03/24/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Murray moved seconded by Mrs. Shirey to schedule public hearing on the requested improvement to which all interested parties would be invited. Councilman Bradley wondered if there was any leeway that would allow changing the . method of ~ssessment for public improvements. Mayor Anderson said any change in assessment procedure would require a Charter amendment and that it was almost im- possible to develop a more equitable method. Recognizing that street improvements belong to all citizens of the city and are used by all citizens of the city, he thought the owner paying for an improvement abutting his property was paying his share of the cost he had not paid before for being able to drive over paved streets in other parts of the city. Councilman Williams pointed out that street assess- ments in residential areas were based on a 28-foot width only. Mrs. Shirey said she understood that, but she said the Council seemed constantly to be involved with assessments levied against a small group of people for improvmeents petitioned by another group. Councilman.Haws shared concerns about the assessment policy but he didn't think that was important to this issue. He wondered whether a time limit could be set on testimony presented in public hearing, or if people could be requested to appoint a spokesman for their groups so that there would be only one logical, reasoned argu- ment presented for each viewpoint. Mayor Anderson thought that was within the Council's prerogative. Manager suggested setting the public hearing for some meet- ing other than the March 24 session because of other items scheduled for hearing that night. There were no objections to staff's scheduling the hearing at an appropriate time. Councilman Hamel entered the meeting. Councilman Bradley wondered whether staff could make a brief report to the Council with regard to assessment method and procedure. He thought that since the Charter was being reworked, now mighc be the proper time to consider a change in the . assessment method. Mayor Anderson thought an enormous amount of time would be involved and he suggested contact with the public works department staff. When Councilman Bradley said he thought it was a policy matter which should be addressed by the Council, that the present method was unfair and inequitable, Mayor Anderson said he hesitated to open the matter of assessments at this time. that it should start at the staff level. Further discussion resulted in understanding chac those Council members incerested could contact the Assistant Manager and a meeting would be arranged with public works staff to discuss assessment procedure. Councilman Murray said that he was also troubled by the present method of assess- ment, but he had come to the conclusion that it was the "fairest" way. He felt it would be less fair to change the assessment method now after the general public had met their assessments.. Vote was taken on the motion to schedule public hearing, with the understanding that staff would schedule the date of hearing and notify those interested, and that testimony at the hearing would. be limited. Motion carried unanimously. Comm 3/19/75 Approve C. Petition -Paving, sanitary and storm sewers for 10th Addition to Nob Hill - 100% Manager explained that the Planning Commission had approved the subdivision on the east side of Agate Street, but that whether the subdivision could proceed would not nece$sarily hinge on the level of improvement of Agate Street. Staff recommended receiving the petition to allow engineering design to proceed, realizing that it would be before the Council for further consideration before anything was done in terms of spending money. Mr. Murray moved seconded by Mr. Williams to accept the petition. Motion carried unanimously. coA. 3/19/75 ~ Approve 3/24/75 - 6 l"3b'