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I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I Ie I ,ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 12. 1995 10 , Councilmember Malone indicated the possibility of construction on County and State roads was reviewed and taken into consideration during the drafting of the Assessment Policy. Councilmember Malone indicated in regards to the questions of residents paying or the City paying, the resident pays regardless, by City Tax, Gas Tax, County Assessment, etc. Councilmember Malone indicated in drafting the Assessment Policy, it was determined that assessing per front foot would be the best and most fair way to pay for an improvement. When an assessment is paid, the money goes for the improvement of the street near their home. Councilmember Malone indicated in regards to obtaining funds to maintain all City roads solely through general taxes, the City would have to double property taxes, but the resident would not have control over the spending of the monies. Councilmember Aplikowski thanked all the resident who attended the meeting. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated her homes have always been on a comer lot, and her business pays taxes twice, so she realizes the costs and sympathizes with the residents. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated if there was reconstruction to her street she also would pay the rate of $32.50 per front foot. Councilmember Aplikowski recalled desires of the community to improve County Road F, because it was the "gateway" to Arden Hills. And now the residents do not want improvement because they have to pay for them. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated Arden Hills does not bond for such projects and believes the assessment procedure is the best and fairest way to cover the costs of the improvements. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she was willing to listen to a reduction of the assessment rate. Councilmember Malone indicated he would like to address the objections stated during the public comments: City pays versus residents pay. He indicated the assessment is based on benefit received, and is based on a typical residential street. The assessments have normally always been in the $30 range. Comparison with other communities. He noted every community is different, some assess more and some assess less.