2004-01-29 CC Resident Input Meeting - 2004 Street

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City of Centerville January 29, 2004 Resident Input Meeting Minutes 1981 and reconstructed in 1985, residents had be assessed $3,500 in the past. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that the average life span of a road is approximately 10 to 15 years. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers reiterated that residents did not have to hookup to City services until their existing well breaks down or goes bad. Mr. Lutz questioned the need of a water softener and where the water would come from. It was stated that the City’s current water supply comes from Prairie Duchene. Mr. Lutz felt that the fees were excessive for an average water bill. Council Member Capra stated that the average water, sewer and drain fee is $120 per quarter. Council Member Capra stated that the City is commencing pond dredging throughout the City with Hardwood pond being the first. Ms. Julie Dixon, 1822 Center Street, questioned the need for such a project and why Council did not ask residents for their opinion prior to making a decision. Council Member Lee stated that municipal services are needed for public safety (fire) reasons and looping of the existing mains. Council Member Lee explained that these services benefit the entire City as a whole. Council Member Capra stated that recently the Peltier Preserve subdivision was constructed with municipal services and abutting residents choose to have the water main directionally bored underneath the street rather than re-constructing the existing street with special assessments totaling approximately $4,000 each. Council Member Capra stated that the budget covered the remainder of the improvements such as over sizing, etc. Mr. Peterson stated that property values do increase from such service installation and everyone’s taxes are affected. Council Member Capra stated that police and fire protection services are the most expensive expenditures from the City’s budget and take the largest portion. The remainder of the budget Council makes their best decisions for its use. Council Member Capra stated that she very seriously attempts to maintain the City’s budget throughout the year. Council Member Capra stated that the assessment figures are estimates and are worst case scenario and can be lowered if the construction is completed without additional problems arising. Council Member Capra stated that the City Hall building was paid off last year and this years’ focus of Council is on infrastructure. Council Member Paar stated that higher property taxes are due to higher market values of homes and Council is conscientious of resident concerns. Mr. Jeff Haider, 1744 Center Street, stated that the City must operate like his household and keep in its means of a budget. Mr. Haider questioned what prompted this action by Council, the feasibility study and how much it would cost. Council Member Paar stated that the City can not leave the infrastructure fall apart and routine maintenance and upgrades need to be completed. Page 4 of 9