Agenda - Council - 01/14/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dick Church, 6900 - 168th Avenue NW, Ramsey, asked for clarification on the $64 assessment. Mr. Goodrich explained that it's only for properties that have sewer and water available to them and they have chosen not to hook up. This maybe only affects three people. It does not affect anywhere near the general population. Mr. Church stated, with regard to the wording, it seems that the City would try to put something together to keep people here rather than make them want to move from here. We would get people from North Minneapolis and St. Paul. They want to move up here real bad. "If you are at all intelligent, it would seem to me that you would want to keep the people here that are here. We do not want more crime. We do not want to live here and see the other ones move in.'~ Mr. Goodrich responded, with regard to the $64 charge, the City has that authority to adopt a reasonable minimum charge when sewer and water is available to a property. That legislature was given because municipalities invest a significant amount of money into this type of infrastructure. If it's available and not used, the City has the authority to charge those people in order to help with the cost. It's a toot given to the City by the State. Mr. Hagenah asked if after three years, would another three years be granted or does it stop. Mr. Goodrich replied that it's three years after the City utilities become available. Mr. Church stated there has been some discussion with respect to if I sell my home, I would be assessed money for sewer and water. Mr. Goodrich clarified that this is only if sewer and water is available to your property. It increases your property value. Your buyer and you would have to negotiate who would pay that assessment. Mr. Church asked what the hook-up fee would be. Mr. Schroeder replied that it varies, depending on wetlands, how difficult construction is, etc. Assessments typically range from $6,500 to $13,000 per urban lot. As your situation currently exists, you will not have water available for a significant amount of time. This does not impact you. Alternatively, if the urban service area expands to your neighborhood and your neighborhood petitions for it and it was constructed and you had not connected, then you would be assessed. Mr. Hendriksen questioned what the range was of the Haubrich assessments. Jim Green, 5858 - 151st Lane NW, Ramsey, to Terry Hendriksen, what if Mr. Olson had to sell his house tomorrow. He probably could not sell it because of the assessment. If the house has water and sewer, it has to be paid for by the buyer or the seller has to take care of it. If they have a working well and septic, it will be real hard to sell it because the City utilities are not paid for. If sewer and water is in the street and they are not hooked up, you are making it harder to sell. Most of these people live outside the area. They are under the misconception they will have to pay anyway. This whole thing concerns only six lots on 15Ist. Three of these lots have City utilities, and three do not. That's what this whole thing is about. The Charter amendment passed to take the burden off of three people. That's $8,000 worth of welfare. We are not in the business of giving out welfare. Trudy Mattila, 7451 - 149th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated she agrees with what's been said. She is not in favor of this ordinance being passed. Mr. Goodrich mentioned about the charge never City CounCil/December 10, 1996 Page 12 of 25 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I