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City Council Minutes Page 4 <br /> November 4,2013 <br /> Bill Houlton family representative - Stated the family has options on what they can <br /> do with their property but they want to have it be part of the community as a park. <br /> He stated there is an outstanding assessment on the property and noted the property <br /> would never be developed if the city acquires it so it doesn't seem fair for them to <br /> have to pay the assessment when there is no benefit to the property. <br /> John Houlton stated they never had intentions to develop the property. He stated he <br /> thought there may have been a handshake agreement between the city and his dad <br /> that the city would be open to considering a donation in lieu of charging assessments <br /> if the property became a park. <br /> Attorney Beck stated he would have had no right to make decisions about waiving <br /> assessments. He stated he might have said something to the effect that if the <br /> property became a park, then the City Council might consider waiving the <br /> assessments. He further stated he doesn't recall hearing anything from an elected <br /> official at the time that would've made this type of promise but he can't say it didn't <br /> occur either. <br /> John Houlton stated he understands and noted he was not involved in all discussions <br /> of an agreement back then. He further stated he thought it would have been a <br /> discussion with the city administrator and the City Council. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated the issue he has is with setting precedent and keeping fairness <br /> between the other property owners who already paid their assessment. He also <br /> questioned how the city could forgive the interest. He noted the city only assessed 37 <br /> of the 330 plus acres of the property. He further stated these funds would be used to <br /> help pay for the sewer plant expansion. <br /> Bill Houlton stated the property would not be developed and the city would be <br /> getting a wonderful asset at no cost. He stated this request is different because the <br /> other assessed owners have developed their property. <br /> John Houlton stated this property will never use the infrastructure so it wouldn't set <br /> a precedent. <br /> Councilmember Motin stated he doesn't think the entire assessment should be <br /> waived. He further stated the property never would have been assessed if it were a <br /> park so he could consider forgiving some of the assessment. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated there have been valid points made all around. He <br /> questioned what it would cost the city to go out and purchase land for a park and <br /> stated he agrees with Councilmember Motin on reaching an arrangement to settle <br /> this matter. He noted this is a unique parcel and many groups want to see it <br /> preserved. He suggested appointing a Councilmember to be involved in working out <br /> the assessment payment. <br /> P O W E R E D 0 Y <br /> 1`4M <br />