Saint Paul logo
File #: RLH TA 19-200    Version:
Type: Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Status: Passed
In control: City Council
Final action: 5/22/2019
Title: Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 110 VIRGINIA STREET. (File No. CG1901A1, Assessment No. 190051)
Sponsors: Dai Thao
Ward: Special Tax Assessments, Ward - 1
Attachments: 1. 110 Virginia Street.October Notice of Non-Payment.10.30.2018, 2. 110 Virginia Street.November Notice of Non-Payment.11.30.2018, 3. 110 Virginia Street.December Notice of Non-Payment.12.31.2018, 4. 110 Virginia Street.City Letter. 02.01.2019, 5. 110 Virginia Street.FW_ Halpine 110 Virginia letter explaining nonpayment.02.01.2019, 6. 110 Virginia St.Highland Letter. 02.01.2019, 7. 110 Virginia St.Email-Letter of Appeal & Photo.5-1-19.pdf, 8. 110 Virginia St.Vang-Halpine email.5-3-19.pdf
Related files: RLH AR 19-39

Title

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 110 VIRGINIA STREET. (File No. CG1901A1, Assessment No. 190051)

 

Hearing Date(s)

Date of LH: 4/11/2019; 5/2/19

Time of LH: 9:00 AM

Date of CPH: 5/22/2019

 

Tax Assessment Worksheet

Postcard Returned by: Colleen Halpine

Cost: $ 192.16

Service Charge: $2.50

Total Assessment:  $ 194.66

Hauling Service(s) Provided: Garbage Service for 2 Small Carts; Oct 1 - Dec 31 2018

Garbage Hauler: Highland Sanitation

Type of Order/Fee: Garbage Hauling

Billing Time Period: 4th Quarter 2018 (Oct 1 - Dec 31)

Invoice Date(s): Oct - 10/30/2018 / Nov - 11/30/2018 / Dec - 12/31/2018

Returned Mail/Notice Concerns?:

Stated Reason for Appeal (if given): Hearing Request #1: I have never used the service. I oppose the increased cost compared to previous service, the no sharing provision and city negotiated contract does not encourage waste reduction, recycling and composting as required by state laws and Ramsey County waste policies. I oppose City Council's not abiding by Charter Rules and State law when City voted not to allow a validated referendum request  to be placed on next ballot. Hearing Request #2: I don't need one garbage container for each dwelling unit in my house. I only need one container for the four units because we recycle and compost. With the City mandated program, my garbage service cost is $400/year more compared to what I was paying for garbage service before. I object to the no sharing and little to no financial incentive to recycle and compost. I object to the lack of public awareness of the cost before city council voted on the negotiated contract. I also object to the City Council not allowing a referendum on the garbage program.

Staff Comments: Under citywide garbage service, all residential properties with up to four units, including rental homes and townhomes, are required to have a garbage cart and receive garbage service for each dwelling unit. Property owners must provide garbage service for all occupied dwellings. There is no option to opt out of the citywide garbage service. The City is operating under a signed contract under state statute.

 

Body

WHEREAS, the Office of Financial Services Real Estate Section has attached to this Council File both a report of completion outlining the costs and fees associated with Trash Hauling during Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2018. (File No. CG1901A1, Assessment No. 190051) and the assessment roll including all properties for which these assessments are proposed for Council ratification; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council’s Legislative Hearing Officer has reviewed an appeal of this assessment and developed a recommendation for the City Council with respect to this assessment; and

 

WHEREAS, a public hearing having been conducted for the above improvement, and said assessment having been further considered by the Council and having been considered financially satisfactory; Now, Therefore, Be It

 

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Saint Paul City Charter, said assessment is hereby ratified and payable in one installment.

 

 

Date NameDistrictOpinionCommentAction
5/22/2019 7:01 PMEric Lein Against ••ORD 18-39 was not effective until October 10, 2018. ••ORD 18-39 was “suspended in its operation” (per City Charter Sec. 8.05) when the City Council adopted Resolution 18-1922, “Finding the Petition for a referendum of ORD 18-39 is legally sufficient…” ••ORD 18-40 has been suspended since October 2018. Language in force says: “…This section shall not preclude a****ing property owners from cooperating for arranging for collection services from a licensed hauler, nor other arrangements for reasonable interruption of service.” ••The City and haulers have not complied with MN Stat. Chapter 443. Rates fail to take into account the character, kind & quality of service, of rubbish & method of disposition. Rates fail to take into account the number of people served. ••Charges and ***essments for 1, 2, 3 or 4 unnecessary empty trash carts exceed the benefits to the property and violate MN Stat. Chapter 429 and City Charter Chapter 14. ••Invalid Garbage Contract signed after deadline.