Agenda Packets - 1997/02/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Hankner stated she is still inclined to say that she wants to vote for a 0% levy increase. If there is a lot of support for the bridge, she would vote to have it replace another line item on the budget as she feels there are a lot of people in the city who cannot afford to have a tax increase. Mayor Linke took this opportunity to read a letter he had received from Mr. Gene Wagner, representing the Silver Take Woods Homeowners Association, dated October 19, 1995. This letter which was signed by the residents stated that the homeowners in the Silver Lake Woods Association would like to see the pedestrian bridge stopped. Gene Wagner, 2647 Lake Court Circle, asked where the pressure came from to pursue the bridge. It sounds as though there was perhaps a lot of pressure from the trailways people and it has expanded from that to include safety • issues, etc. Mayor Linke stated it was put in the budget because the council looked at various ways to finance it and it was decided that a 3% levy increase was probably the most feasible way to finance it. Mr. Wagner stated there are a lot of residents who do not feel the need to increase taxes for something that they do not feel is necessary. There are lots of other things an increase could be used for before a pedestrian bridge. He has not heard one person stand up at the council meeting in support of the • bridge, and in comparison he has heard a lot of opposition. • Mayor Linke noted that the budget was based on a 0% increase. If residents want the pedestrian bridge they will let the council know, likewise if they do not want it they will also make it known. Cliff Ash, 2664 I akr. Court Drive, stated he is opposed to the bridge. Based upon his calculations, taxes in his area (based on a $110,000-$120,000 value) will go up between $60 - $85 per year. A lot of the people in the development are "empty nesters" and are on a limited income. To him it looks like it is a "want", not a "must". There are many other things in the city that the money could be used for. Furthermore, let Fridley build a pedestrian bridge on Highway 65, as they have a bigger problem there than Mounds View. Henry Ruggles, 2629 Jake Court Drive, stated the letter from the Mounds View Planning Commission dated August 16, 1995 which states the commission's support of the bridge does not include two of the commissioners. One name missing is his as he is not in support of the bridge. He asked what the total dollar amount is for the project.