02-19-2013 Council Special Meeting

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 19, 2013 Keis pointed out that the City will not know actual project costs until the project is bid. The Administrator indicated that worse case is that the assessment would not change. He also pointed out that if assessments are reapportioned in another way, the City will have to determine if it is comfortable with having the taxpayers pick up a bigger share of the assessment. Keis asked if there are no objections to the assessment at the assessment hearing, if property owners can come back at a later date and object. The Administrator replied that they cannot, noting that the process is outlined in State Statute. Montour what happens if the City orders the improvement, authorizes preparation of plans and specs, and calls for bids and then rejects the bid. The City Administrator pointed out that the plans and specs would not change and would be used at a later date when the project does proceed. Montour noted that the estimated City share of the cost of the project is $200,000 which is paid for by general taxpayers. He noted that to delay the project results in increased costs. Montour stated that while it is difficult to assess property owners, it is also difficult to ask the general taxpayers of the City to pay these costs. He pointed out that this is a balancing act for the Council weighing the interests of the property owners to be assessed as well as the general taxpayers of the City. Will Hickey, Lapham Hickey Steel, pointed out that this is a large assessment for this property. He noted that the company has seven locations around the country, and the property taxes on the Little Canada location are one of the largest. Hickey asked if the bidding process was an open one. The City Administrator reported that the entire process is laid out in State Statute and is public information. The Administrator indicated that the plan would be to get out to bid as soon as possible in order to generate the maximum number of bids and get the best price possible. With regard to the Lapham Hickey property taxes, the Administrator noted that the City's portion of the tax bill makes up approximately 25 %. He again noted the City's 5 -Year Capital Improvement Program and the need for the City to take care of its roads. He also noted that Lapham had considered an expansion in Little Canada and stated that the City would love to work with the company to make that happen. Hickey expressed concern with changing the angle of the intersection at Country Drive as it may cause problems for truck drivers. Gilroy expressed the same concern. The City Engineer explained the contemplated change. 5