Maple Plain City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Delinquent Utility Assessments
2026 Industrial Street Reconstruction Project and Special Assessments
2026 Downtown Area Street Reconstruction Project and Special Assessments
Votes (3)
Public Hearing for Delinquent Utility Assessments at 1660 Spring Avenue
Dissent: None
Moved by Bierach [3:24] · Seconded by Pearson [3:29]
The public hearing was opened for delinquent utility assessments. A citizen inquired about the nature of the property, clarifying it's mixed-use business. No other public comments were received regarding the assessment.
Public Hearing for 2026 Industrial Street Reconstruction Project and Special Assessments
Dissent: None
Moved by Arevizo [5:58] · Seconded by Pearson [6:04]
The Assistant City Engineer, Matt Bowman, presented the project, noting its substantial completion. Key details included total costs, city's share, and assessment methods based on frontage ($66.41 per foot) for the properties served by utilities. The project utilized pipe bursting to minimize business impact. Councilmember Beerbower clarified that the mill and overlay portion was considered maintenance and not assessed. No public comments were offered.
Public Hearing for 2026 Downtown Area Street Reconstruction Project and Special Assessments
Dissent: Public speakers expressed strong opposition to the assessment amounts and methodology.
Moved by Pearson [13:46] · Seconded by Hervieux [13:51]
The Assistant City Engineer presented the project's scope, status, and assessment details. The project, still ongoing, has a total cost exceeding $5.6 million. Assessments are based on 35% of street and storm sewer costs using an adjusted front footage basis ($200.83/foot) and by unit for water and sanitary sewer. Public speakers, including property owners of residential, commercial, and non-profit entities, expressed significant concerns about the fairness of the assessment amounts. Arguments centered on the disproportionate burden on corner lots, high percentages relative to property values (up to 25%), lack of specific benefit studies, comparison to lower assessment rates in other cities, and the perceived subsidization of new commercial development. The city acknowledged concerns and confirmed discussions would continue before a final vote at the subsequent meeting.
Notable Quotes (12)
So, I mean, you don't identify these properties by name.
The street portion was a mill and overlay. That comes to $167,646, and then remai- remaining portion of the water cost is 180- just under 186,000 for an overall project cost of 453, $1,402.
And so 35% of the 280, just about 286,000, amounts to $66.41 per foot.
I guess my simple my simplify my question is we would be assessing them for road construction, the new road, and all that, but yet we chose a different construction path that allowed just the water line to be assessed.
The total project cost is five a little over $5.6 million. Uh these the total assessable amount comes to $1.5 uh one $1,513,445.
And the the utilities the sanitary sewer and the water main are also used to each assess 35% of the total for those that are connect connected to the work that we are doing.
Is there a difference between commercial and residential lots when it comes to the assessments?
This assessment on this property is 25% of the home value. That is not fair.
Whatever formula is used, it must be strictly limited by the special benefit each property receives by the project. Both the city and the state define special benefit as the increase in property value as a result of public improvement.
In the event of the literal application of the provisions outlined herein would result in an inequitable distribution of special assessments, the city council reserves the right to adjust the policy to achieve the more equitable distribution.
And so, where it looks like everybody that lives on Main Street on the east side here, we're actually paying to have all those upgraded improvements that everybody's going to benefit from, that are going to be using it, in to the tune of, you know, 40% more than what normally would be.
But it just really seems like a huge assessment. A large assessment, especially for C pool on mean, the residents. Um, a quarter of the value of the property, and then after the interest accrues over 20 years, if someone has to go that route, it's just really unfortunate and really really upsetting.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Authorized for both reconstruction projects, used to estimate costs and inform decisions.
List of properties and their proposed assessment amounts for both projects.
City's guidelines on special assessments, defining 'special benefit' as an increase in property value.
Document providing taxable market value for properties, used in assessing impact.
Formal objections submitted by homeowners regarding proposed assessments.
Reference for corner lot credits (150 ft, 6-year period).
Publicly available information containing property details and project specifics.