11-26-1991 CC MIN
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WESTWOOD INFORMATIONAL MEETING
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, ]991
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers John Dietz and Duane Kropuenske
STAFF PRESENT:
Terry Maurer, City Engineer; and Pat Klaers, City
Engineer
CITIZENS PRESENT:
Approximately 35 residents from the Westwood Improvement
Project area (see attached attendance sheet)
Councilmember Kropuenske opened the informational meeting at about 7:00 p.m.
and welcomed all the residents in attendance. He stated that the
improvement project had been ordered on October 28, 1991, and that the
purpose of this meeting was to review the information discussed on 10/28/91
and to answer questions from the residents regarding the proposed
improvement project.
The City Engineer, Terry Maurer reviewed the information that was presented
to the City Council and public on 10/28/91. This information is outlined in
the attached handout that was distributed at that meeting and to the
citizens on 11/26/91. The review by the City Engineer included a discussion
on the history of the project; the proposed sewer, water, streets, and storm
sewer improvements; the cost for the project; and a number of proposed
assessment formulas.
Issues raised and discussed at the meeting include the following:
Concern regarding the underground springs in the area and the fact the
improvement project taking place may not prevent wet basements in the
future.
Concern over the School project and the dewatering in this area that is
taking place which is causing more water problems in the Westwood area.
Concern that the drainage problems in the Westwood area are not caused
by property owners in this vicinity, but are caused by property owners
in the Industrial Park and the area north of the Westwood area.
Some residents indicated that they are not experiencing any storm
sewer, street, sewer, or water problems and do not desire the project.
Residents expressed concern over the state of the economy and the fact
that the project may be very expensive for some homeowners.
Concern was expressed regarding the assessment methods and the cost for
the project and the actual value to the homeowners as a result of the
improvement project.
Residents requested the actual assessment amounts and the assessment
formula that would be used, but this information could not be provided
by the staff until the bids are opened and the City Council makes a
determination on which assessment formula they prefer in this area.
Additionally, it was noted by Councilmember Kropuenske that appraisals
are being done in the area that will help determine an appropriate
assessment level.
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Westwood Informational Meeting
November 26, 1991
Page 2
Residents expressed concern over being able to afford the assessment
amounts and indicated that the smallest lots in the area may see total
costs of around $10,000 for the improvement project and hookups and SAC
charges, etc.
A possible assessment formula making a distinction between large lots
and small lots was discussed and concern was raised over the fairness
of this method.
Concern was stated regarding extra costs related to the curb and gutter
in the street project. Staff noted that all costs in excess of $20 per
foot for the street would be absorbed by the City and that the curb and
gutter truly add value to the benefited property owners.
Residents expressed concern over being forced to hookup to sewer and it
was noted that there was no requirement for water hookup in the City
ordinance.
Questions were raised regarding future street lights in the area and
whether or not this was included in the project.
The issue of expanding the project area to include Island View Drive to
the west of the project area and the issue of reducing the project area
to only include the streets of Zumbro and Albany were discussed in an
effort to make the assessment costs per household lower and more
financially manageable.
Financial issues were again discussed along with the fact that some of
the property owners cannot afford the project and may be forced to sell
their house and relocate. The City was requested to seek State grants
and other programs in an effort to assist these financially distressed
households.
Councilmember Kropuenske indicated that the concerns expressed by the
residents would be forwarded to the City Council. He stated that the City
will review all possible sources of financial assistance for this project
and for the homeowners which are financially distressed because of the
assessments. It was indicated that this issue will not be finalized until
the bids are received in spring, 1992, and that in the meantime, the City
Council would be evaluating the project and the concerns of the property
owners.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m. by Councilmember
Kropuenske.
Rl.~cttDtted'
Patrick Klaers
City Administrator