partners for Success” school based program. During the 2002-2003 school year, CAC’s “Partners for Success” staff worked with 297 Independent School District 197 families with children attending Garlough, Moreland, Pilot Knob, Somerset, Mendota Heights Elementary Schools and Heritage and Friendly Middle Schools. They supported students and families by carrying out CAC’s mission of preventing violence, ensuring school success and promoting self-sufficiency. They helped students improve attendance, improve academics, improve communication, improve parent attendance at school conferences and helped parents utilize community resources. CAC has received over $520,00 to support Partners for Success in ISD 197 from a very generous donor, the Noreen Trust. A requirement of the gift is that CAC raise $150,000 per year in matching funds. On Tuesday, Community Action Council President Mary Ajax and Superintendent John Longtin will be making an informational presentation to the City Council. The purpose of the presentation is to make the Council and Community aware of the efforts of CAC and to express the need for further support from the community at large. Commission Appointments: There are a number of Commission appointments that expire on January 31, 2004: Planning Commission: Eric Hesse (served 3 years), Chris Dolan (served 3 years) Sally Lorberbaum (served 9 years, 3 months); Parks and Recreation Commission: Paul Portz (served 3 years), Dave Libra (served 11 years); Airport Relations Commission: Vern Edstrom (served 3 years), and John Roszak (served 6 years). In the past, the City advertised for individuals interested in serving on the three Commissions. We announce the openings at City Council meetings, in the Friday News and in the Sun Current newspaper. On Tuesday, the City Council will be discussing the process for the 2004 Commission appointments. ARC Presentation to Council The Airport Relations Commission has requested the opportunity to make its annual presentation to the st City Council at the October 21 City Council meeting. Chairperson Scott Beaty will present the City Council with an overview of the Commission’s activities for the past year and the 2003 Airport Noise Plan of Action 55th Annual Firefighter’s Dance The Mendota Heights Fire Department will be having their annual Firefighter's Dance on Friday, October 24th. This year's event will be held at Prom Expo in Oakdale. Advance tickets are on sale now for $8.00 or $10.00 at the door. Music by The Dweebs will begin at 8:30 P.M. The Dweebs have a large following. Last year's event was very successful; it is advised that you arrive early. There is no guaranteed seating. This is a Fire Department fund-raiser. The funds that are raised through ticket sales and donations support fire prevention activities, uniforms, and other department needs that are not part of the city budget. Firefighters have already begun going door-to-door selling dance tickets. The Mendota Heights Fire Department provides fire protection to Mendota Heights, Mendota, Lilydale and Sunfish Lake. There are organizations that solicit funds by telephone, but these groups do not assist, nor are associated with, the Mendota Heights Fire Department. It is not possible for firefighters to stop by every residence. Anyone who has questions, needs tickets or would like to make a donation to the Fire Department should call City Hall at 452-1850. Flu Shots For those interested, the flu shots have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 from 9 - 9:30 in the large conference room. The cost is $15. Judy Wonick I am sorry to report that Utility Billing Clerk Judy Wonick is at United Hospital with pneumonia and sepsis. She was admitted to the hospital on Monday night after not feeling well Monday morning. Although still in the ICU, the doctors are hopeful about her condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and her loved ones. Congratulations Eric! Congratulations and best wishes to Officer Eric Petersen and his fiancée Eryn. The two are getting married this weekend and then are off to Mexico for their honeymoon! Final Thought “Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away.” – Author unknown Respectfully Submitted, Cari Lindberg Administrator Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Pre Application Meeting Synopsis, City Council Agenda, Sun Current article “Lindberg to leave City Administrator post in MH,” and AMM News.