04/28/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 28, 1997 the dewatering process. The contractor will be required to provide temporary service until the well comes back after the dewatering. Ms. Weinke stated she appreciates paying on a smaller square footage and commented on residents' ability to afford their property with these added costs. She noted that Leonard Street ends at Lilac Street and stated she does not understand why the project would be stopped at Bradley Street . This will cause construction impact again in the future when it is extended. Mr. Powell explained the project has to stop some place. Mr. Powell noted that per State Statutes 429, the City's ability to assess is limited to the increased appraised value of the property which receives the benefit. If there is no increase in the appraisal, the City cannot assess a random amount. He stated another option is to hold the assessment hearing prior to ordering construction of the project. This is done often where there is question about benefit or resident support. Mr. Leese said the Anoka County Assessor told him properties with operating septic and water systems will not benefit from this project at all and the market value will only increase if there are buildable sites. Council Member Kuether noted the difference in establishing resale evaluation. Mr. Powell commented on the need for cities to inspect septic systems and maintain data on pumping. Cindy Kelch, 7442 Sunset Road, explained her house faces Sunset Road and is 375 feet from Leonard so if her septic system fails and they are forced to connect, it will be very expensive. She questioned whether they would even be able to sell their house. Ms. Kelch stated they purchased this property because they want to live on a 2.5 acre lot and do not want to subdivide. Mr. Ahrens stated perhaps it could be determined the utilities in Leonard Drive are not feasible available since they are so far away. Ms. Kelch asked if they would not be required to connect for the same reason. Mr. Ahrens stated the property owner would have complete control over this but if the property is sold, the mortgage company may have requirements. Council Member Neal pointed out if the utilities are not available, they would have to repair their system. Ms. Kelch asked if they will be allowed to repair their system if the improvements are installed and their system fails. Mr. Ahrens stated he does not know if the service can be physically constructed due to depth concerns. If it is determined that the utilities have to be constructed very deep, the homeowner would be allowed to rebuild their system. Ms. Kelch asked if they would have to pay for the cost to connect over this distance, should they decide to do so. Mr. Ahrens stated this is correct, the cost of the actual connection from the stub to the house is beyond the assessment cost. PAGE 6