07/11/2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 11, 2005 APPROVED 145 the street and add water and sewer hookups which the developer would pay 100 percent of the 146 improvements. .147 148 Councilmember Reinert asked when there would be a conclusion on the topic, noting the City's 149 perspective is that it washes financially and would be a benefit if it happened. He noted citizens 150 involved with the project are not assessed any greater or lesser amount. He stated he is concerned 151 because if the school district sells land in the future and water and sewer are installed, this would be a 152 benefit not taken into account with the rest of the citizens. Community Development Director 153 Grochala stated the conclusion would come in the second week of November. He noted if the project 154 is not petitioned against and the referendum is approved, the City knows they have a project. Then 155 the design, neighborhood meetings, attorney talks, etc. can be started. 156 157 Councilmember Carlson asked if it is not necessary to know prior what percentage will be assessed, 158 levied, and the total number of properties. Community Development Director Grochala stated the 159 charter requires the method of assessment be included on the ballot with the total proposed 160 assessment and levy costs. Under the law, residents may appeal assessments after a project hearing; if 161 the court awards some appeals it could alter some amounts or percentages assessed. He noted pulling 162 water and sewer and eliminating units is about equal to the number the City would be paying. 163 164 City Attorney Hawkins stated the portion the City would fund depends on the number of units. He 165 stated this is an unknown factor and the City may need to put a contingency number on the ballot. 166 167 Councilmember Carlson stated she is concerned the City gave the school a well two years ago and, 168 therefore, they would not be interested in sewer and water. Community Development Director 169 Grochala stated if the school puts in parking or a concession area for the soccer field, they might need 170 these improvements. 171 172 City Engineer Studenski explained where the trail would be and its impact. He also explained the 173 process to put in utilities and the lot split issue. 174 175 Community Development Director Grochala stated to go forward with the sewer extension there 176 needs to be a comprehensive plan amendment and a designation use. 177 178 Acting Mayor Stoltz stated this project is unique and the feasibility study came through a petition. 179 180 Acting Mayor Stoltz opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. 181 182 Charles Puskas, 6994 Shadow Lake Drive, noted he feels the cost is equitable and would like to see 183 the project move forward. He stated he did have questions about the referendum wording. 184 185 Chris Bretoi, 6779 Shadow Lake Drive, stated he is not in support of the project. He questioned the 186 assessment amount in relation to the increase in property value, and asked about the appeal process. 187 City Attorney Hawkins explained how benefit to the property is calculated, and noted residents could 188 appeal per Minn. Statute 429. He added he cannot give legal advice to the residents but recommends 189 residents contact their own attorney and protect their right to appeal. 190 191 Mr. Bretoi asked regarding the road route, are they trying to stay equitable to the centerline. He also 1192 asked if there would be further studies and would homeowners receive a letter detailing the appeal 4