Minutes - Council - 11/20/1990 - Special

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Contract costs in 1990 for fire protection were funded by the Landfill Trust Fund and wages for the Environmental Specialist were funded from the Landf'fll Tipping Fee Fund. Local Aid in 1989 was in the amount of $446,122; for payable 1990 it amounted to $305,592, a decrease of $140,530; for payable 1991 the amount is $280,251, another decrease of $25,341. CITIZEN INPUT Fred Ritchie - 4900 177th Avenue - Mr. Ritchie asked what the assessed valuation change would be. Mr. Hartley replied that the assessed valuation change was approximately an average of 4.4% on property values. Vince Brytowski - 16931 Yttrium Street - Mr. Brytowski stated that he paid taxes of $600 per year in Coon Rapids and now pays $1,200 per year but does not have the services that he did in Coon Rapids such as sidewalks, curbs and gutters and fire protection in new only this year. Mr. Hartley stated that market value and other factors affect taxes. Special assessments pay for services such as curb, gutter and streets and the levy limits are spelled out by State law. Ramsey provides as many services as possible for residents. Vince Brytowski also asked about the responsibilities of the Environmental Coordinator. Miss Ashley replied that the Environmental Coordinator's primary responsibility would be to spearhead and coordinate the recycling effort. Beverly Swanson - 7003 164th Avenue - Ms. Swanson was present in her capacity as the President of Ramsey Youth Athletic Association (RYAA). She presented the requests of the RYAA to the City Council. Ms. Swanson feels that the budget proposal for parks and recreation is inadequate as there are a large number of improvements and additions that RYAA would like to see. As a citizen, Ms. Swanson is willing to pay more in taxes to benefit the users of the parks in Ramsey. The growth of RYAA is anticipated to be approximately 35% again this coming year and does not see the effort being put forth for parks and their capital improvements. Mr. Hartley stated that there is nothing budgeted for parks in capital outlay. However, there is a proposal being put together for a bond issue to be presented to the voters in a special election. Ms. Swanson views this approach negatively and feels that the funding should be included as a part of the proposed 1991 budget rather than being a special bond issue. Fred Ritchie asked if there had been a zoning change in parts of the city as his property value increased about 17% rather than the average 4.4%. Mr. Hartley answered that property value corrections have taken place. Some areas, especially along the rivers, have been undervalued for quite some time. One quarter of all properties in the city are reassessed each year along with all new construction. Fred Ritchie asked who might be able to give him the specifics in his case. Mr. Hartley told him that City Assessor John Keefe would be able to answer his questions with regard to property values. City Council Public Heating / November 20, 1990 Page 2 of 4