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~~.:.~ <br />MINUTES <br />3/27/91 <br />PAGE 2 <br />assessment from $32.00/ft. to $24.00/ft. <br />GEORGE NEILSEN, 1795 Fry, asked Council if they had received <br />his letter protesting the assessment for 143 feet of street <br />when he has only 16 feet of street frontage (his driveway). <br />Maurer explained no assessment policy can anticipate these <br />unusual kinds of lots, and Baldwin informed Mr. Neilsen that <br />Council would deal with his problem following the hearing. <br />TIM GOLIE, 1717 Albert, questioned the "poor" <br />designation given Albert and Arona Streets by <br />engineer and commented on the report from his <br />engineer indicating the street is in adequate <br />also asked if soil borings had been taken and <br />the borings. Maurer replied in the positive, <br />he could not express an opinion on the letter <br />Golie's engineer as the information was very <br />rating <br />the city <br />independent <br />condition. He <br />if he could see <br />and also stated <br />from Mr. <br />limited. <br />Reconstruction vs major maintenance was discussed. Maurer <br />stated they had estimated costs for one block on Arona and <br />found major maintenance would cost approximately $24,550 and <br />reconstruction approximately $37,800. <br />MICHELE OWENS, 1882 Arona, said she had discussed the matter <br />with real estate appraisers and realtors to determine whether <br />or not the benefit was at least equal to the assessment and <br />they all agreed it would not add to the market value of the <br />property. She asked what affirmative evidence there was that <br />supports the $24.00 per foot benefit. <br />Baldwin explained it is necessary for the Council to study <br />all available information and make a legislative decision. <br />He stated that the selling price is related to many things <br />such as interest rates at the time and demographics and <br />commented on the fact that the City has a history of property <br />greatly appreciating. He also stressed that the portion of <br />costs being assessed to the property owners has been reduced <br />over the years to be in line with what surrounding cities do. <br />The City could assess only 20 percent, however, any reduction <br />in assessment is financed by all the taxpayers. <br />Ciernia commented on the value of appearance of neighborhoods <br />if the road looks good with no mud between roads and <br />boulevards and drains properly it lends to an attractive <br />neighborhood, and the opposite provides a different image. <br />Quality adds value to neighborhoods. <br />MS. OWEN commented on the fact that it is extremely difficult <br />and expensive to challenge assessments in court as it is up <br />to the property owners to prove the increase in value is less <br />