Minutes - Council - 08/11/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. PUBLIC HEARING 6.01: Public Hearing: Adopt Ordinance #14 -07 Amending Charter Chapter 8 — Public Improvements and Special Assessments Mayor Strommen closed the regular portion of the City Council meeting at 7:43 p.m. in order to conduct a public hearing. Public Hearing Mayor Strommen called the public hearing to order at 7:43 p.m. Presentation City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and consideration of the Charter Commission to amend Section 8.4.5 of the Charter, which regulates Council- initiated improvements that are to be paid at least in part by special assessments. City Administrator Ulrich stated the Charter Commission, at its June 25, 2014, meeting, discussed the petition threshold at length and approved a motion recommending the percentage be changed from `greater than 50 %' to `60% or more.' This amendment was proposed under Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.12, subdivision 7, whereby the amendment can be approved by the Council by ordinance, without an election, provided that Council approval is unanimous. It was noted this proposed amendment was introduced at the July 8, 2014, City Council meeting. He noted that adoption requires a 7 -0 vote of the Council. Citizen Input Jim Bailey, 5530 156th Lane NW, stated his concern relating to road damage caused by over weight trucks that he believed the public should not be expected to pay. City Administrator Ulrich clarified that the Assessment Policy under consideration would result in closer to 20% of the entire project cost being assessed to benefiting properties with 80% being paid by other funding sources including the City's General Fund. Motion by Councilmember Backous, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to close the public hearing. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Backous, LeTourneau, Johns, Kuzma, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. The public hearing was closed at 7:47 p.m. Council Business Mayor Strommen called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:47 p.m. City Council / August 11, 2014 Page 5 of 13