Huntingburg Public Works and Safety meeting September 4, 2014
Street Superintendent Jason Stamm notified the Huntingburg Board of Public Works that two homeowners were contesting paying for the installation of new curbs and gutters on Clay Street near Race and Tenth Street.
The city splits the cost of the project between the city and the homeowner. According to Stamm, the homeowner pays the contractors fees for the project while the city handles all the engineering and planning fees. Of the two property owners contesting the project costs, one will pay about $900 and the other about $2,100 for the curb and gutter improvements that abut their properties.
Stamm stated it appeared the city would need to resort to using the Barretts Law to finish the curb and gutter project.
According to city attorney Phil Schneider, the city can complete the improvements and the cost of the improvements become a lien against each property that abuts the improvement through what is called the Barretts Law Assessment. It is available for streets and utilities and according to Schneider, the city has used it historically for curb and gutter improvements.
The law is designed to allow the improvements deemed necessary for various public concerns — safety, maintenance, or improved performance — to be completed. Invoking the law will slow the process of completing the curb and gutter project and Stamm admitted it likely wouldn’t be finished until 2015.
During the process, after the board gives approval for the project, it will hold a hold a public hearing and the homeowners affected will be notified. During the hearing, cost estimates are presented and the board gives the final approval. After construction is completed, another hearing is held to assess the costs assigned to the property owners and if they refuse to pay, the city can file a lien on their properties.
The lien then becomes part of the property’s taxes.
For homeowners that agree to pay for the improvements, they have three choices. They can pay it in a single lump sum, payi it over 12 months with no interest, or taking two additional years (for a total of three) to pay it with a 5 percent interest rate on those two additional years.
Stamm stated he didn’t want to have to use the law to complete the project but notified the board he felt it was a necessary project for the city to complete.
Also in the meeting:
-Heard from Fire Chief Scott Patberg that the city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating would remain a 5. He told the board that most city’s with volunteer fire departments fall in the 4 or 5 rating.
-Heard from Police Chief Art Parks that the anonymous tip line is operational. Residents can call 812-684-2992 to leave a tip at any time and request an officer to call back.
-Street Superintendent Stamm notified the board that fall cleanup days are set for noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Friday, Oct. 3, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The cost for residents to dispose of unwanted items is $2 per car, $5 per truck, $5 per trailer shorter than 8 feet, and $10 per trailer longer than 8 feet. Tires on rims are $3, tires without rims are $2, large truck and tractor tires are $5, and televisions, computers and monitors are $6. Small loose items must be placed in a trash bag to be accepted. Small items are considered those smaller than 12 to 18 inches. Items containing Freon, such as refrigerators, dehumidifiers and air conditioners, require a certificate from a licensed plumber stating the Freon has been removed. Wood, plywood, asphalt shingles and other construction debris will not be accepted.
“Fall Cleanup Days” are for Huntingburg residents only. A utility bill and ID are required. The City of Huntingburg reserves the right to refuse any item.
-Approved Stamm’s request to seek quotes to replace a 1993 snow plow with a new truck. Stamm said the current truck is unsafe for the rough work during the winter.
-Rescheduled the next meeting from 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, to the same time Thursday, Oct. 9.
