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Case CONSIDERATION OF MODIFYING ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE ANNUAL STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: Since its inception, the Street Maintenance Program was financed through special assessments. When the first maintenance projeCts were initiated in 1981, and continuing through 1990, the City's policy was to assess 100% of the costs associated with the maintenance program. Projects were segregated by subdivision and assessed individually. In 1990, the policy was modified such that the City contributed 50% of the individual project cost. The City's assessment policy is defined in written format in Section 4.50.01 of the City Code; however, many of the details of the assessment policy are not included in that document. Over the years, the details for establishing assessments have varied with the tenure of the City Engineer. At the last public hearing on the assessment for the 1994 Street Maintenance Program, Council agreed a detailed, written policy should be prepared. The purpose of this case is to consider any modifications desired in the assessment process. Survey of Metropolitan Communi _ty Assessment Policies: To assist in making decisions on Ramsey's assessment policy, a survey of a number of metropolitan communities was conducted. The results of this survey have been tabulated and are attached. It is interesting to note that none of the fourteen communities contacted assessed for seaicoating work and only two assessed for overlays. It is perhaps more significant to note that there is a variety of policies with no two cities being exactly alike. The per-unit assessment method is preferred, but the front footage method is certainly not rare. The City of Hopkins uses both methods and has a fairly detailed policy. The Issues: A draft assessment policy was considered at the December 13, 1994 Road and Bridge Committee meeting, and subsequently at the City Council meeting of that same date. Action was tabled because of lack of consensus on several issues. The discussion below addresses each of those issues and offers several alternatives. ~. Usually corner and double frontage lots receive the same maintenance treatment on both frontages within the particular project. There are, however, exceptions. A corner lot could receive an improvement on one frontage during one year and an improvement on the other frontage in a subsequent year. The City's past policy has consistently been that corner lots should receive an equal assessment to single frontage lots. The method of collecting has varied. Option 1 Corner lots shall be assessed one full share when the frontage on which the address or main driveway receives the improvement. This is the policy which was utilized prior to 1991. Corner lots shall be assessed one-half share on each frontage unless the second frontage is on a State Highway, County Road, or an MSA street, listed above [list to be developed in