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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - June 8, 2009 5 establish economic hardship - annual gross income of less than 50% of Ramsey County median household income, and applicants need to fill out a deferral form and provide supporting tax documents for City approval. Mayor Harpstead opened the Public Meeting at 7 :22 p.m. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Joseph Corpstein, 3544 Snelling Avenue North, was not able to attend the meeting but did send in a letter to the Council stating that he did not agree with his property being assessed as 2 REUs. His home is in the middle of the two lots and would need to be removed in order to subdivide the lots. He does not have any intentions of doing this. Ms. Geruth Buetow, 1433 Forest Lane, Arden Hills, stated that her property was being assessed as 2 REUs. She stated that they had been prepared to pay for one assessment but they are not able to pay for two assessment amounts because they live on a fixed income. She asked that the Council not assess the second lot or make the terms for the second assessment such that it will not cost the residents more in interest than the initial amount. She provided a letter to the Council regarding her concerns. Mr. Staples stated that they would be willing to hear proposals from the Council regarding a policy. Ms. Buetow clarified that Mr. Staples was referring to a hardship policy. She also stated that Arden Hills does not have a hardship policy at this time. Ms. Pat Dachtera, 1399 Arden Place, Arden Hills, stated that in January residents were told about the project and the schedule would be that in April, the City would be getting bids and in May, there would be a public meeting to discuss the project. She stated that things have already started and would assume that the project is moving forward. She stated in January several residents had given testimony that other suburbs are doing similar pavement projects but their residents are only paying a fraction of the cost. She gave the example of Oakdale residents being assessed $3500.00 for their pavement project. She asked why Arden Hills' residents are paying so much for this project. Mr. Robert Heublein, 3438 Glenarden Court, Arden Hills, stated that he has one of the 2 REU properties being assessed. He stated that his home sits in the middle of the two lots and this home was built in 1949 as a single dwelling. It was not the intent of the original builder or the current owners to subdivide the lot. The deferred assessment fee could be considered a liability on the property if the property is sold in the future. He provided a letter to the Council.