2012-11-26 Regular session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Price clarified that the City money being used on private property for repair was the Community Block Grant money from the federal government for a specific purpose. In regard to public safety, he noted that people were drowned and running for their lives on Wilson Avenue so action took place and City money used served as a public good. Mr. Price suggested that the City Manager research a possible fee based agreement and stick to the law. Mr. Price asked for the City Manager’s opinion. Mr. Walker stated that the staff could research fees for service options and return to Council with recommendations. Mr. Kraft said the federal government has cut out most of the Community Block Grant money and it is actually University City’s money going for those houses. He said private subdivision residents have paid their real estate taxes without receiving full services. The private subdivisions collect assessment fees for street maintenance which removes those streets from the City’s street maintenance expense. Mr. Kraft noted that seventeen percent of properties in U City do not receive street sweeping service. He said of those seventeen percent, they pay over thirty percent of U City property taxes received. Mr. Kraft said in the future all City residents may be asked to help pay for street maintenance needed due to previous years cutbacks. He believed all the issues mentioned could be resolved and further administration review would be appropriate. Ms. Carr when looking at an indenture that it specifically mentions streets are the homeowners’ responsibility. She asked if the City maintained the private streets, could the City take ownership so they would be no longer private, meaning the City can establish a primacy. She stated that she is not for or against, but her fiduciary responsibility was toward the entire City. L. COUNCIL REPORTS/BUSINESS 1. Boards and Commissions Appointments Needed Mayor Welsch said she would read the appointments at the next meeting. 2. Council Liaison Reports on Boards and Commissions Mr. Glickert reported that the citizens at the Traffic Commission were given no valid information regarding the Trolley and he received the same lack of information at the Historic Preservation Commission which the East-West Gateway attended to show changes in the Trolley process. Mr. Glickert suggested Mr. Walker and the staff research further because the Council and public deserved concrete answers. Ms. Carr stated that the Human Relations Commission was short one member and they are looking to have that position replaced. She asked Mr. Pumm if she could notify the Councilmember who would do the appointing. Mayor Welsch stated that Ms. Pumm would get an updated list and distribute it to everyone. 3. Boards, Commissions and Task Force Minutes Mayor Welsch noted that the Council received copies of the Boards, Commissions and Task Force minutes in their packets. 4. Other Discussions/Business 9