12/16/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1996 assessment is based on a limit for County roadways. The service road is a City roadway, and that assessment policy would not apply. Council Member Neal stated a County Commissioner with whom he had spoken earlier indicated that she had no knowledge of the proposed service road. Mr. Wessel explained that discussions thus far have been between City and County Staff only. As is customary, when the matter goes before the County Board that body will be updated regarding all aspects of the project. Mayor Landers clarified that until the road realignment is completed the existing Otter Lake Road will be a County road. It will be turned back to the City when the new road opens. Mr. Powell agreed. Mr. Powell stated that the assessment, typically held in October, can take place immediately upon completion of final design. Appeals could be addressed at that time, as well as any concerns of the City Council. Mayor Landers stated that he feels the City has no other choice than to follow Staffs proposed plan for this project, as closing the northernmost section of old Otter Lake Road and the intersection at Main Street and constructing the service road represent a significant safety improvement; and, installing the sewer and water utility lines would better utilize the trunk utilities for the entire area. Council Member Lyden stated that he has no objection to the realignment of Otter Lake Road or installation of the proposed utilities, and that he is very much in favor of economic development both for the City and this quadrant specifically. However, he stated that there is a difference between a philosophical belief or concept and a specific plan. He expressed reservations about the specific plan dealing alignment "A". Mr. Daubney corrected the earlier statement by Mr. Wessel regarding an implication that the Economic Development Department had entered into a deal of some type with the developer of the corner property. Mr. Daubney indicated that he said this was a good deal for the property owner at the corner and a bad deal for Mr. Scherier. Mr. Daubney then reiterated if this plan is adopted by the City Council Mr. Scherier must assume $382,000 in combined assessments, which seems excessive since Mr. Scherier has no plans for development of his property. Mr. Daubney added that the service road could have adverse effects upon future development of Mr. Scherier's property. Mr. Daubney stated that the amount of the combined assessments represents more than Mr. Scherier has invested in the property, and that there is no guarantee that Mr. Scherier can sell his property for a compensatory price. Mr. Scherier stated that ideally he would have a buyer for some of the frontage along Main Street, in which case he would have no concern about adding the service road according to the nature of the development. However, in Mr. Scherier's opinion, once the service road is completed the distance between Main Street and the service road will either be too little or too large. The concept of donation of the right-of-way came about as a possible means of reducing his assessment. This would pose a direct benefit to the corner property, because one-half of the service roadway does not come from the corner site as it would make the site too small. Mr. Scherier feels that the size of the site is not his problem. He concluded by stating that he wants to cooperate with the City, but feels that its time to deal with the issues that he has presented. Mr. Daubney and Mr. Scherier thanked the City Council for its time. 8