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I I. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I ~. I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 8. 1996 3 Councilmember Hicks asked which neighbor was not being assessed. Mr. Schmidt pointed out the property which is directly across from his lot in the area of the overlay. Councilmember Hicks inquired what the blue colored lines represented on the map. Mr. Schmidt stated they indicated the alignment of the storm sewer drain tile. He then reviewed the current drainage problems which this will correct Councilmember Hicks asked if curb and gutter are in front of Mr. Schmidt's property. Mr. Schmidt explained the project only included spot repairs to the curb and gutter in locations needed to correct problems and all but three properties have had some spot curb improvements. Councilmember Malone reviewed that this project is to recycle the roadway, not totally rebuild it, with repair/improvement to curb, gutter, and drainage, to be done where needed. Mr. Schmidt stated residents were told the cost to be assessed would be based on soil borings and this was done. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned the area of the street which is being recycled. Mr. Schmidt reviewed the area involved and pointed out his existing driveway access is on Chatham A venue, not McCracken Lane. Mayor Probst advised the options before the Council are to consider the appeal, reject the appeal, or make an adjustment. He explained when the assessment rate was established, it was not known where the areas of corrections would be needed and the street is proposed to be assessed based on front footage. Mayor Probst stated at this point, he sees no rationale to consider an adjustment. He then reviewed the process used to arrive at front footage and the City's assessment policy for drainage improvements, Council member Hicks asked what Mr. Schmidt believes is fair. Mr. Schmidt stated his property is not the largest sized but he is being assessed the highest amount. Councilmember Hicks pointed out the property is a corner lot and probably has the largest amount of footage on McCracken Lane. Mr. Schmidt stated he is not interested in making an appeal and noted the Mayor and Councilmembers are also property owners and understand "what is fair". He asserted the assessment calculations and formulas are not always fair and requested it be deviated from in this case. Mr. Schmidt suggested the assessment be divided equally among the eleven properties. Then, his property would be assessed the average of $1 ,675 which would still result in his property being assessed among those properties with the highest assessments. COlmcilmember Hicks pointed out that to deviate from the standard formula as Mr. Schmidt is suggesting, three other properties would be slightly above $1,600.