9/12/1995 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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RUCK 96 F'%E 39 Director Davis announced the purpose of the meeting and gave a brief history of Willow Street since September of 1991 when a group of property owners attended a Board of County Commissioners' meeting and requested that the Board consider improved maintenance with the possibility of some kind of a paving program. At that time, the Board instructed staff to check on the availability of donation of right-of-way. At a 1992 joint meeting, concerns were expressed regarding funding and traffic from Berry Groves. Traffic studies were done and cost estimates were developed. Director Davis gave preliminary estimates of cost per acre and frontage assessments and described in detail the area to be assessed and how property owners benefitted from the paving of Willow Street. He - noted that it has been characteristic for the County to fund 25% of the cost of a project on a road such as Willow Street and that is what is being proposed tonight. The 25% would be for the unincorporated area and would result in a special assessment of about $199 per acre in the unincorporated area. The assessment in the city would be higher due to the fact that the 25% contribution by the County has not been included. He asked for questions from the Board or Council and there were none. County Attorney Vitunac noted for the record that the Board and Council Members were sitting as equalization boards at this meeting. Both boards have the power to change assessments down or up at the end of the meeting. If the boards pass resolution(s) making an assessment, the assessment on the property would begin tonight. He emphasized that tonight was the critical moment on the assessments, so if they had any comment to make, tonight was the time to make it. Warren Dill, Attorney for the City of Fellsmere, agreed with County Attorney Vitunac's statement. Council Member Hall inquired why Berry Groves was assessed for only 175 acres rather than all the acreage they own, and Director Davis explained in detail that it was because most of their traffic activity was along the east -west road that connects with CR -512. Someday, if they cease agricultural use, they probably would have to pay for 100% of roadway into their property. County staff felt the 175 acres was equitable based on their frontage along the assessment area. There being no further questions from the boards or staff comments, Chairman Macht opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. m September 12, 1995