Minutes - Council - 12/11/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Ramsey pointed out the City cannot force property owners to connect to utilities so the City may not ever be compensated. He preferred to have the water and sewer costs paid up front by the property owner. Councilmember McGlone stated the grant is for a road, not sewer, but it makes no sense to install a road and then tear it out to install utilities. He felt this project was not needed at this time, noting Legislators had just said the City would not get money any time soon so there is time to do some studies. City Administrator Ulrich reviewed that the City entered into the project and the property owners dedicated right -of -way in exchange for deferring hookups from Hope Fellowship as well as Diamonds. He noted the City has limited staff and in what can be charged back for reimbursement if a feasibility report is prepared and the project not moved forward. Interim Engineer Nelson confirmed there had been some preliminary negotiations to exchange the rights -of -way for the sewer and water service and /or roads. However, the City currently does not have easement rights but has gained permission to enter the property. Councilmember Strommen pointed out the project has not changed and the same parameters exist. The only difference is that the property may have changed hands. She asked if this consideration can be put on hold so staff can have conversations with the property owners. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed the resolution, as written, contains the roadway project in addition to the sewer and water project. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Ramsey, to postpone consideration of the Resolution Ordering Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Improvement Project #12 -22 Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension from Armstrong Boulevard (CSAH 83) to Traprock Street to allow time for staff to have conversations with the property owner. Further discussion: With regard to the right -of -way, Interim Engineer Nelson explained the preliminary design, plans, and specifications were needed before determining rights -of -way needed. The Council discussed the impact of postponing the project or just leaving out the water and sewer project and moving forward with the road project. Interim Engineer Nelson stated if the project was postponed for one month, there would still be adequate time to complete the design and secure the grant funds; however, staff may have to rely on additional consultant time to get the plan completed quickly. It was noted that if the project is not assessed, there was no need for a public hearing or 60 -day notice period. Motion failed on tied vote. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, and Strommen. Voting No: Councilmembers McGlone, Wise, and Tossey. Absent: Councilmember Backous. City Council / December 11, 2012 Page 9 of 13