08-26-2024 City Council Agenda Packet (2)

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Council Minutes -16- July 8, 2024 Steve 6225 Red Maple Lane, asked if the current individual property well can be maintained after this project is complete. He stated that he would like to continue using his well for watering the garden, etc. He also asked how this improvement would impact property values and taxes. Robert Holdan 6307 Maple Lane, asked how long the project was going to take and for an overview of the project schedule. The City Engineer stated that she would put the schedule on the website. Jill Butcher 6339 Red Maple Lane, asked if there were any programs to assist with the cost of the assessments. Motin to Close the Public Hearing at 8:42 p.m. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lynde, Ruhland and Stoesz The City Engineer provided responses to the questions raised during the public hearing. Regarding the trees in the right-of-way those will be evaluated, including the root systems to determine if they need to be removed at all. However, if they are in the right-of-way then the City has the right to remove the trees without compensation. This will be discussed further at the neighborhood meeting as well. Regarding determining if a septic system is compliant, the City does not require a point of sale inspection, however, a home buyer may as part of a purchase agreement. This may also be part of a building project requirement. Regarding future development projections, the area to the south of the project area could see development in the near future, however, that would not impact the amount of the proposed assessments today. Regarding the continued use of a working well on the property, the owner can continue to use that. Regarding the impact on property values and taxes, the County Assessor determines property values, the assessment value may or may not be recorded directly by the County Assessor. The City Engineer reviewed the project timeline. Regarding financial assistance with paying the assessment cost, the assessments can be paid up front or over several years as a tax assessment. Anoka County had a finance program for low-income properties in the past and could be contacted for current program information. Councilmember Ruhland stated that the FHA loan program requires that a well and septic system be inspected in order to qualify for a loan, however, a traditional loan does not require an inspection on its own. Anoka County also has a deferred assessment program for seniors. The Council discussed the average water and sewer costs for a family of four. The Community Development Director stated that he would post the average utility rates to the project page of the website for the information of the property owners.