11-24-06 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTIrS CITY COUNCIL OCTOI3TI2 24, 2006 policy for street rehabilitation assesses 50% of the street rehabilitation cosC, including curb and gutter repair. Storm sewer costs are not assessed. Assessment paymenC methods were reviewed, noting that property owners can pay their assessment in full or in parC at the City within 30 days of adoption with no interest being added. After the 30 day time period, remaining assessment balances are certified to Ramsey County for collection with property taxes. Assessment balances will be spread for collection over a ten year period at an interest rate of 6.5%. It was noted that should a property owner wish to pay off an assessment balance early, that payment should be made prior to November IS"' in the given year. On November 15"', the County adds the next year's interest balance to the assessment payout. The Engineer noted that property owners on a fixed income, either senior citizens or permanently disabled, can apply for assessment deferrals. If assessments are deferred, interest will continue to accrue on the deferred amount. The Engineer noted that assessments and/or interesC on the assessment are not tax deductible. However, a property owner cou]d possibly Cake out a home equity loan to pay the assessment, with interesC then being tax deductible. However, individual property owners should verify this with their tax advisor. The Engineer then reviewed the proposed assessment roll, as well as a sample amortizaCion schedule should an assessment be certified to Ramsey County for collection. Blesener asked about the assessment of corner lots. The CiCy Engineer rep]ied that corner lots are assessed aC 100% of the front footage for the main frontage and 20% of the footage for the side yard. Carol Stenger, 318 Savage Lane, asked about Che assessment of her double-fronting lot. The City Administrator reported thaC only the front footage is proposed Co be assessed, as there is noC improved road access aC Che back of the property. John Steele, 279 Demont Avenue, asked about boulevard restoration. He noted Chat a heavy rain storm washed and rutted the boulevard area. The City Engineer indicated Chat Chese areas will be reviewed in the spring, and repaired and reseeded as necessary. Lynn Cardinal, 284 Demont, asked about replanting near the sound barrier. The City Engineer replied that this area will be replanted in the spring. Cardinal indicated that she had expressed interest in a rain garden and one was not installed on her property. The City Engineer reported the 9