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Mounds View City Council February 14, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 11 • potential roadside hazards, and generally clean up the edge of the street. The cost of new posts and installation will be added to the project. Residents of mill and overlays may request the new posts and installation, which will be added to the cost of the project." There was no public input. Mayor Coughlin closed the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. Mayor Coughlin advised that this was the second reading of Ordinance 654, with the amended areas having been outlined by Director of Public Works Ulrich. He indicated he contacted the former chair of the Streets Policies Committee, Mary Malrick, who was unable to attend the hearing for a variety of reasons. He explained that Mrs. Malrick had requested he convey to the Council that she and the former members of the Streets Policies Committee she had spoken with, were in favor of the language of this ordinance, as it has been presented before the Council. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomason. To Waive the Reading and Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 654, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 202, Section 202.09 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Entitled "Public Improvements." Council Member Marty stated the language of the ordinance has been clarified, and is more specific than it was in the past. He noted one of the items he particularly approved of was the provision that property owners would be assessed for the cost of the pavement surface and base, which would not exceed $14.60 per frontage foot. He advised that this could be amended to • reflect inflation, however, it would have to come before the Council on an annual basis. Council Member Marty stated the language of this ordinance provides for a specific dollar amount, and in speaking with Director of Public Works Ulrich he had learned that some of the other projects in the City were substantially more costly. He pointed out that Bronson Drive had cost $42.00 per frontage foot. He advised that the cost to property owners would not exceed $14.60 per frontage foot, which is the maximum assessment. He explained that in the event the costs are lower, depending upon the type of pavement, and the specific requirements of the road, the residents would pay less than $14.60, per frontage foot. Mayor Coughlin indicated this matter pertains to State Statute 429, which indicates that a property owner cannot be assessed more than the improvements or added value to his property. He explained that there has been an ongoing battle-cry in this regard, and this ordinance appears to at least address the spirit of this, in that residents will have a general idea, in advance, regarding the cost of these projects. Mayor Coughlin pointed out that if the project costs exceed the maximum amounts set forth in the ordinance, the Council has established the Street Improvement Fund, which would provide the additional funds necessary to reconstruct the street, without resulting in further assessments to the residents. He explained that this was one of the best purposes for the Street Improvement Fund, in terms of peace of mind, particularly for those on fixed incomes, who may have to • rearrange their finances to pay for an assessment. He indicated this was a good compromise, and although it was not what he had advocated several years prior to becoming Mayor, he believed this was awell-rounded policy that is good for all involved, and big step forward for the residents of the City.