Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/15/2011

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Chairperson McGlone stated that will be discussed in the reconstruction policy. Public Works Director Olson stated that is correct but the last time discussed, there were three options and some leaned towards 100% assessment and some towards all franchise fees. He asked how the Committee felt about repayment, noting the City needed to determine the maximum amount to be assessed. Councilmember Backous asked how is that different from Chameleon Street. Public Works Director Olson explained it was 50% assessed because it was a gravel road and done through a program initiated by the Council, similar to sealcoating and overlaying projects. Councilmember Backous stated he has those are same thoughts about the road reconstruction policy. Councilmember Elvig stated he wonders if the City should come up with a flat fee assessment per PIN regardless of project cost. Chairperson McGlone indicated he would rather the project go through, the City foot the cost to put in the utilities and curb and gutter, and when someone wants to develop their property the City will be paid back. He stated this project has been held off and if constructed he supported also fixing the clay issues. Councilmember Elvig questioned if the policy is a 50/50% split or 100% for reconstruct. City Engineer Himmer explained other cities use the rationale that every residential property puts the same number of cars on the road so the same cost is applied to all for a road project. Commercial and industrial properties are assessed by the front footage. Public Works Director Olson ask what those cities use to supplement the cost of the project not paid by the property owner, noting in a rural setting it would not cover the costs. The current policy is 100% assessment because the City has no funding. Councilmember Backous stated this discussion is getting ahead of the topic and the transition issues that can be addressed later. Councilmember Elvig supported a reasonable policy that fits into a transition of the City's greater program. Councilmember Backous supported making a decision and dealing with transition issues later. Chairperson McGlone pointed out that everyone agrees they don't want a road that will fail like the last road so the clay issue should be fixed. He supported doing the improvements and assessing for the road portion including sidewalk and curb and gutter. The City can recoup the utility infrastructure costs in the future. Public Works Committee / November 15, 2011 Page 12of15