CC Minutes - 10/31/01 Work Session

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Onyx Street was classified a substandard street. Ms. Taylor suggested that a massive public education effort should ensue prior to a public hearing. Mr. Johnson stated that the public hearing was scheduled for November 13. Ms. Taylor moved, seconded by Mr. Farr, to approve the recommendations proposed by the Council Ad Hoc Committee on Street Improvement Funding, and move forth with the ordinance adoption process. Mr. Rayor stated he would support the motion as he was in favor of no imposition of "prepaid" equivalent assessments and foregoing the use of irrevocable petitions on local streets. He explained that if a homeowner purchased a home on a gravel street and in the future the street was improved, the homeowner should be aware that he/she may be assessed, as residents on improved streets had already paid. Mr. Rayor said it would be confusing to label whether a home was "prepaid" or not and opined that the best solution was to pay as the improvement occurred. He complimented staff and the members of the committee for their efforts regarding this issue. In response to Ms. Taylor's concerns, Mr. Kelly stated that the changes in the ordinance only affected local street improvements and would only ensue if more than 50 percent of property owners were in favor of such improvements. He also opined there was not a need for an expansive educational process regarding this ordinance as the changes were "appendixes" to the Arterial/Collector Street Assessment policy. Ms. Nathanson spoke of her past suggestion that the City work in collaboration with State agencies to review State law and/or adoptive practices to ensure assessment issues. She requested that the City move forward with such collaboration so that residents would have a greater understanding of the process. Ms. Bettman stated once again that she would support the motion to move the process forward to a public hearing; however, she reiterated she could not support all the recommendations. She explained there were 48 miles of existing substandard local streets and did not believe the short timeline could possibly notify all the residents that could be affected by a potential liability. In reference to Mr. Kelly's comments, Ms. Bettman opined that improvements would not require support from 50 percent of property owners residing on a street; rather 50 percent majority support from the property owners based on the amount to be assessed would be required. Ms. Taylor moved, seconded by Ms. Bettman, to amend the motion to extend the public hearing to February, 2002. The amendment failed 6:2, with councilors Taylor and Bettman in favor. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m. (Recorded by Joyce Ogden) MINUTES-Work Session City Council October 31, 2001 Page 6