08/28/2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 22, 2000 To: Twilight Acres 1St and 2nd Addition Area Residents Re: Project Update and Resident Poll No. 2 Dear Resident: This letter is intended to summarize recent information about the project and request additional assistance (in the form of a survey) from the residents. 1. The appraisal information presented by the City Attorney to the City Council at their July 24, 2000 meeting indicated that the proposed assessment amounts are greater than the expected increase in market value of the properties. In order to proceed, the City would have to reduce the project costs and/or find additional funding sources. 2. A resident indicated they had contacted the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and received assurance there were funds available for this type of project. City staff again contacted both of these agencies and the Minnesota Department of Health regarding grant funding availability specifically to help pay assessments for connection to City utilities. We were unable to identify alternative funding sources. Many of the funding sources relate to replacement of on -site systems, low interest loans, or have income restrictions. 3. The first meeting of the Twilight Acres Work Group regarding the septic systems in the neighborhood was held August 10, 2000 with several residents, the City Administrator and myself attending. The group specifically asked that the following issues be considered: • Another survey to determine the level of the resident's willingness to pay for this project. • Placing the project on the ballot this Fall for consideration. • Making a specific funding request to an agency other than the City. • Modifying the project to include alternative means of providing utility service. 4. The City Attorney has determined the 60 -day time period for property owners to prohibit the project has ended. The 60 -day time period began after the improvement hearing held in November of 1999. The public hearing that the City Council is currently holding is the special assessment hearing. The City Council has continued the public hearing and has not made a decision regarding the assessments for this project. The City Council has directed City staff to send out another survey to poll the affected property owners regarding specific details related to project costs. Please complete the attached poll form and return it to the City at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions, please call me at 651- 982 -2430. Sincerely, John M. Powell, P.E. City Engineer