Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/15/2011

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Councilmember Elvig stated this is a prime area for future growth and utility funds are strong so the City could do that. He supported installing road with curb and gutter to standards, including utilities and to split the cost on road construction. Chairperson McGlone suggested putting more emphasis on the fact that this road was at reconstruction condition five years ago so it should be moved ahead over anything else. Councilmember Elvig stated this road project was previously held off because, in reasonable views, the growth was going to happen. Chairperson McGlone noted 12 owners could divide their property once sewer and water are installed and may decide to sell off a lot to pay for the assessment/connection. Councilmember Elvig agreed the project would create the opportunity for growth. Public Works Director Olson noted this is identical to the situation five years ago with 151 Avenue and Fluorine Street. The City would have put in sewer and water and assessed for one- half the cost of the road and curb and gutter. However, the residents indicated they did not want to subdivide their property and would counter petition the project. He agreed that Garnet Street is past due and is expensive to maintain. Councilmember Elvig stated another condition at that time was residents thought they would be required to connect to sewer and water so it became contentious. He suggested staff talk with the Garnet Street property owners to assure them that is not the case and eliminate the fear factor. Chairperson McGlone stated he would have no objection to the full project including curbs and gutters. He noted the City cannot force anyone to connect but some may want to subdivide. This is part of the road reconstruction initiative. He asked about sidewalks to connect 167` Avenue. Councilmember Elvig agreed this neighborhood requires sidewalks, which would be a huge benefit. City Engineer Himmer reviewed a sketch depicting 40 lots, noting there is no guarantee that would happen, but it would bring assessments down to the $3,000 to $4,000 range. Public Works Director Olson asked for input on assessments. He noted that if proposing a project with assessments, the first thing the neighborhood will ask is what if the City goes to a zero assessment the next year. Public Works Director Olson stated he has already heard that comment from property owners with recent sealcoating or overlay assessments but he believed those projects were differentiable. He noted this project would involve a full reconstruct but was constructed in 1988, not 40 years ago. He explained this project involves a clay area so a sand base was put in but not constructed to the subbase requirement. He raised the alternative of charging 25% or 50 %, holding a public hearing, and agreeing that if the street reconstruction initiative is approved with 100% paid from a franchise fee, they would be reimbursed. Public Works Committee / November 15, 2011 Page 11 of 15