CCP 03-20-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2006 PMP Update 3/J 6/2006 Page 2 have enthusiastically supported the inclusion of the rain gardens. The use of rain gardens will not eliminate the need for a storm sewer system, but will aid in improving the water quality and will potentially reduce the size of pipe needed for the storm sewer. Rain gardens are areas where storm water is captured and allowed to infiltrate into the ground. They are shallow (<32", usually <8" for residential) depressions, typically planted with water absorbing native plants, strategically located to collect, infiltrate, and filtrate rain that falls on hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, alleys, or streets to minimize negative impacts of excessive runoff from these surfaces on lakes and streams. URS has identified approximately fifteen areas in the neighborhood that would be suitable for a rain garden. The rain gardens would be constructed to overflow back into the street, to prevent yards and homes from flooding. Staff requests that Council consider the maintenance of these rain gardens. Other cities, such as Maplewood and Bumsville, have prepared maintenance agreements between the city and the property owner. The document would indicate that the plants will be paid for by the City, that a conservation easement would be placed over the area, and the property owner would be required to maintain the rain garden. Would Council be in favor of preparing similar agreements with property owners? Arden Hills Island Beach Club Assessment At the December 19,2005 work session, Council had asked staff to research past projects where associations were assessed. In the February 24, 2006 Administrator's Update, you were provided with documentation regarding the assessment of the Josephine Hills Association and the resulting appeals. In evaluating whether or not to assess the Arden Hills lsland Beach Club, the following information should be considered: In 2003, the assessment policy was to assess properties on a front footage basis. The assessment policy was changed in 2004 to assess properties on a per lot basis. The assessment policy is based on 50% of the costs of one half of the street. The 2003 assessment that was appealed by the Josephine Hills Association and exempted by Council was in the amount of$4,512.00. The potential assessment for the Arden Hills lsland Beach Club is at $6,500 per lot, with the Beach Club being assessed for an equivalent of 12 lots. This amounts to $78,000. If the Beach Club is not assessed, the assessment rate for the surrounding properties will increase to $8,800. The exemption of the Josephine Hills Association's assessment did not affect the amount ofthe assessment to the other properties. Assessment Schedule In the past, properties have been assessed prior to the construction of the project. These assessments have been based on the estimated costs of construction. At the December 19, e . .