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

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City of Centerville January 29, 2004 Resident Input Meeting Minutes Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that $6,000 to $7,000 is allowable for municipal water alone. In cases where residents have challenged cities assessments, appraisers have been brought in and past experience is that it is not difficult in court to prove that there are values to proposed projects such as this one. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that residents will have the right to challenge or appeal the special assessments further in the process. Ms. Gerszewski questioned why residents would be expected to pay 6% interest when rates are really low. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that a resident has the right to choose alternative financing and has the ability to pay the assessment off without any interest 30 days from the date of adoption of the assessment roll. Council Member Capra stated that there were concerns regarding trees and those discussions could be taken up with the Engineer. Council Member Capra stated that the dredging of Hardwood Pond would cost the City approximately $30,000. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that this pond is in the worst condition so it has received priority status. Council Member Lee stated that the pond dredging is not arbitrary; each pond in the City has been considered and prioritized the same as the street projects. City Administrator, Ms. Moore-Sykes reiterated that the dredging of the ponds can only be completed when the conditions are optimum, ground and water both frozen. A gentleman from the audience stated that the last time Center Street was reconstructed, some residents had new driveways and does the City have to repair the driveway to the condition is was in prior to construction. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that the driveways will be repaired at the end of them or parts that were removed due to construction. The gentleman stated that previously this was not done to the same quality. The gentleman stated that the City does a poor job of maintaining the street and that residents do not want and can not afford the project. Finance Director, Ms. Ellen Paulseth stated that the City Council does not intend on raising taxes but that does not mean they can not decide to do so at some point. The City Council does have levy authority and sets aside monies for capital projects. If the proposed street project is approved by Council, at a later date they will set an interest rate and a term for the special assessments and residents will have an opportunity to pay them off without paying interest in a period of time or to challenge the City with an appeal. Ms. Dixon questioned if the current sewer was damaged during the construction would the entire City be assessed or only those residents benefiting from the repairs. Mr. Peterson stated that current elevations of the sewer lines will be checked and lines located prior to construction. Mr. Peterson also stated that parking may be an inconvenience for residents; however, permits will be issued so that parking in the street is not a violation of the current ordinance. Ms. Debra Martin, 1768 Center Street, questioned the length of construction and stated that previously during reconstruction she had a rather large bump at the end of her driveway and a car could not pass into same. Acting Mayor Broussard Vickers stated that residents will be inconvenienced by the construction but will be given access when Page 6 of 9