07-25-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes July 25, 1994 Page 5 e reviewed the proposed "Surface Water Management Fee" which is being considered by the Council. Terry Maurer indicated that this fee would eliminate the need for assessments. This fee consists of charging all property owners a fee for surface water management. The proposed fees are as follows: · Commercial/Industrial $15/acre . Residential $2/unit . Multifamily $15/acre . Undeveloped $.50/acre · Government - Yet to be determined Mayor Duitsman indicated that it is the City's intention to take over the County Ditch System and try to alleviate the flooding that is taking place in the City of Elk River. Mayor Duitsman invited the public to speak to the issue. . David Burrandt, 19118 Tyler Street, NW...stated that the fee of $.50 per acre being charged to undeveloped land will tax the farmers from their land. Chris Kreger, Elk River Landfill...suggested that the City develop water shed districts and create assessments relative to the impact that the improvements in the water shed district may have. He indicated that this would be a more equitable system. e Stephanie Klinzing. 10511 209th Ave. NW. and State Representative for Legislative District 19B...stated that the fee charged to undeveloped property is excessive. She indicated that she had this issue researched by the House Research Department. The researchers determined that the fee being charged to the citizens is a special assessment because it is based on the amount of property one owns. Because it is a special assessment, the fee must be based on the benefits received. She stated that any upgrade in the storm water system will not be extended to the rural area for quite some time. She further informed the residents of the appeal process relating to special assessments. Representative Klinzing informed the Council that she is pleased to see the City take over Ditch 28, however she disagrees with the ability to spread tax assessments over the city. She stated that according to the County Ditch law, the City cannot assess for improvements on a County ditch over and above the benefited area. Council member Scheel indicated that Zimmerman residents that use County Ditch 28 pay a fee to the County. She questioned how these funds are used. Representative Klinzing indicated that the County keeps these funds in an account to be used for ditch repair. Bill Brady, 12553 193rd Ave NW...questioned the City Attorney whether Representative Klinzing was correct in her statement about the surface water management fee being a special assessment. e