Minutes - Council - 02/13/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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misleading information. They are definitely not representing responsibility or truth with the way they are soliciting signatures for this petition. These issues need to be addressed either by public forum or facts printed in the Ramsey Resident. She asked what other options are available. Terry Hendriksen, 15631 Ramsey Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated he is the author of the proposed Charter amendment and that he is willing to answer any questions. He stated that people are afraid on the tremendous cost of bringing in sewer and water to their properties. This amendment would assure people they would not have to hook up to the utilities - there is nothing in the Charter that protects them from that now. The City was not willing to grant an extension to people with brand new systems so he felt the Charter needed amending and protection would be granted. The amendment does not prevent anyone from hooking up - it gives you the choice - and prevents you from being assessed when you didn't want it in the first place. Mr. Hendriksen explained he was present to make sure that Council has an official copy of what's being circulated. He offered to be available in the corridor to answer any questions and that he would also have a petition available for signatures. Ms. Lernke inquired what assurances Mr. Hendriksen was prepared to give to people in this case scenario - 29 homes in a neighborhood - there is a contamination problem and nine of these people need City water and sewer - will those nine be responsible for the entire amount because the other 20 people do not want it. How will that assessment be fairly spread. She reiterated that this will pit neighbor against neighbor. Mr. Hendriksen stated that the explanation given is that part of the neighborhood needs sewer and water and part doesn't. It's not much different than the neighborhood on 151st. Two wanted to subdivide, three did not. They are all being forced to have City utilities. In extraordinary circumstances, the City Council has the fight to order the project. The amendment only provides the citizens with the option of hooking up or not. This does not affect the brand new residential areas; this only affects the residents who have functional systems. It was carefully considered to be consistent with what the predecessors promised us. Mr. Hendriksen felt that the vast majority of residents would be happy with this amendment. Sharon Dahlberg, 6328 - 143rd Lane NW, Ramsey, asked if there is a possibility of a well being contaminated and there being no available water extension - how long would they have to wait. Mr. Hendriksen responded that as it exists right now, the City cannot extend City sewer and water past the MUSA. This does nothing to dose any provision that the City has in terms of extending sewer and water to any homes that need it. It gives citizens the fight to decline enormous assessments; the right to decline when they do not want sewer and water and the fight to decline to hook up to such utilities. He reported that they have collected 50% of the signatures needed and he is confident he will have enough before the next meeting to submit the petition to Council. He commented that they would be happy to participate in a forum relating to this proposal. If it is determined that citizens do not want this amendment, they will withhold the petition and not bring it forward. He was, however, confident that this is what the citizens want. APPROVE AGENDA It was asked that two cases be added: #36: Update on D.A.R.E. House and #37: Closed Case to Discuss McLafferty Lawsuit Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Peterson, Beahen, Beyer and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Absent: None. City Council/February 13, 1996 Page 5 of 32