10/28/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2002 If the project does more forward with the improvement project, then the City would hold an assessment hearing and the actual dollar amount would be levied against their property. He stated they hope the estimate used tonight is a high estimate. At that assessment hearing, the Council would review the final costs and property owners would have time to make comment and could follow a process to appeal the assessments even through the District Court if it is felt the amount of the assessment exceeds the benefit to the property. He reviewed the steps that would be taken should the project proceed. A resident referred to a different improvement project and asked how close the preliminary costs for that project were to the actual cost. Mayor Bergeson stated that project was not typical because the utility was located on private property and a grant was involved as well. Councilmember Carlson stated that a $125,000 Community Development Block Grant was received for that project and it was scaled back. She noted that the City cannot assess beyond the benefit to the property. A resident stated if the City can show that his property value would increase by $19,000, it would increase his asset and he would support the project. Mayor Bergeson stated that the number may change, but it would not be reduced by half and may not be low enough to gain resident support. Scott Bockwell stated he owns property in this rca and asked if there is an ordinance to allow Elm Street residents to fix their septic tank if they are having problems. He stated he has to install a mound system on his one acre property. Ile staid it is great if they are not having a problem with their septic tank but if they do have probletns inEa few years and there is no sanitary sewer available they will have a problem. He asked that the Cty provide information on what their options would be and also what it would cost to instat a new well and septic system. City Engineer Studenski stated 1 f the residents decide to go forward, it is scheduled to occur during the summer of 2003 and assess ents'would be put on the 2004 taxes or residents could pay it off and do the financing as they choose.'e stated there would be no cost in 2002 or 2003 unless they choose to pay it off. The City would put it on a 15 -year payoff at a 7% interest rate. Mr. Landers presented the City with his letter of objection to this project. Mr. Fenno asked if the petitions need to be individual or by a group. Mayor Bergeson stated it can be either and suggested they talk with City staff to assure the correct wording is used. Community Development Director Grochala stated that there can only be one signature per property on the petition. Councilmember Carlson stated the next step is to close the public hearing and order preparation of plans and specifications. She asked if that would also result in approving the assessments. City Engineer Studenski stated it would not. 26