Minutes - 1996/11/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 7 November 12, 1996 Mounds View City Council Jim Schmitt, 5446 Erickson Road, suggested that in future assessment cases all affected property owners be notified that they will be assessed for the improvements. He feels the notices were unclear and that there would have been more public input if more were aware that they would be assessed for the improvements even though their properties were not located on Bronson Drive. Bill Warner, 2765 Sherwood Road, stated residents who object to these improvement projects have an opportunity to do something about it. The City Charter is a tool that is available to residents who object to what the council's actions are. Council member Hankner stated she is takes her position very seriously and spends hours each week reading material, making telephone calls and asking questions. She is disappointed that residents do not take time to educate themselves on issues which affect them as residents. There is a point in time wherein it is no longer the city's responsibility to get information out. Residents must take time to pay attention to these matters. Brian Skunes, 5475 Quincy Street, stated he does not recall receiving any of the notices from the City that were mailed out in January and February of 1996. Mr. Ulrich explained that everyone in the drainage district that was originally affected by assessments was to have received a notice, based upon the PIN numbers. received from Anoka County. Ms. Laurie Shoop, 2186 Lambert Avenue, stated she received one letter about the Bronson Drive project, however it did not inform her that her property would be assessed for the improvements. The next letter she received notified her of her assessments. She explained her frustration in getting the assessment letter when she had no clue that it would be happening. This is a common complaint amongst the residents in her neighborhood. Council member Trude stated she had received a telephone call from Karen Hemesath, 5386 St. Stephens Street, who also indicated that the first letter she received was the assessment letter and that she did not receive prior notice. Cynthia Cummins, 5395 St. Stephen Street, stated she would like to see a breakdown of the assessment costs. Mr. Peters explained what she was being assessed for. Bernice Bartz, 2256 Bronson Drive, stated she attended a Council meeting in regard to the project and residents were told that if they objected to the street improvements, a petition could be signed. Not one person took the liberty to do so, therefore, there is no one else to blame. She is pleased with the improvements and happy to be a resident who lives on Bronson Drive. Mr. McBride, 5450 Erickson Road, asked if his whole lot size is being computed in determining the assessment. Mr. Peters explained that this depends upon whether the entire property would drain off onto Bronson Drive. Mr. McBride also felt that the 30 day payment option without interest was unrealistic. He feels that people need more of a warning. Mr. Kessell, Finance Director, explained how the payment plan works.