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Mayor Gamec called the public hearing to order at 7:13 p.m. <br /> <br />Presentation. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec explained due to concerns expressed by citizens about notification of this public <br />hearing, the hearing will be closed and republished. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon apologized for the mistake made in regard to this <br />public hearing. He explained this case was removed from the agenda of the February 28, 2006 <br />Council meeting. The following Monday staff realized a public hearing had been advertised and <br />determined it was necessary to officially open the public hearing and continue it. The issue was <br />further complicated by staff that was not aware that the public hearing was being continued. <br />Staff recommends the public hearing be opened, comments be taken, and that the hearing then be <br />closed. The public heating will be re-advertised with appropriate notice. <br /> <br />Citizen Input <br /> <br />Jim Overtoom, 16660 Jasper Street, stated he and his wife are affected by this vacation of <br />easement along the west side of their lot. They were prepared to attend the public hearing in <br />February, and then received notice that it was canceled so they did not attend. To say they were <br />notified of an extension of the hearing and to open that public hearing was not a proper thing to <br />do, and to say they can continue the hearing tonight he believes is illegal. They appreciate the <br />stance of the Council to terminate the hearing and to re-notify the people that are affected within <br />the area, as they do have something to say about it. Mr. Overtoom stated there is an appearance <br />that something sneaky is going on through the back door, and that no one wants to let the <br />residents know what is going on. This leads to a great deal of mistrust. To not be notified, and <br />have the meeting canceled, reopened, started, and then to not be notified until this morning that <br />this is on the Council agenda, this all leads him to cast doubt. He trusts that they can do better. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated the City wants to be sure the citizens are given the proper notice, which is <br />one of the reasons this hearing will be closed and redone. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig requested verification from the City Attorney that the proper procedure is <br />being followed. <br /> <br />City Attomey Goodrich replied the City is going above and beyond the requirements. The public <br />hearing was properly notified, and then properly notified at that meeting that it was being <br />continued. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen expressed her agreement in re-notifying this public hearing. She <br />suggested in the future there be an examination of the issues relating to notification, as <br />sometimes there is a gap between what is legally required and notification of individuals. Going <br />above and beyond the requirements can prevent an air of mistrust. <br /> <br />City Council / March 14, 2006 <br />Page 4 of 25 <br /> <br /> <br />