02/13/2012 Council Packet (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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An improvement (public) hearing is scheduled; notice is mailed to affected property owners and published in newspaper If more than 50% of affected property owners file a written letter of objection either before or at the hearing, a special meeting is scheduled no sooner than 45 days later. At this special meeting, property owners and city staff sit down to take additional testimony, hear concerns, work out differences and revise project, if necessary. Previous objections become void. Council has up to six months to approve or decline project, which may be revised If approved, within 5 days, a summary of resolution is mailed to affected property owners Property owners have 30 days to file written objection (either letter or petition) If more than 50% of affected property owners object, they may veto the project. It does not go forward. If no objections or not enough objections, Council orders the project and process moves into the special assessment process Task Force Observations during the Conduct of its Activities • Communication and Education Good government requires an informed citizenry. It is recommended that the city expand its communications efforts with citizens when specific reconstruction and public improvement projects involving assessments are proposed. • Information As noted in an earlier survey and public comment received by the Task Force, an obstacle in gaining citizen approval of a City Charter change to deal with street reconstruction was information. An aggressive effort will be required to inform the citizenry of the issue. • Cooperation Opinions were expressed that there needs to be greater cooperative efforts among members of the Council, administration, Charter Commission and community when issues such as street reconstruction and public improvement are considered. • Waiting Period Rejection of a project does not absolve the city from dealing with it. It just postpones the inevitable. If rejected by the 50 percent provision in the recommended charter amendment, there should be policy defining when a road project can be brought up for review again. Our suggestion is 3 -5 years 12