Agenda - Public Works Committee - 12/13/2011

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City Engineer Himmer reviewed the staff report and asked whether Garnet Street, between 167th Avenue and the Brookfield subdivision, should be used as a kick-off project using the Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund as seed money. Councilmember Backous stated he would say the same thing if facing a road assessment, for the City to continue to maintain the roads until a franchise fee is in place to make cost more palatable. City Engineer Himmer explained the City can consider deferred assessments for lots with enough foot frontage that the lot can be subdivided. In that case, the lot with the principal structure can be charged a typical assessment and the rest deferred until development occurs. In that case, the remaining assessment would be paid at the time the lots are sold. Chairperson McGlone asked whether this area has large acre lots. City Engineer Himmer answered in the affirmative. Public Works Director Olson commented on projects that also include utilities and curb and gutter. He asked whether the Public Works Committee thinks this is an important enough project to put forward. If so, staff will design the project over the winter months for construction next year. Councilmember Elvig noted when the property to the north was done, it was assumed the property to the south would likely sell out and give initiative to put in roads and utilities. At that time, Mr. Peterson had talked with property owners and got 10 out of 12 in agreement. However, now they want the road only patched and it is the worse road in Ramsey. Councilmember Elvig stated he does not see a way that development will come to initiate this project for many years so something needs to be done to replace that road. He asked whether the City should put in a new road as cost effective as possible knowing that some day utilities will go in. Or, should the City reconstruct the road with utility infrastructure, paying for the utilities from the Utility Fund, and charging property owners for a normal assessment. Public Works Director Olson stated the City could move forward with a plan that included water and sewer in the roadway, providing future hookups and services to the property line paid by the Enterprise Funds, and getting reimbursed when people connect. Chairperson McGlone asked whether property owners would not have to bear part of the cost. Public Works Director Olson stated if the property is assessed 100%, owners will counter petition. He noted the storm sewer improvement would not be assessed but the sanitary sewer and water could be deferred with payment upon connection. City Engineer Himmer stated the City did the same thing on 167th Avenue where utilities were installed and lateral charges paid upon connection. Public Works Committee / November 15, 2011 Page 10 of 15