Minutes - Charter Commission - 11/19/2013 - Joint with CC

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2. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION 2.01: Introductions: Mayor Strommen and Charter Chairperson Field Mayor Strommen stated the Charter Commission and City Council have scheduled this joint Work Session to have an open discussion related to a possible solution for restricting the use of franchise fees through a Charter Amendment, or more restrictive language in the Franchise Fee Ordinances. Chairperson Field welcomed the meeting participants and audience members. Chairperson Field stated the Charter Commission recently passed an amendment proposal regarding the City's Franchise Fee Ordinance for the City Council's review and approval. He added the purpose of the joint Work Session is to provide an open discussion between the City Council and Charter Commission with regard to possible road maintenance funding sources, including franchise fees, general operating levy and special assessments. Mayor Strommen encouraged everyone to participate in the discussion, including members of the audience. Each member of the City Council, Charter Commission, and staff introduced themselves. 2.02: Long -Term Street Maintenance Program Background Presentation City Engineer Westby gave a brief presentation to provide background information regarding a possible long -term street maintenance program for the City. He stated the meeting packet contained a document that outlines the City -wide PASER (Pavement Surface and Evaluation Rating) street ratings completed in 2013. City Engineer Westby stated there are 174 miles of roads in the City of Ramsey, and 45% of the City's roads were constructed during the period 1976 -1985. He added that road maintenance is currently conducted on a reactive basis, with seal coating and overlays. He noted it has become increasingly necessary. for the City to adopt a pro- active long -term maintenance program to prevent degrading, maximize the life of the streets, and decrease maintenance costs. He stressed that this is also important for wear and tear on vehicles. Commissioner Bendtsen asked whether all the City's streets were built to the same standards, and whether they will degrade at the same rate. City Engineer Westby stated he believes the streets vary in terms of their current condition, and the City will need to extend the life of every street regardless of its original construction. City Engineer Westby stated research has shown that the City's streets are constructed over sandy soil that drains well and provides a solid base for roads with a 60 -year life. He added the City's older roads are close to 40 years old, and they will begin to degrade quickly during the last 20 years of their expected life. He reviewed the estimated costs of a street maintenance program based on 2013 bid prices. Chairperson Field requested clarification regarding the estimated costs as outlined in City Engineer Westby's report, and asked why the annual cost doubles from the 10 -year period from 2014 -2023 when it is extended to 60 years. City Council Work Session / November 19, 2013 Page 2 of 15