Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/21/2008

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City Engineer Jankowski stated that the street would need to be tore up, however because he already has sewer and water he would not be assessed again. He reiterated that the residents made a pretty good argument for why this access should stay open . Bob Hartman, 5475 ISIS! Avenue, asked whose idea it was to open 1520d to Helium Street because that wasn't included on the petition. Public Works Director Olson stated that staff acts based on priorities identified by the Council. He stated that the Council has been trying to connect neighborhoods for many years, so when a petition comes forward likes this, in which the City is putting a significant amount of money into the project, staff has to try to keep to the goals from the Council. He stated that he will admit that this came from him because it doesn't make a lot of sense to have a roadway connecting to a school and not be able to drive to it from this neighborhood, and people can't walk to it without crossing private property. He reiterated that eliminating single access neighborhoods has been a priority of the Council for quite a while. Chairperson Elvig stated that if the City receives a request to pave a road, it must do it the correct way. He noted that if citizens say that paving the road to City's standards won't work for them, they have the opportunity to say so. Mr. Hartman asked how much the connection to Helium will cost and whether the residents will be stuck with the bill. City Engineer Jankowski stated that the feasibility study proposes that the cost for acquisition of right of way be contributed by the City out of its general fund and the cost of paving the 140 ft. of roadway would be part of the project cost and residents would be assessed for 50% of that cost. Chairperson Elvig asked if there was any precedent that since this was the City's initiative, whether the City would take on the entire cost. Councilmember Olson suggested that the City look at the cost of putting a bulb in the road and the cost for cutting the street through. She stated that then perhaps the City could consider pic.king up the cost for the difference. Chairperson Elvig stated that he feels this is a good idea and would like to see those costs. City Engineer Jankowski stated that another issue was related to assessing the comer lots. He stated that staff is recommending that equal assessments based on fronting footage, not a unit based assessment be used. Councilmember Olson asked if there were any drainage issues in this area. City Engineer Jankowski stated that there are drainage issues and at the meeting there was discussion about moving the outlet from its current location. Public Works Committee / September 16, 2008 Page 4 of 17