Minutes - Council - 12/11/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he is concerned that if the City proceeds in this manner, it will have to rely on somebody remembering what the City Council's intent was somewhere in the future. He stated that although he would love to save $350,000 by using MSA funds for the road, he thinks the bigger plan should be discussed, so it is on paper, and in 5 years when things are put into the CIP, it is very clear what this City Council intended. He stated that he appreciated the work that has been done revising the plans, but if there is a better plan to make a future connection where it will make sense, the City should do that. He reiterated his concern that if there are not historians at the table, the intent, in this situation, will be lost. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City takes a look every year for realistic MSA connections so the City can get the money it needs to upgrade the roadway system. He stated that he agrees that this is a much broader issue and noted that there will need to be additional analysis on the exact alignment of the roadway as well as public participation. He stated that this plan is purely conceptual, just a line on a piece of paper, and in April, when the City takes a broader look at MSA designations, he hopes to take a much broader look at the area. Terri Peterson, 16951 Variolite Street, asked if the City couldn't just route the road a different way to retain the ability to use the MSA funds. Mayor Gamec stated that there needs to be a connection from one County Road to another to use MSA funds. Ms. Peterson stated that her neighborhood had suggested other alignment routes that they felt made sense. She stated that she is disappointed with the discussion tonight because she felt they had such strong City Council support after the work session. She stated that the neighborhood understands that the City does not want to lose MSA funds, but suggests that the City find a route that makes sense right now. Mayor Gamec reviewed the alternate routes suggested by Ms. Peterson. He stated that he thinks the easiest way is to take the staff recommendation and after the first portion is constructed, review the MSA routes. Public Works Director Olson confirmed that Mayor Gamec was suggesting the road plans be removed from the CIP, but kept in the comprehensive plan. Ms. Peterson stated that she wanted it noted that there has been communication problems surrounding this project and reminded the City Council that her first inkling that something would be happening was when Bolton Menk was in her front yard surveying her property. Chris Gates, 7630 166th Avenue NW, stated that she is confused about what is happening tonight. Mayor Gamec explained that the City Council is planning to eliminate section 2 which had previously been referred to as section 3 in the CIP. City Council / December 11, 2007 Page 13 of 25