Minutes - Council - 03/10/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Citizen Input Doug Opsal, 16360 Chameleon Street NW, Ramsey, referenced Project #98-05. He presented some information indicating that the developer had placed $4,000 in escrow for street projects. Mr. Jankowski offered to check with the Finance Officer to see if this escrow is on file. Carol Sibble, 7311 - 155th Avenue NW, Ramsey, referenced Project #98-12. She wondered why they were even being assessed if they live on an MSA road. Mr. Jankowski again explained the policy of assessing an equal share on MSA streets noting it was done in 1992, and again in 1996. City Attorney Goodrich recited verbiage from the ordinance and state statutes in support of the assessment. Mayor Gamec stated that if this was a "regular" street, the assessment would be almost twice that amount but the MSA funding reduces the cost to the residents. He added that one of the things this Council is trying to do is to eliminate assessments completely, however, we have run into problems doing that because of the levy limits imposed on the City. Daryl and Joan Peterson, 6520 - 167th Avenue NW, Ramsey, referred to Project #98-12. They did not question the work that has to be done, but they, too, question the assessment. Mr. Peterson stated there are very few property owners on 167th and most of the traffic is truck traffic that is generated by the businesses. He wondered if the commercial property is assessed one unit the same as residential property. He reported there are 15 to 20 semi truck and trailers traveling on 167th before 10:00 a.m. He suggested there should be a way to make this assessment more fair. City Attorney Goodrich inquired what percent of the total construction cost is being assessed to the property owners versus what's being paid from the general fund. Mr. Jankowski responded - 1/7th or 14%. Jill Simonsmeier, 6531 - 167th Avenue NW, Ramsey, also referred to project #98-12. She stated that most of her concerns are the same as those expressed by Mr. Peterson. There is a lot of traffic because of the businesses located on 167th and she suggested that the businesses should be assessed on a pro rata share based on the amount of traffic generated by each business. Mr. Jankowski did not feel that truck traffic has prematurely deteriorated that road. Ms. Simonsmeier disagreed and reiterated that the businesses should be made to pay more than the resident who lives on that street. Mayor Gamec pointed out that businesses pay out higher taxes. City Council/March 10, 1998 Page 9 of 24