Agenda Packets - 1997/04/07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Mounds View Staff Report April 3, 1997 Page 2 Commercial/Industrial property would be assessed by the amount of property(acres)that are • determined to benefit from the trunk line divided by the unit cost ($400.00 per 1/3 acre) to maximum amount of three(3) acres or$3,600.00. This method would provide more equity, clarity, simplicity and less confusion, possible litigation in assessing storm sewer projects, particularly involving Commercial/Industrial properties. The current method of street assessments for corner Commercial/Industrial properties is to assess both sides, regardless of which street is being improved. Staff is recommending this be revised to eliminate both side assessment and assess only the side in which the improvement is being made. A change is also recommended to eliminate the set back reduction in calculating the frontage feet. The thirty(30) foot assessable width would remain standard as is the residential standard. Option No. 2 The other method would reverse the process whereby, the property owner would only pay for a storm sewer that is required on their street, with the Utility funding the trunk sewer line. The first option is the one that staff would recommend because water may be carried in the curb line to a trunk storm sewer, thereby not requiring lateral pipes. This method would still provide the City to fund projects and provide a seemingly more equitable means of assessing storm sewer projects. The Assessment Policy has only been in existence since 1995 and only utilized once for a project • of nearly 100% residential property in nature, while the Old 8 project is all commercial properties with considerably larger parcels. It is inconceivable that any assessment policy will address every possible situation presented, this type of revision would sustain more longevity and provide equality to future assessments. Should this discussion lead to a consensus as to the revisions, staff will prepare the necessary documents and notices to revise the ordinance. The newly revised ordinance would then be in place prior to the assessment hearing for the Old Highway 8 project. Staff has forwarded copies of this report to both the City Attorney and Engineer for their comments. Staff seeks Council direction in this matter. Should Co • . e any questions or concerns regarding this report, please feel free to call me. Michael Ulrich, Director of Public Works RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Council considers Option No. 1 to revise the 410 current Assessment Policy.