Minutes - Council - 09/23/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the DNR told them not to remove them, the City of Ramsey felt the need to dig them out and now the riverbank is eroding. She stated that there was no notice of property removal by the City, a warrant or court signed paper and now the City has the audacity to charge them for their actions. She reiterated that she protests the City's action and assessment. Ms. Dixon's written comments are attached to this set of minutes. Mayor Gamec stated that City Attorney Goodrich will review this situation and send a letter to her regarding this issue. Jeff Wise, 7901 156th Avenue, stated that he wanted to make a quick comment about the fees for basic water, storm water, lighting and recycling. He stated that it is either a fee or on the general levy and it seems like it would save the City money if it was just part of the general levy instead of an extra billing going out. Mayor Gamec stated that there would probably be a bill one way or the other and feels the best way to handle it has seemed to be an overall assessment. Ms. Wise stated that if it is a bill that everybody pays and if the City wasn't doing all the mailings, it could save a considerable amount of money by putting it on the general levy. Councilmember Elvig stated that if it was put through as a tax, the City would only get a percentage of the tax, so he thinks the City would have to raise the rates to get to the level it needed. Finance Officer Lund stated that the City gets $0.40 per $1.00 for what is levied, so if there were added onto the general fund, the City would have to look at cutting other services in the City, for example, public works or police services. Pyotr Vlasyuk, 5420 - 142nd Avenue NW, stated that he had a similar situation to those mentioned already in that the City came to his property and took all his stuff. He stated that two days later he talked to Police Chief Way and he told him that he could get his stuff back but they will charge him. He stated that he got his stuff and put it back where it was and Police Chief Way said that everything looked fine and to keep it this way. He stated that he had the same problem with Chris Anderson when he came over and said take this here and put this here. He stated that he came when he wasn't home in 2006 and gave him three days to move all stuff off his property. He stated that he told Chris Anderson to come back with court order and he will do it. He stated that the police came and told him a different story. He stated that they told him to cover this, move this, and he would be fine, but each time they came they find something different. Mayor Gamec stated that he wanted to explain that these situations are brought on by neighbors and the City acts on complaints. He stated that this puts staff in a difficult position, but the City has worked this past year with these types of properties and getting them cleaned up. He stated that he understands his situation, but this is brought forward City Council! September 23, 2008 Page 8 of 21