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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 9, 1997 • Page 9 1 Wagner suggested fundraising and donations. He stated he would personally support this 2 effort. 3 Faust stated the City had fought hard to get federal, state, and other funds for short-term 4 assistance. When it was clear that none of the funds were available, the City asked if they 5 could spend City funds. The answer is no. He suggested that any suggestions or 6 recommendations from the Task Force need to have a plan that will serve the problem over 7 the long run. He stated he did not know of a source for short-term relief. He stated the idea 8 of fundraising was good but he did not know where to begin. 9 Mr. Jacobs stated people needed to use not only their heads but also their hearts in this 10 situation. These people are backed into a corner. He asked the City Council to consider 11 guidelines for the next Task Force meeting. 12 Mary Ann Kuharski, 2709 Pahl Avenue NE, stated this should not be looked at as a donation 13 or reimbursement to the property owner for damages. This is a drastic problem mi the 14 community which may warrant assistance to the property owners. She stated her property had 15 flooding again last week. This is the fourth time this year. This problem is a public health 16 hazard. She stated it is an urgent matter of justice. A storm sewer system that works is 17 necessary for public health reasons. She also noted there is a safety issue involved. She stated her fear is that with the continuing flooding, someone will eventually drown. She felt qF9 this problem should be seen as a disaster due to the public health and safety issues. She 20 stated she could not imagine holding a fundraiser for a new sewer system because the City 21 should take care of that. 22 Wagner stated that he had suggested fundraising for the purpose of reimbursement to affected 23 residents. 24 Brian Thuesen, 2804 Pahl Avenue NE, stated he has been a resident of St. Anthony for five 25 years. When he moved to St. Anthony he could not believe the positive responses and almost 26 envy he received from people. He stated the night of the July storm he had to park three 27 blocks from his home and wade through waist deep water to get to his house. He did not 28 have water in his basement but feels for his neighbors that did. He stated he was appalled at 29 the pitting of the north side against the south side of the City. This was not acceptable and 30 had to stop. He stated he was disturbed by the lack of empathy exhibited by the City. He 31 stated he felt that roadblocks were being set up every time something tried to get done. If 32 nothing is done in regard to the problem the property values on the south end of town will be 33 affected and that will affect the entire community. 34 Marks noted flooding did occur on the north side of town also. He stated the Council would 35 like the situation resolved for the entire City. VMr. Thuesen suggested the City needed to work harder with the legislature. 37 Wagner stated he had met with Senator John Marty three times.