10-21-08 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 21, 2008 The Engineer reviewed assessment payment methods which include payment of the full assessment to the City with no interest within 30 days of adoption of the assessment roll. Property owners also have the option to have their assessment certified to Ramsey County for collection with property taxes. In that case, the assessment would be spread over a ten year period and would accrue interest at a rate of 6.25%. The Engineer noted that senior citizens and disabled individuals have the option to require a deferment of their assessment provided that they meet low income guidelines. The Engineer also reported that assessment costs and/or interest on the assessment are not tax deductible. Homeowners could take out a home equity loan to pay the assessment and the interest on that loan may be tax deductible. The Engineer suggested that property owners verify this information with their tax advisor. Elaine Zoch, 2945 Condit Street, asked if the road work will be completed within the 30 days assessment payment period. The City Engineer reported that once curbing is installed, the road will be paved within 1 to 2 weeks with the first layer of asphalt. The second layer of asphalt will not be installed until spring in order to allow the street to settle over the winter months. Claudette Bougie asked for clarification of the 30 day payment period at the City. The City Adminish•ator reported that notices will be sent to property owners outlining the 30 day payment period as well as indicating each property's final assessment amount. Zoch questioned paying for the street when it is not completed. The City Administrator noted that some cities assess for improvements at the time bids are let. He noted that the total amount being assessed is less than half the project costs. In order to minimize carrying costs, which are paid by all the taxpayers in the City, the City assesses projects in the fall when they are substantially complete. The City Administrator reported that two assessment appeals have been received. He read these appeals into the record, the first from Theodore Zinner, Quebec Partners, dated October 20, 2008, appealing the assessment of the Quebec Apartments for Condit Street improvement. The second was fi•om Steve Poindexter, JHM Owasso Properties and Active Sports, dba The House, dated October 21, 2008, for their two properties abutting Condit Street. Ted Zinner, Quebec Partners, appeared before the Council reporting that they have owned and operated Quebec Apartments for over 25 years. Zinner described the property in detail including its two access points on Country Drive which are 270 feet apart, the fact that the property has