June 30, 1969 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Session 936, Minutes June 30, 1969 Page 4 Bills for Second Reading, continued: BILL NO. 6614 - ~24~ING CHAPTER 34 MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ZONING (SECTION 34-30.1) PERMITTED USES IN B-1 LIMITED RETAIL BUSINESS DISTRICTS: Bill No. 6614 - Deferred. BILL NO. 6619 (AS A/,~NDED) -A/4Ei~DING CttAPTER 18 MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS (ELECTRIC C~ANIES): Councilman Lieberman moved that Bill No. 6619 be amended by deleting the word "July" in the title of the bill and in Section 3, and inserting in lieu thereof the word "August." City Manager Henry said he recommends this change for the reason that if the bills are acted upon it will give the utilities a month to change their billing procedures, etc., and it has been suggested by the Telephone Company representative. Motion seconded by Councilman Epstein and unanimously carried. ~fayor I~mufman inquired whether any representative of a utility desires to be heard on this matter, whereupon the following spoke in opposition to proposed increase in the gross receipts tax: Mro Thomas Q. Ebanues, District Manager, Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. Mr. Stephen L. Kelly, Manager Tax Department, Union Electric Coo Mr. Lawrence J. Bannes, Assistant General Counsel, Laclede Gas Co. Ail of the speakers indicated they are concerned about the effect on their customers who will ultimately pay the tax or its equivalent as a component of their rate for service and the effect the higher tax will have upon their company's competitive position -- they suggested the City look to other sources for additional revenues. They answered questions. Councilman Epstein explained that the City has been quite active (although unsuccessful) in trying to secure revenue from the State government and hopefully when this is accomplished the gross receipts tax can then be re- duced. City Manager Henry, addressing himself to Mr. Kelly, during Mr. Kelly's presentation, said the City has many contracts and services with Union Electric~ but for two years now has waited for Union Electric to get new globes on the walkway in the Greenway South and Ackert Park area and is encountering no end of problems. He enlisted :(r. Kelly's assistance in trying to remedy this situation. Mr. Kelly assured the City Manager and the Council that he would check into this and try to expedite it. Mayor Kaufman said he would like to observe in passing that the City has not neglected other sources of revenue~ for example, there has been an in- crease in the swimming pool charge - there is now a recommendation from the administrative forces to increase golf fees - court costs have been increased and there are a number of other areas that have not yet been touched upon. On behalf of the Council, the Mayor expressed appreciation to the representatives for their presentations and the interest they have manifested in behalf of the citizens of this community. Continued, next page