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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br />February 16, 2021 <br />----------------------------- <br />Mayor Dietz stated he has an issue when a Councilmember doesn’t at least give the <br />courtesy of an update. He stated Elk River is being talked about at legislature and he <br />is getting calls from mayors of other cities who are confused and unhappy with the <br />comments. He stated this isn’t transparent and Council deserves the courtesy of <br />knowing what is happening. He stated it clouds the issue when stated on the record <br />you are a Councilmember for the city. Mayor Dietz stated if he had a heads up, he <br />could have been prepared with explanations to others. He stated he agrees Council <br />should looked at other viewpoints. He asked Councilmember Christianson where the <br />funds would come from if the legislation doesn’t pass. He further asked if it is fair to <br />that this from taxpayer pockets. <br /> <br />Councilmember Christianson stated in the future he would provide information <br />beforehand. He stated this has nothing to do with Council and it’s only his opinion. <br />He stated this legislation warrants a bigger discussion and he wants to see both sides <br />of an argument. He stated there is not always time to get through packet material in a <br />few days. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz noted Councilmembers can request to continue discussions and request <br />more information if they are not comfortable or ready to make a decision. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wagner stated she was surprised as well and even though <br />Councilmember Christianson spoke on his own behalf the optics are, he is an Elk <br />River Councilmember. She asked what changed on this issue to prompt testifying <br />against the legislation. She stated she feels Councilmember Christianson should have <br />come back to Council to discuss the matter further. <br /> <br />Councilmember Christianson stated he has some information he can share, and he <br />questioned how the legislation would impact Elk River. He stated the language is <br />vague. He stated in the City of Woodbury you are looking at an additional $10,000 <br />per home for any new development. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz stated the bill gives the city the ability to charge a fee if they choose. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wagner concurred. She stated if Councilmember Christianson felt <br />this needed another look, then send the information to staff so the full Council can <br />review it. <br /> <br />Mr. Beck stated if legislation passed authorizing a street fee, it would most likely be <br />implemented like the park dedication fee which would require a justification for the <br />charges. He stated he doesn’t see any scenario where legislation passes a fee without <br />further requiring an analysis and a rational basis for the proposed fee. <br /> <br /> Mayor Dietz read the agenda statement prior to closing the meeting. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />