07/28/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 28, 1997 Lyle Carpenter, 7685 Lake Drive, a longtime area resident, stated that he is in favor of the project but that he would like clarification of the reasons for the proposed system routing. Mr. Ahrens explained that there are a number of pine trees which the proposed route seeks to avoid. He also stated that the proposed route could be staked so that there would be a visual aid to show the system impact on specific properties. Mr. Carpenter also expressed concern about the amount of his assessment. Mr. Ahrens clarified that his assessment is higher than the property across the street because his property lies adjacent to the proposed improvements while properties on the other side of the street will not have immediate access to the new service. John Varrone, 7782 Lake Drive, asked why this project has been determined to be cost effective at this time when in prior years it was not. He also expressed concern about paying for improvements that would not be immediately available to him. Council Member Kuether explained that no one would be assessed for service unless or until they were able to connect to the system. Council Member Neal asked if Mr. Varrone could hook up to the system in the event his present system failed. Mr. Ahrens explained that under such an emergency situation the property owner would make application to the City to be provided service from the new system. Council Member Neal asked how those whose properties do not lie adjacent to the proposed service could become aware of the procedure to connect should they need to. Mr. Ahrens suggested that anyone interested can obtain the necessary information through neighborhood meetings. Council Member Neal asked about the possibility of canvassing the neighborhood to ascertain need and interest on an individual basis. Mr. Ahrens explained that this activity would not be cost-effective. Council Member Kuether requested clarification that any future lateral installation would not result in additional cost to the residents. Mr. Ahrens confirmed. She also asked about the projected increase in assessment cost. Mr. Ahrens explained that history indicates an increase of 2% to 4% per year. Jack Brugum, 687 79th Street, stated that he frequently experiences flooding on his property and is concerned about this condition worsening with the new construction across from his home. Mr. Ahrens stated that thus far storm drain issues have not been addressed; however, he indicated that further study would take place with attention to flooding issues. Roy Whitney, 7651 Lake Drive, asked if he would need to install a pumping station to allow for drainage from his basement utilities. Mr. Ahrens responded no, that gravity flow is incorporated in the proposed design. Pat Pearl, 7726 Lake Drive, expressed concern about the trees located on her property. She also requested clarification regarding MUSA boundaries as well as the percentages to be paid by residents versus the City and developer. Council Member Kuether reminded Ms. Pearl that her property falls under the Bisel Amendment for purposes of assessment. Mr. Ahrens further explained the breakdown of assessment charges as follows: Sanitary sewer area charge, $1,983 per acre; per house charge, $859; $33 -per -front -foot charge; $2,114 per acre water main charge; per house water main charge, $1,387; $23 -per -front -foot water main charge; surface water management fee, $4,051 per acre. John Guzzi, 710 79th Street, asked why he had not been assessed. Mr. Ahrens explained that his property was inadvertently omitted from the notice area and no proposed assessment prepared, but that his subdividable 4 -1/2 -acre parcel does not fall under the Bisel Amendment and would be assessed at full area rates. Mr. Guzzi also asked about the cost of upgrading the roadway, and Mr. Ahrens responded that upgrade of the road is the responsibility of the developer.