01/27/03 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Session 1867 January 27, 2003 AGENDA ITEM # 2 - Public Hearinq - Mendell Sewer Enclosure Proiect The City Manager advised Council that a Public Hearing had been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at that time and place on the necessity of completing the Mendell storm channel improvement, the extent of private property benefit from the project, and the extent of cost assessment to affected properties. He said that all parties agreed that this project should go forward as a matter of health and safety for the public and the adjacent properties. Although most of the $475,000 project cost will be covered by the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District and grants from the state of Missouri, the City Manager said that University City's share of the project will be $65,000. Normally, these costs are shared between public and private property owners in a manner to be determined by the City Council. Mayor Adams declared the Public Hearing open at 7:37 p.m. Mrs. Charlene Willis, 1570 Mendell Drive, read her letter to the Mayor, Council, and City Manager. In it, she maintained that the property owners alone should not be assessed any costs for the Mendell Sewer Project and that payment for government services should be shared by all citizens. Acknowledging that their properties will benefit from the improvement, she also pointed out that for years their properties could not be sold. Ms. Loretta Bryant, of 7863 Milan Avenue and President of the Belmont Hills- Mendell Drive Neighborhood Association, spoke on behalf of the residents. She posed several questions. 1. If the assessment had already been determined, will it include the properties on Trenton and well as Mendell? 2. She asked what would actually be assessed - property that has eroded away through the years? What about the 68 square feet of property homeowners have been paying for that eroded away over the past 31 years? 3. She wanted to know how home owners could be assessed for a common area that belongs to MSD? Mr. Ollendorff promised to research the matter and respond to her questions within a week to 10 days. The City Manager stated that he planned to have a more specific proposal for Council's consideration within three to four weeks. Ms. Welsch recalled that Councilmember Colquitt had asked for documentation of the promises made to these citizens back in the 70's and wanted to know if it was still being compiled.