One notable issue involved the public hearing for the 2024 assessment hearing, where the city engineer presented the final assessment for several improvement projects, including those on 10th Street, the 13th Street-Grace Avenue area, and Wilmer Avenue. The total costs outlined were approximately $6.45 million for street improvements, $1.4 million for sanitary sewer, $1.7 million for water main, and $2 million for storm sewer. The assessment rates were set at $64 per foot for street reconstruction and $116.25 for sanitary sewer main reconstruction, with a 15-year term and an interest rate of 5.86%. Property owners were given the option to make prepayments before October 31, 2024, without interest.

Residents raised numerous objections during the public hearing, highlighting the financial strain imposed by the high assessment amounts. Justin Matern, a resident of 13th Street Southwest, critiqued the assessment process, advocating for a reduction of 33% in his assessed amount and arguing that various funding sources meant to offset project costs were not being adequately utilized. Dennis Schabower of Grace Avenue, Don Pierce from Rice Avenue, and Donna Eisley of 14th Street Southwest echoed similar sentiments, with many residents expressing shock at the unexpectedly high figures compared to previous years.

Concerns about the assessment amounts continued with Kathy Southwest, who shared her personal and financial struggles, arguing that the removal of trees along Grace Avenue had detracted from the neighborhood’s appeal. Mike Daka and Jaline Goer, also residents of Grace Avenue, described the detrimental impact of the road changes and the challenges posed by ongoing construction, urging the council to reconsider the fairness of the assessments.

Further objections were raised by Emily Strike of Wilmer Avenue, John Magnuson of 12th Street Southwest, and Blake Fold of 13th Street Southwest, with many emphasizing the financial burden and the need for better communication and planning. John Saunders of Grace Avenue and John Kennedy of Wilmer Avenue Southeast supported the objections and called for a reevaluation of the assessment policy.

The city council acknowledged the residents’ concerns, with the city attorney confirming the council’s obligation to address each objection made, whether presented orally or in writing. The council discussed the possibility of continuing the hearing to allow for further investigation and potential adjustments to the assessment policy, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment for all residents impacted by the assessments.

In addition to the contentious assessment issues, the council also tackled the proposed broadband project, which involved a financial commitment aimed at enhancing community engagement and outreach efforts. The project required an additional $40,000 for these initiatives, following a previous expenditure of $25,000 which had resulted in only 26 letters of support from local businesses and industries. The council debated the effectiveness of this spending and the need for strategic outreach to better understand the community’s internet service needs.

The broadband project aimed for a take rate of around 8% in its first phase, translating to approximately 250 users, with a long-term goal of achieving a 40% take rate over eight years. However, concerns were raised about the lack of public demand and the necessity of concrete financial projections before committing further resources. The council ultimately approved a resolution related to Hometown Fiber and a professional services agreement with Bolton and Menk, with a total request of $400,000 for the civil engineering portion of the fiber project.

The meeting also covered various community events and initiatives, including the “Taste of Ukraine” event at Robins Island and the “Flare L Steven” celebration of Norwegian ancestry. The Community Growth Director shared information about an upcoming “Welcoming Week” event aimed at fostering community engagement and trust among residents, particularly new immigrants.