10-27-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes October 27, 1997 Page 2 4.1. 4.2. Consider Advertisinq for Plannin.q Intern City Planner Steve Ach informed the Council that Planning Intern Brady Halverson has submitted his resignation and will be terminating his employment with the city in two weeks. Steve Ach requested the Council to consider approving advedising for a planning intern to fill this position. MAYOR DUITSMAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE FOR THE PLANNING INTERN POSITION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that he would like to wait on his decision to hire a planning intern until he has reviewed the budget with the Council. Councilmember Farber indicated that he would also like to review the budget prior to making this decision. MAYOR DUITSMAN WITHDREW HIS MOTION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN WITHDREW THE SECOND. It was the consensus of the Council that this item would be discussed following the budget discussion. Consider Contribution to Coalition of Utility Counties and Coalition of Utility Cities Assistant City Administrator Loft Johnson indicated that Sherburne County has been a very active participant in the Coalition of Utility Counties. She indicated that the city has been able to rely on the county for information and leadership in dealing with this issue. She further indicated that the Coalition of Utility Cities has also been working on the issue and has hired a lobbyist to protect the city's interests. Lori Johnson indicated that earlier this year the city contributed $500 to Sherburne County to help offset its lobbying costs. She indicated that the Coalition of Utility Cities has now made a formal request for city participation through a Joint Powers Agreement and proposed dues of .$1,735. Loft Johnson indicated that although Sherburne County has not made a request for additional city contributions, it may be appropriate for the city to consider helping the county fund its share of the cost for the lobbyist needed for upcoming legislative sessions. She indicated that the Council should also decide whether it wants to become a member of the Coalition of Utility Cities through its Joint Powers Agreement and pay the proposed dues or whether the Council would prefer to simply make a contribution without becoming an official member of the group. Lori Johnson indicated that Assistant County Attorney Kathy Heaney has prepared a resolution for the City Council to consider regarding the elimination of personal property tax on generation facilities and transmission and distribution lines in the state. Mayor Duitsman indicated his position that the city would be better served working with Sherburne County. Mayor Duitsman stated that he did not concur with letter b of the resolution regarding the insinuation that the city would receive a negative bond rating.