Resolution - #14-03-055 - 03/11/2014

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Councilmember Riley introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #14-03-055 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AUTHORITY FOR CITIES WHEREAS, HF 745/SF 607 would allow cities to create street improvement districts; and WHEREAS, just as the State has fallen behind in making transportation investments, some cities faced with budget challenges have made the difficult decision in recent years to hold off on scheduled street projects; and WHEREAS, maintenance projects, such as sealcoating and overlays, can prolong the lifecycle of streets to 50 to 60 years; however, without on-going maintenance, the average life expectancy of local streets is approximately 25 to 30 years, which equates to every $1 spent on maintenance, a road authority saves $7 in repairs; and WHEREAS, cities are also falling behind on the reconstruction projects necessary to help keep property values stable; and cities lack viable options for building new transportation infrastructure to attract and retain investments by businesses that keep Minnesota’s economy strong; and WHEREAS, special assessments as a funding mechanism are becoming more difficult to implement. They can be onerous for property owners and increasingly result in expensive litigation for cities. Additionally, special assessments are not always useful for funding collector streets and other streets that do not abut private property; and WHEREAS, Municipal State Aid (MSA) as a funding mechanism is limited. It cannot be applied to more than 20% of a MSA City’s lane miles. Existing MSA is not keeping up with needs on the MSA system; and WHEREAS, there are competing priorities for property tax dollars as a funding mechanism. Property taxes are generally not dedicated and are sometimes diverted to more pressing needs such as public safety, water quality, and cost participation in state and county highway projects. When road projects are deferred, the increased cost make them even more cost prohibitive. NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA; as follows: 1)That the City of Ramsey hereby supports legislation that would provide cities with an additional tool to build and maintain city streets. 2)That this is enabling legislation. No city would be required to create a street improvement district.