In a Fix: Fill Potholes, Empty Out Wallets

For cash-strapped Minnesota residents, street upgrades are a low priority. In metro-area suburbs, they're letting local officials know it.
When Michelle DeMarre learned that Maplewood was planning to slap a $7,000 tax assessment on her home to pay for new street and storm sewers, she was incredulous.
"During these economic times, they're asking for $7,000!" DeMarre exclaimed. "There were people at these public meetings [on the street proposal] who didn't even have a job.
We told the city, 'Now is not the time.'" It's a message being heard in suburbs across the metro area. With bulldozers revving up for spring construction season, many suburbs are finding loud opposition to local construction projects that in better days were OK'd by area homeowners with little more than a grumble.
Homeowners boast some success.
Last fall, Centerville chopped in half the $7 million price tag for a street improvement after bitter community complaints.
In January, Maplewood canceled its construction plans for DeMarre's neighborhood.
Last month, Bloomington sliced 1 mile out of its 5-mile road construction plan for 2009.
Some cities, however, worry that delaying repairs could end up costing more in the future. While residents have opposed these tax assessments in the past, it's been particularly swift and vocal this year, said Chuck Ahl, public works director for Maplewood.
Plymouth homeowners, for example, began organizing against a street improvements plan this winter long before a public hearing was even scheduled, said Lori Ahrens, city manager. "I think you'll see an overall downturn in normal public works projects," said Jim Miller, executive director of the Minnesota League of Cities.
In the current market, "it may be more difficult to demonstrate that property values will rise in relation to the amount of the assessment, which is required by law. And people may not have the ability to pay."
Star Tribune Link

Keep standing tall Centerville residents! Together we have a voice and together it will continue to be heard!!

Two Centerville Pond Projects Postponed

The Centerville City Council learned at its March 11 meeting that two of the city's pond projects have encountered obstacles.
The 2009 Pond Dredging Project could not be completed before warm weather and weight restrictions imposed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation set in. City Engineer Mark Statz said the project would be abandoned until January of 2010 or earlier, depending on when the ground freezes again.One pond project was originally meant to drain water from downtown redevelopment into land owned by St. Genevieve Catholic Church. According to City Administrator Dallas Larson, it was suggested that the proposed pond be relocated to the southwest corner of Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park due to complications at St. Genevieve.
Now there are complications at the park.
The city's Parks and Recreation Committee said the southwest corner chosen for the pond is the only area in the park suitable for a soccer field, and that the Soccer Association has already invested money in that field.
The parks committee recommended that the pond be located in the southeast corner of the park for safety reasons, but the city preferred the larger storage capacity of the southwest corner.
On March 4, the Parks and Recreation Committee unanimously opposed the pond being located in the southwest corner of the park.
If the city is unable to secure the southwest corner, Larson and Statz said they’ll look at other alternatives and keep the southeast corner in reserve, in case they don't find another site for the drainage pond.
Quad Press

Link Here to view Centerville LGA history.

Link to 3/3/2009 story Here

Bill could clear path to local tax hikes

Annual 'truth in taxation' hearings would be optional
Associated Press

Legislation advancing in the Minnesota Senate would let cities and counties raise property tax levies without state interference, published notices in newspapers or annual hearings where taxpayers vent their frustrations. Senate Taxes Committee Chairman Tom Bakk said extra state aid was supposed to help local governments cope with levy limits, but the money has dried up with the meltdown. He said Democrats held out for the aid as part of last year's budget deal with Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Bakk's bill would nix "truth in taxation" hearings late in the year — annual meetings where taxing authorities present their budgets and taxpayers react and ask questions. Bakk said the meetings are costly but don't always draw crowds. He suggested that governments could let the public weigh in at their regular meetings instead.
The bill's next stop is the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.

The city administrator cautioned to be careful what is said on this blog about the preliminary 2009 budget.

We choose to say nothing, yet. The preliminary budget speaks for itself. Click image for larger print.

Phasing Out of Phase One?

Click on map to bring up larger image.
Last evening the Beard Group addressed phase one. The sections include B, C, D and I.
Ron Mehl of the Beard Group made a presentation to council suggesting increased demand for affordable rental housing. Section D appeared to be the only area being seriously considered at this time.

B 14,000 SF Rental/Office
(This is a hard sell for an anchor tenant. Capra interested in bringing Trader Joe's to town).

C. 48 Multi Family Units/15,000 SF Rental/Office
(Lenders are not financing at this time without 75% pre-sold).

D. 41 Multi Family Units (Affordable)
(Increased funds and demand for this now but purchase agreement must be renewed with Centerville).

I. 40 For Sale Town homes
(There's been a 40% decrease since 2007 and National builders have no interest at any price).

Ron Mehl concluded the meeting by stating to Council, "If you would like to talk with other developers at this time, we are fine with that. We don't want to hold the City up." He also mentioned that he was not interested in "entering a suicide pact."

To view the entire Downtown development plan as outlined last year
Click Here

Process Begins for New Centerville Trails

At its Feb. 25 meeting, the Centerville City Council started the process of making sure the Transportation Enhancement Trail Grant project becomes reality.
“We want to make sure we are poised to take advantage of that money if it comes available to us,” said City (Bonestroo) Engineer Mark Statz. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has said that Centerville is a viable candidate to receive funding, he added.

The first order of business for the council was to approve consideration of a plan and fee proposal from Bonestroo, a St. Paul-based engineering firm, for the Transportation Enhancement Trail Grant project. For its designs and permit submittal work, Bonestroo will receive $128,000 in fees.
The next task for the city is to make offers to purchase right of ways from property owners along the proposed trail.
In other actions, the council:
*Unanimously awarded the contract for the 2009 Pond Dredging Project to the lowest qualified bidder, Dresel Contracting Inc., for $73,525.
*Unanimously approved consideration of Bonestroo's scope and fee proposal of $3,000 for construction services on the 2009 Pond Dredging Project. Work will begin immediately to take advantage of cold temperatures and last approximately three weeks, Statz said.
*Unanimously authorized the city administrator to enter into a contract for soil borings and engineering reports, not to exceed $10,000, for a pedestrian bridge.
*Unanimously authorized the city attorney to begin litigation for delinquent assessment payments against Fairview Street (Royal Oaks Realty).
*Approved special assessment agreements for the 2009 Street Improvement Project.
Quad Press
Full Story Here

Classic Cadillac Diner True to Name

Walking into the Classic Cadillac Diner is literally a step back in time.

Coca Cola memorabilia and classic car posters line the walls. Colorful vinyl booths provide a cozy retro atmosphere. And then there’s the mint 1907 Cadillac, which justifies the diner’s name.
Tucked inside Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s Auto World at the junction of Interstate 35E and Cty. Rd. 14, the diner received a complete makeover recently when Jason Snyder and partner Bobby Williams ended a franchise agreement with Embers.

Centerville Elementary will be getting a $750 grant through Exxon Mobile on behalf of Auto World and Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s contributed to Centerville’s Adopt a Family last year, a benefit for the Jay Hauer family.

Link Here
Quad Press

What's Going on With the State Audit?

This is a question we have received from several Centerville residents. We are expecting the State Auditor to release the investigation results very soon. We are aware that the audit has been completed and is in review.
As soon as we obtain a copy of the audit report, we will post the highlights and link directly to the OSA website where every resident will be able to read the complete findings.
It is our understanding that the report will be delivered to the citizens and the City officials the same day but we have not been given any further information.

Thank you for all your support.

Centerville City Finance Director Posting

The City will be accepting applications for the position of Finance Director in the near future. Please check the Pioneer Press for this posting.
Link Here

Street Project Still Riling Residents

The 2009 Street Improvement Project, the topic that won’t go away, took over the Feb. 11 Centerville City Council meeting.
A dozen residents of Peltier Lake Drive showed up at the meeting to speak their minds about assessments, appeals, attorneys and recent actions of the City Council.
Although City Attorney Kurt Glaser said the public forum was not supposed to be a question and answer session, the bulk of the meeting turned into a dialogue between the council and the residents.
Several residents of Peltier Lake Drive reported that they had met before the council meeting to discuss ways to reduce their assessments short of litigation. “For the most part, people on Peltier Lake Drive want to have a win-win and work with the city. We don’t want to litigate,” said resident Daniel Skoog.
Despite recent public hearings and consultations with Glaser, the residents still had questions for council members. Among them: why the city holds closed-door sessions, why residents can’t get appraisal data, whether it’s worthwhile to obtain a special appraisal to appeal and why residents have to pay for the street project.
As the council moved through its agenda, discussion stemming from bid rejections and the reopening of bidding for the 2009 Street Project consumed the meeting again. William Svetin wondered whether savings from the new bidding process would lower their assessments.
“If the bids come back lower, pass it on to the people,” he said.
Glaser said assessments only represent 20 to 25 percent of the project’s cost, so if the overall project costs drop, it will affect the taxpayers paying for the remaining 75 to 80 percent — not the individual assessment amounts.
If the total cost of the project doesn’t go up, no public hearings will be necessary, and residents appealing their assessments must keep following the same time line as a matter of law, Glaser said.
Quad Press

Grants are Great When You Can Afford Them

BENSON, Minn.—Minnesota cities are struggling in the down economy and in Benson, finances are so tight that it's decided to send back $167,000 in state transportation money.

City Manager Rob Wolfington says they money is going back to the Minnesota Department of Transportation because the city can't afford its share of matching funds.

Wolfington says the city received the grant in 2006 for a trail extension that would cost about $280,000 to build.

With matching funds and the required engineering costs, the city would be on the hook for nearly $115,000 to build the project.

The City Council could have rolled the project back to 2012, but Wolfington says the city doesn't think it will be in any better financial shape in three years.

The council took the action on Monday.

Associated Press

The Hunt for a New Finance Director is On!

The Centerville City Council accepted Finance Director John Meyer's letter of retirement at its Jan. 28 meeting and quickly took steps to find his replacement.
Meyer submitted a short letter on Jan. 23, citing a “deteriorating medical condition and related limitations” as the cause for his retirement, effective Jan. 30.
“It's really with a heavy heart that the City of Centerville accepts Mr. Meyer's retirement letter,” Mayor Mary Capra said. “Meyer was an outstanding employee for the city, leaving big shoes to fill with all the talents that he brought to the council.” The mayor added there would be a potluck for his retirement. “If he is able to come back, we will certainly welcome him,” she said.
Because Meyer leaves an important position open, the council went to work immediately to seek a new financial director. The opening will be posted immediately. City Administrator Dallas Larson expects a new financial director on board within two to three months at the earliest.
Quad Press

Centerville paid Mr Meyer the Finance Director over $80,000 annually. We are currently paying over $90,000 to our City Administrator Dallas Larson. Could these positions be shared with Lexington and Circle Pines? We already share our police with them. Many small cities team together for these larger salaried positions in the interest of saving their citizens tax dollars.

More Bad Press for Centerville...

Pioneer Press 2/1/2009

Centerville residents are finding strength in numbers as they fight what they consider hefty and poorly timed special assessments.

The Peltier Lake Drive Group is made up of dozens of residents who have banded together to contest the assessments for a $4 million road and water project meant to improve streets and hook up homes with private wells to city water. The group is considering several options — from negotiating a smaller bill to a lawsuit, should it come to that.

"The neighbors are very concerned about having to pay for a road for the third time. Everyone is of the same feelings and, therefore, formed a group to find a solution to this problem that would mutually benefit both sides — a win-win situation," said organizer Daniel Skoog, who lives on Peltier Lake Drive.

A battle over the project has been brewing for months. Many of the 250 affected residents are baffled that the city is forging ahead. They say now isn't the time to hit homeowners with special assessments.

This will be the third time in 30 years that many of his neighbors have paid for a new road on Peltier Lake Drive, Skoog said. They were most recently assessed in the late 1980s, he said.

"We're talking about large assessments against the neighbors at a time when the economy is terrible," he said.

Full Story Here

Special Assessment Hearing in the Press

Quad Press 1/27/2009
Some residents briefly questioned the various water fees; the financial burden placed on the community as a whole; how the 5.5 percent interest rate was calculated; why their assessment was higher than the neighbors; how the city went about assessing an odd-shaped lot; why they couldn't find information on the city Website and why the most-traveled part of the street was being assessed the least.
Other residents were more direct in expressing their displeasure.
Resident Daniel Skoog noted that the city reduced the project from $8 million to $4 million, but didn't reduce his assessment by half.
"You haven't done a good job," he said. "I'll bet if I asked everyone in this room who was disappointed, they'd stand up and yell." Loud clapping followed his remark.
Cheers also greeted resident William Svetin's comments. "You place the burden of proof (of property appraisal) on the people," he said. "It shouldn't be that way. You should prove to us." Svetin said he couldn't get a copy of his property appraisal when he went to City Hall.
Skoog and resident Scott Klemann disputed the city's statement that assessments are based on the assumed property value increase due to the street improvements. Klemann said the appraiser his neighbor consulted stated that street improvements "wouldn't raise the value of a home one penny."
Dozens of property owners submitted written protests to city officials, but the time period for oral and written objections is now closed. After the meeting, City Attorney Kurt Glaser met with citizens individually to answer their questions. Citizens will have to hire their own appraiser to provide the numbers to back up their objections, he said.
Full Story Here

Welcome to Centerville!

Centerville Finance Director Abruptly Retires Citing Health Issues

Yes, our finance director John Meyer retired this week. Mr. Meyer was paid at a Grade 12 step 9 which put his annual salary at $81,505.76
Council approved the replacement of his position during the last session 1/28/2009. The general consensus of our elected leaders was that the next finance director would have some very large shoes to fill. Tom Lee even joked that the City might want to add "walk on water" to the job description.
Although we wish John Meyer well and pray his health issues are not grave, we will save our assessment of his job performance until the State Audit is made public.

Exit question:
Does a City of our size need to pay a salary of $81,500 for a finance director?

Special Assessment Updates From the Centerville City Website

2009 Street & Utility Improvement Project

Click here to view the Power Point Presentation from the January 21, 2009 Assessment Hearing. The hearing will also be broadcast daily January 24 to February 24, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon on Government Channel 16.

One Resident Seeking a New Appraisal Says...

I have done a bit of calling around and actually, quite accidentally, tripped across the company that is doing the appraisals for the City of Centerville.
Nagell Appraisal's St. Paul office is doing the city's side. Being that the Council seemed reluctant to disclose said information so far, I thought it should be made known.
Nagell had to bow out in appraising my property due to conflict of interest. Since the City Council did not state that they were refusing for legal reasons, I assume they chose not to disclose because they didn't want the appraiser to be swamped with angry phone calls.

You can forward this to the e-mail list as you see fit.

Link Here

Special Assessment Hearing Tomorrow Evening

The Council is holding a meeting at St. Genevieve's Community Parish beginning at 6:30 pm. You may make your objection writing or take the opportunity to speak directly to Council at this time.

What a Mess

CIRCLE PINES — Centennial Lakes police officers hoping for quick action after a no-confidence vote against their chief might be in for a long wait.
Last October, the patrol and sergeants’ unions gave Police Chief Bob Makela a unanimous vote of “no confidence” on his “ability to lead the department.” In a letter sent to then-Joint Governing Board Chair Dave Kelso last December, two members of the police force listed several complaints against their boss, and demanded action from the board. Another letter was sent to the board in October, but the union members have not requested that Makela be removed as police chief.
A unanimous vote of “no confidence” and a list of complaints isn’t enough for the board to take dramatic action to address the complaints, according to newly appointed board chair Mary Capra, who is the mayor of Centerville. She says the complaints the board received are too “generalized.”
“We received a written statement Oct. 17 and it didn’t relate to a specific instance or instances, charge, accusation, or complaint against the chief,” Capra said. “Even the one received Dec. 29, that statement from the union stewards, there is no specific accusation.”

Some of the complaints in the Dec. 29 letter were as follows:

• “Is unwilling to make important decisions within his authority.”

• “Does not listen.”

• “Takes matters personally and retaliates.”

• “Degrades employees by screaming at them and has created a hostile work environment.”

In response to the vote and letters to the board, Makela wrote in a prepared statement that some officers are resistant to new changes to the police department that he has been tasked with enforcing by the Joint Governing Board.
“During our recent implementation to problem-oriented policing (POP) there has been resistance by some employees to embrace this change,” he wrote. “Efforts to change for the betterment of the community are difficult when employees perceive that some of their duties and responsibilities will increase or change due to our changing community needs.”
Capra also said police officers wanting the board to take action have bypassed the Labor Management Committee and haven’t submitted a grievance to their unions.

The union stewards wrote in their Dec. 29 letter that the board has refused requested meetings and completely disregarded their vote of “no confidence.”
“We are surprised that the unanimous level of dissatisfaction of your workforce resulting in the vote of no confidence appears to be of so little importance to you,” the letter said.
Quad Press 1/20/2009
Link Here