10-17-2017 Special Meeting Minutes

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MINUTES IMPROVEMENT HEARINGS OCTOBER 17, 2017 The City Engineer explained that this was a unique project in that it was Ramsey County work done on a shared city street. He reported that Maplewood owns 70 percent and Little Canada owns 30 percent of this small section of Keller Parkway. He stated that the County was planning to improve their section of the street, and Maplewood asked if they would include the city's section also. He noted that typically a neighborhood meeting is held before improvement projects, but City staff was not aware of this project until later so there was not enough time to hold that meeting, but a public hearing about the assessments was held in March. He reviewed project costs, noting that the initial estimate was $23,175.14 with the final estimated cost at $20,699.02. He then reviewed assessment payment methods which provide for payment (either in full or part) with no interest within the first 30 days after the assessment is adopted, or allowing the assessment to be certified against property taxes for collection over a 10 year period at an interest rate of 4.0%. The Engineer noted that certification assessments can be paid off early to the County at any time. He suggested, however, that payments should be made prior to November 15th in the given year or the County will add the next year's interest to the balance. The City Engineer then reviewed the assessment roll as well as a sample amortization schedule for an assessment that would be certified for collection with property taxes. The City Administrator reported that anyone wishing to object to the proposed assessment should do so in writing at this time. Submitting a written objection will preserve the property owners right to contest the assessment in District Court. It was noted that two letters were received prior to the meeting. Property owner questioned why five of the six properties being assessed do not have a Keller Parkway address, and he does not feel it is fair that they are being charged because of that. He stated that Maplewood is not assessing any of their properties in this area. The City Engineer explained how properties with more than one street frontage are assessed. The City Administrator stated that all properties owners across the city are assessed the exact salve way according to the policy that was adopted in the early 1990's, and it would not be fair to treat these properties any differently. The City Administrator also noted that if the properties being assessed were located in Maplewood, their annual property taxes would average over $600 per year more than what they pay to Little Canada. There were four attendees and no additional comments from the general public. on