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www.americancityandcounty.com | December 2009 33 <br />For three years, the Mounds View, <br />Minn., Council could not overcome <br />residents’ objections to move <br />forward with a much-needed series <br />of street and utility reconstruction <br />projects that would cost an estimated <br />$27 million. The recurring complaint expressed <br />by residents was the cost of the assessments being <br />passed on to the property owners. Other objections <br />related to project-specific design details and what <br />was perceived as a limited opportunity for residents to help guide the project. The council’s hands were tied <br />because the city charter allows residents to petition against projects financed by direct assessments. <br />After the second attempted project failed to overcome opposition in 2007, the council created a taskforce <br />that involved city officials and more than 30 residents in reviewing the street assessment policy, proposing an <br />alternative way to finance the road reconstruction projects and developing a standard street design. After six <br />months of work, the taskforce presented its plans to the council. <br />The final plan proposed using unobligated, pooled tax increment dollars from the city’s three TIF <br />Districts, Minnesota State Aid System funds, contributions from city utility funds, and gas and electric <br />franchise fees to reduce the amount of money homeowners would pay to $4 million. Additionally, the <br />homeowners’ portion would be paid in a citywide $400,000 annual tax levy, which would vary based on each <br />homeowner’s property bill, adding about $100 a year for 10 years to the average homeowner’s bill. <br />The city council adopted every recommendation from the taskforce, and in spring 2009 the city launched <br />a nine-project, 10-year program to replace 26 miles <br />of substandard streets and utilities. The first project <br />is under way, and the last one will be completed by <br />2018. <br />Mounds View, Minn. <br />Population: 13,000 <br />Project: Street and Utility Reconstruction <br />Cost: $27 million <br />Date to be completed: 2018 <br />Agencies/contractors: Rice Creek Watershed <br />District, Bonestroo <br />“AFTER YEARS OF PLANNING, OUR <br />CITIZEN TASK FORCE HAS HIT THE <br />JACKPOT WITH A DESIGN STANDARD <br />AND FINANCING PLAN THAT WORKS <br />FOR ALL OF US.” <br />— Joe Flaherty, Mounds View mayor