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Property owners oppose Guide Meridian sewer latecomer assessments; council continues hearing to May 5
Summary
At a public hearing the Lynden City Council heard opposition from two property owners to a latecomer reimbursement area for sewer work; staff said total reimbursable costs are $1,094,898.08. Council continued the hearing to May 5 to allow further questions of staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bode opened a public hearing on a proposed Guide Meridian sewer latecomer agreement at 7:13 p.m. and administered an oath to those intending to speak. Public Works staff described about 900 linear feet of new 8-inch main along Front Street and Guide Meridian and explained the city’s proposed assessment reimbursement area.
Public Works Director Jan Hutchins told the council that "The total reimbursable costs associated with the Sewer Improvements financed by the City are $1,094,898.08." That total, staff said, would be allocated among parcels in the assessment reimbursement area based on each parcel’s square footage. The staff presentation cited RCW 35.91.060 and Lynden Municipal Code 13.28.130 as legal authority for creating a reimbursement area.
Two property owners testified in opposition. Duane Scholten (321 Birch Bay Lynden Road) and Pharm Bhullar (8247 Guide Meridian Road) spoke against the proposed latecomer assessments; no other members of the public offered testimony. Council members questioned the speakers and then allowed Public Works staff to respond and offer clarification.
After discussion, Councilor Gary Vis moved and Councilor Lee Beld seconded to continue the matter to the May 5 council meeting, when council expects to pose follow-up questions to staff and re-open the hearing. The motion passed 4-0. City Attorney Bob Carmichael reminded council members not to communicate about the matter with Mr. Scholten or Ms. Bhullar outside public proceedings to avoid an appearance of fairness violation.
The council did not take a final vote on assessments; the matter will return to the council agenda on May 5 for further consideration.
