06-29-09-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - June 29, 2009 6 A. April 20.. 2009 City Council W orksession Meetin2 Councilmember Holden stated that on page 9, the sixth paragraph should be changed to read "Councilmember Holden asked if the fire department building meeting rooms could be opened for public use." Councilmember Holmes requested that the minutes be presented to the Council in a timelier manner. She also stated that on page 12, the first paragraph the phrase "for clarification purposes" should be removed. She also stated that she did not recall Mayor Harpstead and herself talking about a discrepancy. She clarified that the reason she wanted to review the assessment policy was because of the downturn in the economy and the increased expenses. She requested the second sentence be changed to "She felt that due to the downturn in the economy and increased expenses it [the assessment policy] should be further reviewed by the Council." She suggested removing the word discrepancy in the second paragraph on page 12. Councilmember Holden recalled that the only thing the Council was worried about was what percentage the residents paid and what percentage the City paid but this had not been considered a discrepancy. Councilmember Holmes agreed that this was a concern but not a discrepancy. She stated that she would like to change her statement and suggested checking with Mayor Harpstead in regards to his statement. City Administrator Moorse stated that the discussion was costs going up and home values have not been going up and the City is assessing 50%. He stated that the word discrepancy was not the right word but rather this was an issue related to the validity of the assessment given the costs are higher. He stated that Staff could review the tape to clarify the conversation. City Attorney Jerry Filla stated that a resident had raised the question about the difference in the assessment rates among cities. Councilmember Holden stated that the assessment hearing had been after the work session meeting so this question had not been raised yet. Councilmember Holmes stated that the reason the Council was having the discussion was to determine if they were going to review the assessment policy. She had wanted to review the assessment policy because she thought that due to the economic downturn and expenses going up the policy should be reviewed. She was concerned about the burden on the residents.