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cay or BELOW WIwonsin PROCEEDINGS OF THE BELOIT CITY COUNCIL 100 State Street, Beloit WI 53511 Monday, May 2, 2011 Presiding: Kevin D. Leavy Present: Sheila De Forest, Charles Haynes, David F. Luebke, Eric Newnham, Mark Spreitzer, and James Van De Bogart 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. 2. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY/ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Representative Amy Loudenbeck presented a Citation from the State Legislature to the Beloit Transit System for receipt of the 2010 Statewide Transit Safety Award. Transit Director Michelle Gavin thanked Representative Loudenbeck and the Council and said that the honor of the award goes to her staff. b. Vice President Van De Bogart presented a Proclamation to Public Works Director Dave Botts declaring April 29, 2011 Arbor Dar. Mr. Botts thanks the City Council for supporting the terrace operations and said that this is the City's 23' year being recognized as a Tree City. File 7148 c. Vice President Van De Bogart presented a Proclamation to City Clerk Rebecca Houseman declaring May 1 through May 7, 2011 Municipal Clerks Week. Ms. Houseman thanked the City Council for the recognition. File 7148 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Public Work Director Dave Botts presented a Resolution authorizing Sanitary Sewer and Water System Improvements and Levying Special Assessments Against Benefited Property. Mr. Botts gave a brief history of the request for water and sewer service and the project. City Manager Larry Arft discussed the pertinence of the Ordinance change under Section 6 regarding deferral of special assessments for this Resolution. Mr. Arft said that, in response to the concerns mentioned by residents in the Hawthorne Drive neighborhood, the City decided to propose a chance to the special assessment ordinance which allows people to defer their special assessment almost indefinitely. President Leavy opened the public hearing. • Ben and Karla Smith, 2550 Hawthorne Drive, spoke in favor of the project. They indicated that they own the house with the failing septic system and would like to hook into the City's sanitary sewer system. • Max Dodson, 2531 Hawthorne Drive, spoke against the project. He said that the proposal has been contentious from the beginning. He asked for clarification regarding the sequence of events surrounding the request for sewer service, and he requested that any action regarding the project and the special assessment be tabled until the new Councilors can fully understand the issue. • Roger Maryott, 2515 Hawthorne Drive, spoke against the project. He indicated that he had just purchased a new well to provide water for this property, and he questioned why the City did not require him to hook into the City's water system. • Don Myers, 2525 Hawthorne Drive, spoke against the project. He said that he has lived at his house for 30 years and has never had a problem with the well or the septic system. • Tom Holmes, 2537 Hawthorne Drive, spoke in favor of the fire protection that will be provided with this water and sewer project. He indicated that he was not happy about having to pay the special assessment but that there are other benefits to consider, including the fire protection provided by hydrants. • Kim Sandow, 2536 Hawthorne Drive, spoke against the project. She said that adding a $23,000 burden on each household under the current economic circumstances will cause people to lose their homes. President Leavy closed the public hearing. Councilor De Forest said that she is disturbed by the lack of transparency regarding this project. She indicated that she feels mislead and understands the residents' frustrations. Councilor Luebke asked if the City could provide copies of the letter regarding the failing septic system from Rock County to the residents in the audience. Police Chief Norm Jacobs made copies of the letter and distributed it to the affected residents. Manager Arft mentioned that the reference to police Page 1 of 4