Minutes - Council - 11/10/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that if his assessment is reduced, it will be redistributed into all the other benefiting parcels. He noted that tonight isn't the time to protest the assessment. Mr. Penna stated that he isn't bothered by a dirt street even though the maintenance of the road over the last 25 years has been very little. Mrs. Penna stated that they purchased this house with the wildlife area next to it on a dirt road. She stated that everyone in the neighborhood chose the same environment. She stated that this is like someone who buys a house in Richfield that then says the planes are too loud, reroute them. She understands why many of the neighbors want a paved road, but environmentally speaking, there is a wonderful wildlife area there now. She stated that earlier this spring they were able to watch a brand new fawn take its first steps, and have seen foxes, pheasants, and even a coyote. She stated that she thinks it is sad for someone to buy a house on a dirt road and then decide they don't like it and make everybody else pay for it. She stated that if you don't want to live on a dirt road, and then buy a house on a paved road. She stated that because of the lights in the area, she cannot show her grandkids the stars anymore, but she still has the ability to show them the wildlife. Mayor Gamec stated that generally, the wildlife isn't affected by paving projects. He stated that a majority of the neighbors have asked for the paving. Motion by Councilmember Jeffrey, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to close the public hearing. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Jeffrey, Strommen, Dehen, Elvig, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Look. The public hearing was closed at 7:46 p.m. Council Business Mayor Gamec called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:46 p.m. Councilmember Dehen asked about the petition process and the criteria for petitioning and what percentage of signatures are needed to move a project forward. City Engineer Jankowski stated that the petition needs to be signed by at least 35% of the benefiting parties; in this case, the petition had 50% of the signatures. He stated that there will be an opportunity 60 days after Council takes action to petition and if more than 50% of them petition against it, the project cannot proceed. He stated that if there is no petition against the project, then Council can decide to move forward or not, at its own discretion. Councilmember Dehen stated that Public Works discussed Ute Street and the road getting too narrow. He asked if the proposed 28 feet is narrower than our standards. City Council / November 10, 2008 Page 8 of 12