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

Home Browse Search

City of Centerville January 29, 2004 Resident Input Meeting Minutes Mr. Haider stated that businesses are requesting municipal services, not residents and why are businesses not being provided with same. Council Member Lee stated that with the impending widening of County Road 14, municipal services would be provided to those businesses in the downtown area and joint trenching of services provides less costs associated with the services. Mr. Haider stated that with the rapidly growing market values the League of Minnesota Cities states that taxes have increased from 23.5% to 49% in Centerville. Council Member Lee stated that most cities have had their local government aid cut or taken away and same increases taxes. Council Member Capra stated that the bulk of the budget is for police and fire services. Council Member Capra stated that she feels that the police and fire departments both provide the City with excellent service. Council Member Capra stated that she felt that local government aid was welfare from the State. Mr. Haider stated that he can not build something if he can not afford to, he can not buy a new truck if he can not afford to. Why can the City build something and push it onto residents. Most people can not afford a second mortgage and that the City is going beyond the budgets of most residents in his area. Mr. Haider felt that there would be numerous “for sale” signs. Mr. Jim Hofsetter, 6905 Dupre Road, questioned what determined the streets that would be affected. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that the reconstruction of roads were determined based on current condition. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that municipal water would not be placed unless the road showed stress. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers also stated that there will be many projects within the next 10 years. Assessments of $6,000 to $7,000 is or has been allowable for municipal water services. Council Member Capra stated that the current sewers in the areas of proposed construction would be telescoped at the same time as construction in case there are problems with existing infrastructure. Mr. Keith Okan, 1841 Center Street, questioned whether the entire community benefited from sidewalks rather than just those whose property abutted same. Mr. Okan felt that the sidewalks did not add to the value of his property. Mr. Peterson explained that the proposed sidewalk would connect to the Eagle Pass sidewalk in the future. Mr. Peterson explained that 25% of the total cost was shared by 10 people, divided between both sides of the street. Ms. Connie Gerszewski, 1752 Center Street, questioned where the City had obtained its information regarding the increase/benefit to their property. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that the State can not assess more than the value of the improvements. Page 5 of 9