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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 12, 2007 Page 20 of 30 Mr. Hughes advised the City Council that they were not simply sitting and waiting for a fix by the City, but advised they had taken steps on their own (i.e., boarding up their basement windows; elevating their replacement furnace on blocks; remov- ing carpeting and drywall from their lower level; and not refinishing the lower level). Mr. Hughes further advised that the Ramsey County Assessor had re- evaluated their property, and had reduced the property's assessed value by $50,000; which was a real blow to their future plans and financial well-being. Mr. Hughes noted that whenever they observed any debris on the pond grate, they alerted the City crew, who were very responsive; however noted that the City crew continually monitored it as well, and had often arrived on the scene before they had called them. Mr. Hughes advised that they had looked into the possibility of flood insurance, but they weren't eligible and would not be successful in filing a claim, as policy provisions required the area affected to be of two acres or two homes affected to qualify; thus allowing them no protection. Mr. Hughes advised that when signifi- cant rainfall occurred, they lived in fear; had to make sure their cars were out of their garages and up the hill; and that their lives had been greatly impacted. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes respectfully requested that the City Council instruct staff to work on solution, and expressed their willingness to work with the City in finding a solution and their openness to suggestions. Mayor Klausing, and Councilmembers, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Hughes for their at- tendance and their comments. Mr. Hughes thanked staff and the City Council for their attention to their predica- ment. 12. Review Leaf Pickup Program Mr. Schwartz provided staffs annual analysis of the 2006 curbside leaf col- lection program; and cost and use comparison estimates from 2004 - 2006. Mr. Schwartz reviewed the process; weather-related factors and considera- tions; and the maintenance crew's removal of leaves from gutter lines and storm drains on all residential streets as part of the leaf program. Mr. Schwartz noted that those costs of approximately $40,000 to $45,000 esti- mated for cleaning streets and catch basins in the fall to meet best manage- ment practices as required by NPDES Phase II rules, were considered a part