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I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 26. 1995 9 Mayor Probst explained why there has not been work done as of yet. He indicated the County had previously rated Stowe Avenue very low, and in need of reconstruction, but the street was not a high priority for the County. The County planned on doing what is called a cold in place and recycle improvement, similar to improvements made to Cleveland. He noted Cleveland is now in need of repairs after only three years. He also pointed out, by accepting the County turnback without the repairs, the City is able to receive funds from the County to aid in the payment of the improvements. Mayor Probst explained the construction did not move quickly because one half of Stowe is within Arden Hills and one half is within New Brighton. He added New Brighton is not ready to do their improvements until 1997, therefore, the City felt it a wiser investment to wait to do the improvements until now, so the street would not be tom up when New Brighton does their improvements and drainage work. Mayor Probst indicated in regards to taxes, Arden Hills is ranked as having one of the lowest city tax rates in the entire Metro area. Mayor Probst explained the overall $1,500,000 general assessed taxes collected is for the budget of the entire City, $150,000 of which is for pavement management. He indicated this $150,000 does not go far compared to the $1,000,000 per mile it costs to reconstruct a street He indicated the only way in which to create the additional funds necessary is to assess the property owners who will benefit. Mayor Probst indicated the Council felt it more fair if property owners were assessed for their street rather than collect a general tax where the citizen does not actually see where the taxes go or the benefit. He noted the taxes would have to increase by 100% to cover this method. Mayor Probst invited Ms. Sazma to look at the City records at anytime. He noted to have all records available, she might want to make an appointment, although it was not necessary. Ms. Wilma Kuhn, 1120 Benton Way, indicated she was one of the 41 property owners not notified until June 15, 1995. She indicated it would be a hardship for her to pay the assessment and feared she would have to sell because she could no longer afford to live in Arden Hills. Ms. Kuhn indicated the Association is also raising costs and the combination of City taxes and Association fees will cause her to sell. She indicated she would have appreciated more notice. Ms. Beyrl Tanis, 1165 Benton Way, reiterated the lack of proper notice. She also indicated the letter she received was very confusing. Ms. Tanis inquired as to how the community can become more involved in the business of the City. She felt the community did not understand the process of the City, because they were not involved.