07091973 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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I !JS' regular meeting, july 9, 1973 page four assessment. Mr. Baker stated that the contract price for improvements to Thorp lane was $109,898.50, and for Linda Drive, $73,000.00. He said the cost per I inear foot for Thorp lane was $30.80, and for lindaDr~ve, $26.70. The rates of assessment, said Mr. Baker, are $6.50 per front foot for property zoned "e" and "M", and $4.50 per front foot for "R-l" zoned property. Mr. Baker then gave examples of how the assessmenfs were figured. Mr. Walker then introduced Mr. James E. Byrn, P.E., who stated that he was famil iar with the plans, specifications, cost estimates, and method of assessment, and that, in his opinion, the plans and specifications reflected good engineering practice and design. I Mr. Ray Merritt was next introduced by Mr. Walker, and stated that he was an independent fee appraiser residing in Austin, Texas; that he was employed by the City of San Marcos to examine the property in question; and that he had no interest in the property, nor 'any fu'tul1e.' interest' ,.i ""thee lHwperty. Mr. Merr i tt stated that he was famil iar with the plans and specifications for the street improvements and famil iar with the method of assessment. He said that, if done according to the plans and method of apportionment, each piece of property involved would be enhanced in value greater than the assessment on it. The benefits. according to Mr. Merritt, wil I be ease of access and proper drainage. He gave example from Austin and 'other Texas cities illustrating comparable increases in value on property due to improved access ~nd traff~ccontrol. Mr. Baugh, Acting City Manager, stated that he was familiar with the plans, specifications, cost estimate and method of assessment, and that he had no reservat~ons regarding the project. I Mayor Etheredge stated that there were two concerns to be determined by the publ ic hearing: that the notice of meeting and publ ic hearing was given in accordance with law, and that the improvements to linda Drive and Thorp lane do enhance the value of each piece of property in excess of the assessment against each piece of property. Mrs. Devinney, representing her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Drumm, came before the Council to state that they did not feel the improvements would increase the value of their property since there was no access to Thorp lane from their property. Mrs. Rost and Mrs. Duckworth, owners of Del Mar Apartments on Thorp lane, were present to inquire as to the right-oF-way they had donated to the City to improve Thorp lane. Mr. Baugh infor~ed them that after the street had been accepted by the City, the lien would be removed from their property. The right-of-way donation would be accepted in I ieu of the assessment. Mr. J.B. Roberts, owner of property on Thorp lane, came before the 60uncil to state that curbing was planned to be placed across the now unused street of Minor, denying him access to I his property. Mr. Roberts was assured by Mr. Walker and Mr. Baugh that access to his property would not, and coule not, under law, be denied him. Mr. H.G. Stokes stated his objections to the assessment program on the grounds that: the City had refused the offer by the County to do the drainage and sub-base work, thus increasing the price of the improvements; the City was not in compl iance with the ordinance regarding the width of streets; and that the material presented by Mr. Merritt was not relevant since it did not pertain to San Marcos.