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I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I Ie I ,bRDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 26. 1995 6 Mr. Marshik believed the policy is incorrect and needs to be reviewed. Mr. Ed Kosse, 1865 Stowe Avenue, indicated the comment was made that the County would not have improved the street for a number of years. He indicated if the City had not taken the street back, the County would have repaired the street and residents would be driving on a new street as of May of1994. Mr. Kosse inquired as to the time of assessment Mayor Probst indicated there is a 30 day period from the close of the Public Hearing in which residents may pay the assessment without interest If residents choose not to pay during that 30 days, the assessment (one-fifth or one-eighth) will be on next year's property tax, Mr. Kosse inquired as to why the taxes are assessed prior to the completion of the project. He believed the residents are not guaranteed the work will even be completed by this year, yet they are required to pay the assessment now. Mayor Probst indicated this policy was adopted in 1990, Councilmember Malone indicated typically the assessment hearings would be held in March. Mr. Kosse indicated that would mean additional months before actual completion of the project, he did not agree with that method either, Councilmember Malone indicated there are several ways in which to approach the establishing of assessments. He noted because the assessments have been established, in Arden Hills, at a flat rate and do not change, it was decided to assess at the time of the project He pointed out if the project comes in over budget, the difference is the responsibility of the City. Councilmember Malone indicated that if the assessment was made after completion of the project, the assessment would be for the actual cost of the project. He explained the City chose to avoid the variable rate, making the City responsible for variable costs. Mr. Kosse indicated a building is not paid for before it is built and he believed this should apply to street improvements. He requested the policy be reviewed. Mr. Bob Porter 1128 Benton Way, did not feel adequate notification was given. He pointed out 41 properties of the Homeowners Association were not notified until June IS, 1995, and were not notified of prior meetings. He indicated 27 other properties were previously notified. Mr, Porter pointed out various complex situations regarding the Homeowners Association. He felt these issues should be raised, but because of short notice, the residents did not have the opportunity to see project details and ask questions. He inquired if the Council could postpone action on assessments, so residents just recently notified could gain information regarding the details of the project. He felt it would be unfair for this meeting to be the only opportunity to object to the project, prior to District Court,