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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 30.1998 9 construct a 24 foot width roadway which the Fire Chief advised against from an emergency services point of view. Councilmember Hicks commented that it may be better to have residents who do not understand or agree with the policy than to construct roads incorrectly. Councilmember Hicks asked Ms. Haake who she represents. Ms. Haake explained that several residents asked her to attend. Councilmember Hicks asked Mr. Coughlin who he represents. Mr. Coughlin stated he is just present to speak for tlle people. Councilmember Aplikowski stated ever since tlle 1995 Assessment Hearing, people have reviewed the Assessment Policy and that review is on-going. She stated that it has been indicated there is nothing better out there unless the City pays for everything, which the Council does not believe is a viable option. She restated the Council is listening to resident's input to determine ifthere is a different way. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Council is always considering if the Assessment Policy can be modified, She agreed with Councilmember Hicks that a mistake was made when Pascal A venue was constructed at a width of 24 feet. Ms. Rem noted this is an election year and asked if residents can consider a referendum to change the levy limit to include improvements forecast by the Pavement Management Program. A resident asked how long the project segments will take and if they are done simultaneously. Mayor Probst stated a meeting has not yet been held with the contractor to determine if they can do it all at once but it is usually a progressive project. The City Engineer explained the contractor will be allowed a construction period of about three weeks per segment before the area has to be restored with a lift of blacktop. Mr. Wilson asked if the assessment rate is being reduced due to use of SWM funds. Mayor Probst stated this is correct and those funds have been used to underwrite a smaller portion of projects in past years. Bob Downs, 1926 Edgewater Avenue, inquired regarding the interest rate to be charged and stated he believes eight percent is too high. He asked how this rate will be determined and if residents can argue this point or if it is governed by law. Mayor Probst stated eight percent is the highest level that can be charged by government agencies and, historically, has been a competitive rate. He explained the percentage rate is to cover the City's cost ifit had to borrow the funds. In response to a question, Mr. Post explained once the final assessment roll is certified, Ramsey County will assess the cost with interest. Payment without interest can be made for 30 days from the date of the public hearing (tonight). Otherwise, the assessment is collected through future property tax payments. There being no further public input, Mayor Probst closed the public hearing at 9:08 p.m.