12-19-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 19, 2007 five years ago, and the property owners in the area felt the street reconstruction was not needed. The City Administrator noted that the issue five years ago was the drainage of the area and the fact that there was no outlet for water. As part of the Unweave The Weave project, the City has now obtained a storm water outlet for this area. With regard to the change in the assessment policy, the Administrator noted that when the City Engineer put together a preliminary assessment roll for this project, it was noted that the assessment would be under 20% which, again, is the minimum amount that can be assessed. The Administrator noted that given the use of the assessment cap over the years, it was felt that assessment policy for assessment of reconstructed urban streets was not equitable to the taxpayers in the City who would be paying the remaining cost. Chris Pew noted that the change in the assessment policy doubles the cost that Thunder Bay property owners will have to pay. The Administrator felt that the assessment policy as it was worded for reconstructed urban streets was not sustainable going forward. Pew indicated that she has talked to other city planners and was told that the life of Thunder Bay Road should be longer than the 15 to 20 years. The City Administrator agreed, but pointed out that street construction has changed over the years, especially for areas with poor soils and drainage. The Administrator noted that as part of the reconstruction, fabric would be used to prevent the base from mixing with sub-soils. Drain the will also be installed. This will provide a longer street life. Pew noted that Statute 429 provides that the market value of a property being assessed must rise equal to the amount of the assessment. Pew felt that her market value would not rise to the level of the proposed assessment. The Administrator noted that this is the benefits received theory. He noted that the City's assessment policy has been tested a few times, and has been upheld in court. He also noted that the City has, in the past, done before an after appraisals of property to ensure that the benefits received these is being met. The Administrator noted that it is also under this statute that provides for the 20% minimum assessment level. The Administrator pointed out the City's need to ensure its sheets are in good condition, and pointed out that street improvement projects do positively impact property values. He noted that in urban section reconstruction, the City does not like to replace existing curb and gutter. However, due to poor soil conditions and drainage, curb and gutter has heaved in many sections of Thunder Bay Road. The Administrator agreed 15