Agenda - Council - 01/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Dehen stated he is not sure he has a grasp on what the Northfork community wants. Mr. Olson stated that 35 out of 67 benefitting property owners were opposed to the sidewalks. Councilmember Dehen asked how many want sidewalks to which Mr. Olson replied he did not know. Councilmember Dehen estimated that could be pretty close to half not wanting it. He questioned if this could be tabled to pose that question to the individual homeowners. City Attorney Goodrich stated that to be clear about this the petition and the four bullets in this case — property owners would be assessed. The sidewalks were added by the City Council last year. That part of the project will not be assessed, the petitioning will not have a legal effect on the sidewalk. It is not forcing the City Council to do anything. Council could direct, for example, that staff send out a letter to ask if the residents are in favor of a sidewalk or not and the citizens could take a petition and ask their neighbors if they are in favor or not. Councilmember Wise asked for clarification if the funding source comes from the MSA funds and could they be used for other road projects to which Mr. Olson replied yes. Mayor Ramsey stated that the consensus is that we should include sidewalks and he would be in agreement with that. This would give clear direction to Northfork - maybe we should send out a mailer asking for a simple yes or no and, at that time, he would cast his vote for the majority. Councilmember Look stated he would be in favor of sidewalks. We looked at $4,500 assessments early on to upgrade the road. These property owners would get a $1,700 assessment in lieu of $4,500 and sidewalks — that is a "heck of a deal ". This would be a 9 -ton road and a sidewalk and it is not a $4,500 assessment. Councilmember Look reiterated he would favor sidewalks and would appreciate the opinion from the residents. Councilmember Dehen stated that he has not make up his mind yet but appreciates Councilmember Jeffrey's concerns about public safety. He stated he would like the Northfork community to do some "soul searching" — this is a $1,700 amenity. He spoke to the property owners saying they could debate it more and contact Councilmembers with your thoughts. He added that he thought there was a Council consensus, even without his vote, leaning heavy toward sidewalks. Councilmember McGlone stated that during the comp plan process, Mr. Peck of North Fork came in and he wanted to amend another North Fork addition. When that next addition comes before the City, will we require him to put in a sidewalk. City Council /January 13, 2009 Page 9 of 32