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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 12, 2015 7 <br /> Jerry Ciresi, 1831 Venus Avenue, feared how he would be impacted by the assessment as he was <br /> a senior citizen living on a fixed income. He did not believe that a reconstruction project was the <br /> way to go as this would be a large burden for the taxpayers. <br /> Dean Bakken, 1802 Gramsie Road, supported the reconstruction project and recommended the <br /> four corner properties not be reassessed. <br /> Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:28 p.m. <br /> Mayor Grant requested that the Council discuss the matter and provide staff with direction on <br /> how to proceed with this project. <br /> Councilmember Woodburn stated that the reclamation project was projected to be about $1 <br /> million less than the reconstruction project. He originally supported the reclamation project <br /> because it would cost the homeowners less, and he thought that reclamation was all that the street <br /> needed. Now, after hearing the presentation and the residents support for reconstruction, he is in <br /> favor of moving forward with the street reconstruction for this neighborhood. He sympathized <br /> with the senior citizens in this neighborhood and understood that the reclamation option would <br /> have reduced the amount assessed on the homeowners. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned how much the water runoff situation would be improved through a full <br /> reconstruction project. <br /> Assistant City Engineer Anderson discussed how the grading and soil conditions would be <br /> improved along the roadway and how this would impact the water runoff. <br /> Councilmember Holmes reported that the assessment amounts could be paid off over a period of <br /> 10 years. She also mentioned that a determination on the corner lots would be made at the <br /> assessment hearing. <br /> Mayor Grant noted that the Council had the ability to extend the length of the assessment period. <br /> MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Woodburn seconded a <br /> motion to Adopt Resolution 2015-001 orderinp, the improvement and <br /> preparation of plans and specifications for the reconstruction of the <br /> Venus/Crystal neighborhood. <br /> Mayor Grant thanked the public for their comments this evening. He indicated that he was <br /> initially indifferent between reclamation versus reconstruction. However, after hearing resident <br /> comments, he would be supporting the reconstruction of the Venus/Crystal neighborhood <br /> roadways. <br /> Councilmember McClung agreed and believed that this neighborhood was in need of a complete <br /> street reconstruction. He was pleased to hear that a large number of homeowners in this <br /> neighborhood were voicing the same concern. <br /> Councilmember Holden discussed how the Council has been taking a proactive stance towards <br /> the City's streets and trails. For this reason, she would be supporting the full reconstruction. <br />