12/3/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DEC 0 3 19 The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Jim Knapp, 251 10th Court, Indian River Heights, came before the Board. He referred to the telephone calls that Mr. Chastain mentioned as undocumented. He said that as a resident of Indian River Heights he had no complaints and had heard no complaints from his neighbors about the water. He felt a survey should have been taken to see if residents really were unhappy with their water. Director Pinto responded that at the public hearings residents asked for water service to this area, but more compelling is the requirement of the comp plan to bring utility services to these areas which are considered potential health problems. He pointed out that we are not forcing property owners to connect to the water lines, but the lines must be put in and the cost must be assessed because a future owner of a particular house may want the availability of water. Tony Consalo, 105 16th Avenue, spoke in favor of water service and said there are serious problems out there. Elizabeth Mason, 665 27th Avenue, spoke in favor of water service but wished there could be adjustments for situations like hers. Her property has a depth of 360 feet and she asked the Board to consider adjusting her assessment since it is one residence. Commissioner Wheeler asked whether this type of situation, where the lot cannot be developed like a larger tract, could be handled equitably. Director Pinto responded that "equitably" is the problem and after looking at and studying every other method of assessment, the square footage was the most equitable. He further pointed out that any time we excuse one property owner, that amount goes back.into the system and must be paid for by everyone else. Commissioner Scurlock noted that individual circumstances like this are best addressed through the Commissioners sitting as a board of equity rather than trying to recreate a general formula, which will never be perfect. County Attorney Vitunac advised that whatever theory the Board uses to give relief must be used equitably for everybody else. Discussion ensued regardingardin9 the reasoning behind the present formula used in computing assessments, and Director Pinto assured the Board that all possibilities were looked at ver closely before re a final decision was made. William T. Stone, 425 Southwest First Street, came before the _ Board and objected to the assessment. He gave examples of Holly Hills and Palm Bay where sewer and water utilities were installed and the only charge was $40 for the meter. He said a water line 8