Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/20/2014

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Acting Chairperson Kuzma asked whether an Assessment Policy is needed if franchise fees are instituted. Mayor Strommen stated an Assessment Policy is still important to have as a preventive measure because a franchise fee, if instituted, may not be renewed by a future Council. She suggested working from the model as a starting place and to also determine the trend in assessments based on what other communities are doing. Councilmember Riley asked if assessments must be a minimum of 20% of the project cost. City Engineer Westby stated for the 429 Assessment process, the minimum assessment is 20% and the maximum would be the benefit to the property. Councilmember Riley stated there had been a default of 50% but all felt that number was too high for reconstruction projects. He stated he thinks the number should be closer to 25% so the benefit would be evident. City Engineer Westby stated most cities are in the 20% to 30% range for assessments. He explained that when reaching 40%, those cities probably conduct several appraisals to assure benefit. However, that increases project costs. Councilmember Riley asked if staff is recommending to pull out extenuating costs such as soil corrections as it does not add benefit to the properties. City Engineer Westby stated that option could be considered to make a more uniform assessment rate Citywide Councilmember Riley stated he thinks it is a good idea to address those types of costs that should not be assessed. The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to direct staff to draft a Special Assessment Policy that clearly defines how special assessments are to be levied against properties benefiting from various types of improvement projects for consideration at the July 15, 2014 meeting. 5.03: Consider Speed Zone Study Recommendation for Green Valley Road Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and advised of a resident e-mail expressing concern with the speed limit on Green Valley Road/County Road 63 between Nowthen Boulevard and Highway 47. The resident is asking that the speed limit be lowered from the current 55 mph to 40-45 mph because of the presence of pedestrians and pets. Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the number of accidents in this area. He explained that the current 55 mph speed limit on this section of Green Valley Road is a statutory speed limit based on the Basic Speed Law so the speed limit can only be changed through the provisions that are provided by that Law. om five Public Works Committee / May 20, 2014 Page 4 of 8