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ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 225 of intention; and report on bids. The Mayor opened the public hearings on the question of public c0n~m~em~e and necessity of the project, re~0]~tion The Director of Public Works orally reviewed his report dated October 28, 1971, giving a history of the attempts to form the Assessment District, the reasons therefor, a report on the bid opening for the project, and alternatives for Council consideration at this time. He further stated that a total of 161 protests had been received, t3 of which were questionable as to validity, leaving 148; and that based on the area, this woul~ amount to 58.2% of the area in protest; that if the 13 were allowed, the percentage of protest would be 62.6%. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Wolford stated that the assessment for the average lot would be under $700 which can be paid off over a ten year period at 7% interest, or in cash, or with a down payment with the balance on a ten year bond; that 256 assessments are involved; that of the 148 protests, 96 live within the district, 52 outside; that, with one exception, the protests were identical form letters delivered to the office of the Clerk of the Council. Councilman Villa questioned the validity of this type of protest, stating he received reports that property owners were told if they didn't sign the protest, the City could come and take their property from them; and that he believed the procedure used to obtain the protests was improper. The following persons spoke in opposition to the formation of the district: Mr. Robert Drake, 1722 Greenville Street, owner AP #109-193-17 Mr. Harvey K. Walker, 2506 W. Pomona, owner AP#109-191-61 Mrs. Ruth Brinkman, 9161 Arrington Avenue, Downey, owner AP #109-172-14 Mr. John Harper, 1634 Diamond Street, owner AP #109-175-04. Those opposed stated that there is no question improvements are needed; but the people in the area are in the lower income bracket and the cost is a hardship; that tl~e City should pay a larger share of the total cost; and that Council has no right to levyt an assessment, and if not paid, to take the property. In response to Council questions, Attorney John Ganahl stated that there is a proyi~i;on for foreclosure if a bond is not paid; that it can be done by legal action or by direct sale; that if it is by sale, the least part of the lot necessary to pay off the amount due will be sold; and that there is a redemption period whereby the owner can redeem lii~ property by paying amounts due. 9di br~ The following persons spoke in favor of forming the assessment district: Mr. John H. Daywalt, Principal, Valley High School Mr. James Pruitt, 2426 W. Occidental Mr. Paul C. Dunn, 2502 W. Occidental Mr. James Lukens, ll51 River Lane Mrs. Palomo, 2529 W. Pomona Mr. Robert Metz, 1212 S. Parton Mrs. Webster, 1700 Greenville Mrs. Worcester, 2217 W. Camden Place Mr. C. Paskerian, 2422 N. Fairmont Street Mr. John Black, 2633 Jessee Drive Mr. Don McGregor, 2422 W. Pomona CITY COUNCIL -363- November 1, 1971