CCP 03-09-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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[W ~ ,Iii ~V ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCil. - FEBRUARY 23 1998 Iiu U 3 e Mayor Probst explained the City does have the ability to set the assessment rate. He clarified the proposal the County was talking about did not include any drainage improvements or modifications to the street elevation. The City felt, in the long term interest of the City, it would be better to do a reconstruction. Mr. Dwelly stated the road has been there for thirty years with no work done on it but he has seen other roads improved more frequently. He restated he believes this street should receive a special rate since improvement to Stowe Avenue has always been pushed aside. Mayor Probst explained the City had no jurisdiction to maintain this street until three years ago since it was a County road and under theirjurisdiction. He stated it would be within the Council's jurisdiction to approve a different assessment rate. Mr. Dwelly stated he sees no justification for charging Stowe A venue residents this rate. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it would be nice to not assess anything but that is not possible. She explained that the City is already proposing to share 50% of the cost and noted that the construction costs have increased each year. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she wishes the City could set a standard rate but they need to go with the current rates and have agreed to pay 50 % of those costs. . Mr. Dwelly stated he understands a larger assessment can be spread over ten years at seven percent. He stated he believes this percentage is too high and requested consideration of a lower percentage rate. Mayor Probst noted an assessment hearing will be held at which time residents will have the opportunity to again discuss the project. Councilmember Malone stated he agrees this is a big increase in cost this year and asked why these rates are so high. Mr. Greg Brown, Consulting Engineer, stated he is comfortable that the construction costs will be within this range and the City's policy is accurate. Councilmember Malone explained how the rates are calculated. Mr. Dwelly asked if the rate will be reduced if the costs come in lower. Mayor Probst advised that at the assessment hearing, the Council has the ability to lower the rate but cannot raise the rate. Councilmember Aplikowski noted this occurred (lowering the rate) at an assessment hearing last year. She stated she was also surprised at the size of the cost increase and would like to see a lower rate. Councilmember Aplikowski noted the Council will have a better "handle" on costs once the bids are received. Mr. Dwelly suggested the rate not be set until the bids are received. . Mayor Probst explained the timing of the notice to residents and scheduling the assessment hearing. He advised that a rate needs to be included on the notice to residents. Mayor Probst