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City Council Minutes - 05/06/02 Page 2 Kysylyczyn expressed concerns about the Infrastructure Replacement Fund relating to sound tax policy and the proper role of government. Maschka spoke in favor of reserve savings as minimizing taxes, reducing debt costs, and reducing swings in annual tax bills. Schwartz summarized the ways street construction and maintenance are funded, especially for MSA streets, and about various uses of the Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Kough asked how long the City has not assessed residential properties along MSA streets. Kysylyczyn argued against the current and historical assessment policy in the city, citing sound tax policy, benefits, and fairness. Schwartz summarized three options for assessing streetscapes and three options for handling MSA roadway improvements. Kough spoke in favor of assessments relating to benefits, including community benefit. Kysylyczyn suggested a modification of Option 3 of the Streetscape Assessment Options in the staff report, using a 10% assessment rate rather than 15%, and based upon the amount of local costs incurred not total project costs. Klausing commented on who benefits from streetscapes. Maschka favored Option 3 of the MSA Roadway Options. Schroeder suggested a flat assessment rate for all properties and property owners along MSA streets. Kough concurred with Schroeder. Maschka spoke against flat assessment rates on MSA streets. Kysylyczyn concurred with Schroeder and Kough. Klausing spoke against a disparity between assessments of commercial properties at a rate of 25% on MSA streets and a 100% rate on other streets. III. Public Comment A. Al Sands, resident, distributed a memo on assessment policy, and commented upon the Council's April 22nd meeting. He suggested use of Robert's Rules of Order and common courtesy.