Minutes - 1996/11/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 November 12, 1996 Mounds View City Council assessment amounts that were provided to the residents did not take into consideration the $15,000 which could, per Council authorization, be applied to the project. City Administrator Whiting indicated that he had received three written objections to the proposed assessments (attachment A): Karen Hemesath, 5396 St. Stephen Street; Dean McBride 5450 Erickson Road; James Schmidt, 5446 Erickson Road. Vera Edmond, 2234 Bronson Drive, asked who would be responsible for the cost of the mailbox stand replacements. Mr. Ulrich noted that mailbox stands were made by the city maintenance staff for those boxes which needed to be moved to the North side of the street and the cost will be covered by the city. Mr. Musgrove, 2151 Bronson Drive, stated he feels he has been deceived by the city. He was told that the tree on his property would be saved, however he later found that the tree was removed. He also felt that the the replacement was totally unnecessary. He was originally told that his assessment would be approximately $2,000; he now has a $6,000 assessment. He feels he has been lied to. Mr. Ulrich explained that at the time the pipes were inspected, it was noted that there were leaky joints and roots in the pipes, which constituted replacement. The tree removal was necessary because the construction crews were unable to work around it. The city replaced the lilac bushes and planted a new spruce tree for the homeowner. The original assessment amounts were based on some very preliminary estimated mock assessments, which take into consideration average costs rather than actual surveys and cost bid items. The assessment amounts were revised on March 8, 1996 and posted at City Hall. Adam Grobove, III, 5344 St. Stephen Street, stated he has never experienced a 30% increase in taxes before and this is essentially what has happened because of the assessment. He asked if this is something he can expect to happen again, as it will defmitely determine where he chooses to live. He also asked if the individual apartment units will be assessed as are the homeowners on Bronson Drive. Mayor Linke explained that this is only the second assessment project Mounds View has undertaken. The next assessment project will be the Old Highway 8 project. In regard to the apartment units, it was explained that the individual renters are not responsible for the assessments, but rather the owners of the building, noting that non-homestead properties generally are taxed higher than homesteaded properties. Mr. Grobove asked why businesses are not required to pay a higher portion as they create much of the traffic in the area. Again, it was explained that businesses also are taxed higher than homeowners. Ann Murray, 5414 Adams Street, stated she feels that residents have not been receiving the information that they should. They should have received a breakdown of exactly what would be done in the area. The notices mailed to property owners did not explain that properties surrounding the project would be assessed for the improvements as well. She also stated her concern as to the amount of time that the residents would have to pay the assessments before interest was added, noting that the holiday season is approaching and an assessment at this time of the year is difficult to pay. She wondered where the interest paid by residents goes. Mr. Kesel explained that the city is front-ending the cost of the improvements with funds that would otherwise be invested and earning interest. Therefore, it helps to defray the interest monies lost.