Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/21/2008

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resistance when you come in after the fact and dig up their lawns and put something in. He stated that there isn't an easy solution. He stated that the real question, in his mind, is whether the sidewalk money can be used for a road somewhere else in the City that really needs it. Councilmember Olson stated that if the City isn't making this road safer for pedestrians, she doesn't think it should be upgraded for the truck traffic. - City Administrator Ulrich stated that if there was an agreement to assess for the overlay, that could be done. He stated that the City could go back and calculate the amount that would be needed to be tacked onto a general assessment, moving forward, to finance a street reconstruction program. He stated that this would not allow the City to move forward on this issue but look forward to the future. Councilmember Look stated that then the City wouldn't upgrade the road at all. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City will do the project, the resident would be assessed for the overlay amount and then, secondly, look at creating a Transportation District to handle assessments across the board. Councilmember Look asked if it was a separate line item on the tax statement. Public Works Director Olson stated that it would be similar to the storm drainage utility fee. He stated that Assistant City Administrator Nelson suggested that the City think about what benefit the City is providing to the resident so they cannot contest it. Councilmember Dehen stated that if it isn't an assessment, it is basically a tax or fee and the City wouldn't be required to show benefit. Public Works Director Olson stated that because this isn't an allowable utility, the City would have to find another way to do it. He stated that staff will consult with City Attorney Goodrich on a legal way to do this. Public Works Director Olson asked if there was a consensus on City Administrator Ulrich's proposal. Councilmember Elvig stated that he thinks the sidewalk can be dropped off. Councilmember Look suggested that the City hold the sidewalk out now, but when funds become available, inform residents that it will be put in. Councilmember Dehen stated that with that idea, residents will pay at least $1,500, for example, with the possibility that after a policy is established, the City will put in sidewalk and charge additional money for the curb and gutter. Public Works Director stated that if the intention is to eventually get the sidewalk in, it will cost more later. He stated that he thinks the residents and the City should both see benefits from this project. City Council Work Session / October 21,2008 Page 10 of 11