Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/07/2008

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2007 levels of fuel consumption and was made earlier this year before the steep rise in gas prices. The actual MSA allocation will be a percentage established by law oEthe gas tax revenues received by the state. Over the past two fiscal years, the City has chosen to receive 35% of its annual allocation for maintenance activities. A total of $130,000 goes into the general f~md to cover plowing, sweeping, patching, and general maintenance on our MSA Streets which comprise 15% of our total street mileage. The remaining monies, averaging $150,000 annually, has been used to cover the sealcoating ofMSA streets. Assuming a total annual allocation of $1,000,000 and the current spending for maintenance and projected sealcoating costs, the amount of MSA revenues available to fund the types of proj ects identified above could be expected to range between $7 and $8 million. Observations: Based upon the above analysis the available MSA funding will not meet the total needs of the system over the next ten years. It would seem prudent to establish a policy which would leverageMSA monies through. special assessments wherever benefit to adjacent property can be documented. Some assessment aspects associated with MSA streets might include the following: . Differentiate betvveen types ofMSA streets. Major oollector streets 51-l0h as 167 Avenue, Alpine Drive, and VarioHte Street might be classified differently from streets that serve largely as neighborhood collectors such as Andrieand 164th Lane; lS6th Lane west ofTH 47; Waco Street between Sunwood Drive and Alpine Drive; and some portions of Sunwood Drive. Consideration might be given tor assessing lower functioning MSA streets more consistent with non MSA streets while having MSA funds pick up more costs of the main collectors. . . Assess the width and pavement cross section of a standard residential street on all types ofMSA streets. .. Assess all or a portion of the cost of concrete curb and gutter where it is not currently present. Concrete curb and gutter enhances street drainage which keeps the roadway in better condition and improves the appearance of the road and the neighboring properties. . Consider affirming or redefine the existing street assessment policies which are attached to this case. Policies 7, 9, and 10 pertain to MSA streets. . Require the installation of sidewalk or trail on any new street reconstruction project in keeping with the goal of making Ramsey a walkable community. The installation of this street element would reduce overall system costs by eliminating an additional mobilization and minimize restoration costs tor lawns, driveways and irrigation systems associated with a futtlre project far this element. Recommendation: The development and implementation of a comprehensive policy for the assessment of street improvements is anticipated to require considerable disC'ussion. Staff recommends that the Committee provide direction on the elements proposed within this case and possibly present additional ones. Staff also recommends that the financing ofIP 08~32 Andrie Street / 164th Lane -24-