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City of Missoula, Montana Item to be Referred to City Council Committee Committee: Public Works Committee Item: MMC Title 12 Chapter 12.12 Curbs, Sidewalk and Paving Date: December 18, 2009 Prepared by: Monte Sipe Initiated by: Monte Sipe Action Required: Consider leaving the default assessment term at eight years in adoption of the ordinance revision dated December 18, 2009 revising Missoula Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 12, entitled Curbs, Sidewalk, and Paving. Recommended Motion: The committee recommends the City Council consider leaving the default assessment term at eight years in adoption of the ordinance revision dated December 18, 2009 revising Missoula Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 12, entitled Curbs, Sidewalk, and Paving set for public hearing on January 11, 2010. Timeline: Referral to committee: January 4, 2010 Committee discussion: January 6, 2010 Council acts to set hearing: December 14, 2009 Public Hearing: January 11, 2010 Background and Alternatives Explored: This ordinance includes the twenty-year financing option that is available to property owners for curb and sidewalk projects. At the December 9, 2009 Public Works Committee meeting, staff suggested the default assessment option for property owners who do not choose an option be changed from eight years to twenty years. After further consideration and discussion among staff, it is suggested that the eight year term remain the default unless property owners notify the City electing another option. Financial Implications: While a twenty year assessment term would bring down semi-annual payments, the interest accrued over the twenty years would be substantially more than the eight year term. In addition to the eight, twelve, and twenty year term options, there are two deferral options. Owner occupied residential properties with a household income at 80% or less of median income level for the Missoula area can defer the full cost of the improvements. A second deferral option allows owner occupied residential properties, regardless of income level, to defer all costs in excess of $6,000. The owner would then have the option of an eight, twelve or twenty year term for the remaining $6,000. Attachments: Revised Draft Ordinance