Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/14/2014

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and computing an assessment rate. In the event city staff has doubt as to whether or not the costs of the project may exceed the special benefits to the property, the City Council may obtain such appraisals as may be necessary to support the proposed assessment. The assessment policy is intended to serve as a guide for a systematic assessment process in the City. There may be exceptions to the policy or unique circumstances or situations which may require special consideration and discretion by city staff and the City Council. SECTION 2. IMPROVEMENTS AND MAINTENANCE COSTS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENT. Subd. 1. The following public improvements and related acquisition, construction, extension, and maintenance of such improvements authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 429.021 and 459.14, subd. 7, are eligible for special assessment within the City: 1. Streets, sidewalks, pavement, curbs and gutters, including the beautification thereof. 2. Parking lots. 3. Water works systems and appurtenances, within and without the corporate limits. 4. Sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems including appurtenances, within and without the corporate limits. 5. Street boulevard trees. 6. Street lights, street lighting systems and special lighting systems. 7. Steam heating mains. 8. Parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, including the purchase of equipment, within or without the corporate limits. 9. Abatement of nuisances; including but not limited to, draining and filling swamps, marshes, and ponds on public and private property. 10. Dikes and other flood control works. 11. Retaining walls and area walls. 12. A pedestrian skyway system upon a petition pursuant to section 429.031, subdivision 13. Underground pedestrian concourses. 14. Public malls, plazas or courtyards. 15. District heating systems. 16. Fire protection systems in existing buildings upon a petition pursuant to section 429.031, subdivision 3. 17. Highway sound barriers. 18. Gas and electric distribution facilities. Subd. 2. The City is also authorized by ordinance adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 429.021 to recover, through special assessment, the following maintenance costs: 1. Snow, ice, or rubbish removal from sidewalks. 2. Weed elimination from streets or private property. 3. Removal or elimination of public health or safety hazards from private property excluding any structure included under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26. 4. Installation or repair of water service lines, street sprinkling, sweeping, or other dust treatment of streets. 5. The trimming and care of trees and the removal of unsound trees from any street. 6. The treatment and removal of insect infested or diseased trees on private property. 2