07/13/1981 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Wooten stated that she agrees with the staff recommendation regarding Daneland Mobile Home Park but questions the sanitary sewer between Jefferson and Cheshire. Those two parcels of property that are privately owned and are hooked - up to a sewer that has served their needs for 30 years. They have neither need nor intention to hook to any other system. She believes that it is fair to levy assessments, but it should be to existing lines, not to lines that will not serve them. This could be changed when the property is sold. One owner is feeling victimized. The State owns more than two thirds of the surrounding property. She will vote against that council bill and hopes that Public Works would design an appropriate assessment. Mr. Lindberg indicated that he spoke to and read a letter from Mr. Smith regarding the possibility of the City Attorney having further discussion if this was to be held over. He would like to do that. Mr. Gleason stated that based on Ms. Wooten's suggestion, they could assign the Bancroft of the lien and then defer the payment. This would not obligate the current owner. The only cost to the City would be the interest earnings. Mr. Obie stated there have been difficulties like this in the past. There is a policy and he does not want to adjust the policy for each individual project. Rather, the entire policy ought to be reviewed and changed if that is the council's desire. There should be consistency in application of the policy so as not to receive criticism. He feels council should move ahead on this item. Mayor Keller noted agreement with Mr. Obie. There are consistency problems when deviating from the policies. If policies are not acceptable, they should be changed. The only time the council has failed the best interest of the commun- ity has been when projects have been put off. There has never been a cost reduction and everyone has to pay some time. The assessment policy has high priority for the council. He hopes there will be no delay in the assessment e process unless there has been a staff error. He feels that this has been a reasonable process and policy. Ms. Schue indicated agreement with Mayor Keller. There have been other situations that are similar. No one has been able to come up with a better policy and she will support the present policy until a better one is developed. Mr. Hamel stated that Mr. Troyanek had said he could obtain the money if he had to. He does not see the harm in having him pay for the improvements. Mr. Lindberg noted agreement. Council should remain consistent with the policies but he would like clarification as to whether they are being consistent. He feels the sanitary sewer on Cheshire and Jefferson, according to what Ms. Wooten has stated, is somewhat in violation of current policies. Ms. Wooten stated that for 30 years, Mr. Troyanek has not paid for being hooked up to a sewer system. He should pay for the system he has used but not for the one requested by the State of Oregon to which he will never be connected. She does not feel that would be consistent. Mr. Lindberg stated he would appreciate a reiteration by staff as to why the second assessment was consistent with the benefit to an individual owner. ~. Gleason stated that the City does not assess on trunk line connections. Lateral connections are charged. If they are not assessed now, they will be later. One could say this person has had the benefit of using a system for 30 years at no charge. When infilling occurs, it is a difficult situation. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1981 Page 12