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Citizen Input <br /> <br />Kim Ulaske, 8211 - 158th Lane, Ramsey, Whispering Pines, inquired as to what the City's <br />responsibility is on the maintenance of streets. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied that, in general, the City dOes maintenance - routinely patching <br />potholes etc. on an as needed basis. The annual street program is a preventative maintenance <br />program and it has been a policy since 1990 to assess half the cost to the benefited property <br />owners. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler noted that the City is responsible for winter <br />maintenance, snow removal, and street sweeping as well <br /> <br />Ms. Ulaske replied that by the City's assessment logic the City should only be plowing one lane. <br />She felt that the policy of the City assuming only half of the responsibility needs to be looked at <br />further. She inquired as to how the City comes up with the interest rate they charge citizens. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund replied that the policy states that the City can charge up to two percent <br />over the prime rate. <br /> <br />Ms. Ulaske inquired why another resident in Ramsey is being charged a different interest rate. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund replied that the interest rate depends on how many years the assessment is <br />spread over. <br /> <br />Ms. Ulaske stated that in the letter she received from the City it states that the City can charge <br />interest for three years and 97 days. She questioned how that was legal. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund noted that she had discussed the issue with the resident and agreed that the <br />letter should state the interest and payment options more clearly. <br /> <br />Ms. Ulaske asked what allows the City to charge the interest rate. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich replied that the City of Ramsey is a Charter City and the Charter states <br />that the City will follow State Statute as it pertains to special assessments. In addition, the City <br />has adopted a section in City Code regarding special assessments which gives them the authority <br />to charge interest and defines how it can be charged. <br /> <br />Marilyn, White Pine Estates, inquired as to what the City does with the interest money. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund explained that the City pays the entire amount of the project up front and <br />then it is paid back by the residents, just like a loan. <br /> <br />City Council/September 25, 2001 <br /> Page 13 of 31 <br /> <br /> <br />