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City Council minutes December 16, 1998 Page 2 • Mayor Gehrz opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. ., ~~ . ti 9 Mr. Tim Wehmann, 862 Arlington Avenue, St. Paul, stated that he was representing Falcon Heights United Church of Christ at 1795 Holton Street. Mr. Wehmann noted that the church has two properties that each abut more than one street and asked about how assessments would be calculated. Administrator Hoyt replied that the church would be assessed for each side abutting a street in the project. She explained that tax exempt properties are assessed for the full cost of street improvement projects because they do not contribute to the city's infrastructure fund through property taxes. Hoyt noted that tax exempt properties may pay off their assessment over time like taxpaying properties are permitted to do. Mr. Don Mead, 1863 Sheldon Street, asked if it would be possible for his property to not have a flared curb. Engineer Maurer replied that the curb can be designed so that it is almost square, but there needs to be a bit of flare. Mr. Mead then asked about how the construction would affect his sprinkler system. Engineer Maurer answered that some grass in the right of way would have to be disturbed and if sprinkler heads are in the right of way they might be disturbed as well. Maurer noted that residents would be given sufficient notice of when this would happen. Mr. Tom McClellan, 1865 Pascal Street, inquired about the repayment schedule for • assessments. He was informed that residents are typically given 10 years to repay a street assessment. They also have the option of paying the assessment up front without interest. Mr. Tom Kellogg, 1808 Asbury Street, asked how long he would have to pay off the assessment without interest. Engineer Maurer answered that he would have at least 30 days after the assessment hearing to do this and that the time frame would be clearly spelled out in the assessment notice to be mailed before the hearing. Mr. Kellogg then inquired about whether pathways were going to be installed on Garden Avenue. Mr. Kellogg wanted it noted that he was not in favor of pathways. Engineer Maurer answered that pathways are not proposed to be assessed to abutting property owners at this time, but that the city council can proceed independently with installation if they desire. Mr. David Fuith, 1765 Holton Street, asked if there were any way to shorten the proposed construction schedule. Engineer Maurer replied that city will work with the contractor to expedite the process as much as possible. He noted that it would be prohibitively expensive to require the contractor to complete one street at a time. Mr. Bob Bentson, 1701 Holton Street, stated that he and a number of his neighbors have lead pipes that they wish to replace during construction. He asked if there was a way that a contractor could replace everyone's pipes at the same time and whether the city could suggest a contractor. Administrator Hoyt replied that the city cannot recommend • a contractor but can direct people to contractors who are licensed. There will be an on- site inspector who will be available to coordinate the details of property owners' work with the street work.