Agenda - Public Works Committee - 05/20/2008

Home

CASE # 9. DISCUSSION OF POLICIES REGARDING THE PAVING OF DIRT STREETS By:. Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: . Recently there has been a surge of interest in paving the dwindling mileage of dirt streets. Since last December there have been various inquiries into possible paving projects on Chameleon Street north of 173rd Avenue; Collins Drive and BeattyAvenue south of Highway 10, and Ute Street in the northeastern comer of the City. A recent staff conversation with one res~dent of Chameleon Street suggested that the resident was in favor of a paving project but did not wish to circulate a petition out of concern for neighborhood repercussions. Staff explained that the current policy (unwritten, but based on previous Council direction) was that the City would not initiate an hnprovement Project but would await a petition from the affected property owners. The City Council does have the authority to initiate such a project with a 4/5th vote. It has been a significant length oftime since this policy direction was given by Council. Does the Committee wish to consider a change? Now that the Council has been expanded to seven members is a 4/5th vote still a reasonable supermajority? A second issue that is frequently discussed with staff when residents inquire about paving project focuses on the City's participation in the project cost. Most recently the City has funded 50% of the project cost of paving Welcome's road and expended even more than 50% ofthe St. Francis Boulevard frontage road because of the inclusion of a trail and the absence of development on one side of the street. However, this level of participation has not been established as part of an official policy. Should this issue be reconsidered? In addition to these issues there may be other elements that the Committee wishes to raise. Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer City Attorney PW: OS/20/08 15