2005.07.05 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of July 5, 2005 Page 5 APPROVE VACATION OF PONDING AND FLOWAGE EASEMENT AT 15879 HARROW AVENUE (HARRIS) — PUBLIC HEARING Jack and Lois Harris, 15879 Harrow Avenue North, applied for vacation of a ponding and flowage easements over their property located at the northeast corner of Harrow Avenue and 157th Street. The RCWD has consented to the proposed vacation, indicating that the existing 100 -foot wide ditch right-of- way is sufficient to allow for regular ditch maintenance, and the easement is no longer necessary. Mayor Miron called the public hearing to order with no oral or written comments regarding the matter. The hearing was then closed for Council discussion. Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the Notice of Vacation and authorize the Mayor to sign the vacation of the ponding and flowage easement over property located at 15879 Harrow Avenue North. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON STORM WATER UTILITY FEE Included in the City Council's 2005 City goals, Council identified the need to develop a funding mechanism for the storm water maintenance activities. Specifically, Council directed staff to develop an equitable storm water utility fee. The City Council has been considering options for funding the maintenance of the City's storm water drainage systems, including bridges, culverts, non judicial ditches, storm sewer, and storm water ponds. As an outcome of the latest discussion regarding this issue, the City Council requested additional information regarding several topics. Water Resource Engineer Phil Belfiori provided a Power Point presentation outlining the proposal and various methods for funding the fee. After considerable discussion and determination that a per -parcel fee would be cumbersome: Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to fund the storm water utility fee through the general fund budget. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON LOCAL ASSESSOR LEGISLATION Included the House Tax Bill is the City of Hugo's special legislation requesting a super majority for the removal of a local assessor. Representative Ray Vandeveer requested of Council a need to consider compromise legislation proposed by Washington County. As Council was not interested in another tax for assessing services: Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to communicate with Washington County the City's lack of support to tax residents for assessing services even though the City will retain the services of local assessor Frank Langer. The City of Hugo will not support the county's new proposed legislation. All aye. Motion Carried.