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Councilmember McGlone pointed out that concrete curb and gutter stands up better to garbage <br />trucks, snow plows, and reduces maintenance so if it costs only 10 -20% additional over 40 years, <br />it is worth it. He noted the problem is that the majority of the City's roads were built during a <br />time when project inspectors were not as good and developers didn't build the highest quality <br />roads. Councilmember McGlone stated a 9 -ton road allows residents to bring home the furniture <br />they purchased during winter months without breaking the law. <br />Councilmember Backous stated his position to get away from assessments all together. He felt <br />assessments were a harder sell to residents than charging a franchise fee of $28 /month and noted <br />that charging $14 /month in addition to assessing will be even harder to sell to residents. <br />Councilmember Wise stated he could argue that point either way. He thought concrete curb <br />created more maintenance because the curbs get broken. <br />Public Works Director Olson explained the concrete curb installed by developers allows <br />placement of driveways and that type does not help much. However, barrier -style concrete curb <br />makes a big difference to reduce maintenance. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated concrete curb and gutter also provides drainage and asked if the Storm <br />Water Utility Fund can be used to pay for it. <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that is an option but when that Fund was established, the <br />Council specifically stated it would not use it to fund concrete curb and gutter. <br />Councilmember Elvig noted that 16 miles of roadway need to be addressed right now and if the <br />franchise pulls in only one -half of the amount needed, there will be a lull until funds are <br />available. <br />Public Works Director Olson agreed and stated he thinks there will be an onslaught of property <br />owners who want their road maintained, if they are not being assessed, so the fund may operate <br />in the "red" for a while. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked if this work can be bonded since the franchise fee is a guaranteed <br />revenue stream. <br />Public Works Director Olson advised the City has to assess 20% in order to bond. <br />Mayor Ramsey added that a future Council may decide to not charge a franchise fee. <br />Councilmember Backous asked how a 9 -ton road impacts the maintenance schedule. <br />Public Works Director Olson explained that sealcoats keep water out from under the roadway so <br />a 9 -ton standard may not impact the duration between sealcoats. <br />Councilmember Backous asked whether the analysis using a franchise fee of $28 /month was <br />based on the City's current population without projections. <br />City Council Work Session / January 24, 2012 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />