Minutes - Council - 04/09/1985 - Special

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Schnelle stated that past Council concluded that at some time in the future, city General funds are going to have to be used to upgrade that section of 167th. Council authorized Staff to place the issue of that unpaved section of 167th on the April 23, 1985 Council agenda for discussion. Mr. Ippel stated that there were a lot of people in opposition to blacktopping when it was proposed and the people were told by maintenance to blacktop was less expensive; the City could afford to pay for the maintenance costs; and the residents would not have any additional costs after blacktopping. Mr. Ippel stated that sealcoating is a definite necessity on blacktop streets and now the City is assessing that maintenance cost to the residents. Mayor Heitman replied that the previous Council statements have been proven wrong and inquired as to what this Council can do about that now; nothing is free. Mayor Heitman noted that the residents do have the oution to petition against an improvement project and end the project, but they should recognize that the road will continue to deteriorate. Councilmember Cox stated that he doesn't know of any roads that were blacktopped by other than resident request. Mr. Ippel stated that he is not doubting that there weren't public hearings conducted, but why didn't Council know of these sealcoating requirements and costs 7 years ago. Mayor Heitman replied that sealcoating assessments have been obvious for a long time and he doesn't know if it was a case of not being conveyed properly or misrepresentation. Bill Ayers stated that he recalls that it was specifically stated at the hearings that sealcoating is required about every 5 years and the costs would be assessed to the property owners. Councilmember Cox noted that the citizens have the oution to have the project ceased but they should remember that the blacktop streets are their own investment and remember that light use is just as harmful to blacktop as heavy use. Mr. Koshak stated that sunlight is the major cause for blacktop deterioration. Mr. Ippel inquired as to how long the sealcoating assessments are for and how often is sealcoating required. Mr. Koshak stated that the sealcoating assessments run for three years and sealcoating is required every 5-7 years. Les Martens of 6956 161st Lane inquired if sealcoating will be required more often because of heavy traffic use. Mr. Koshak replied that heavy use contributes but sunlight is the major cause for deterioration. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Heitman, Councilmembers Sorteberg, Cox, Reimann and Schlueter. Voting No: None. The public hearing adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully sukmitted, Council Secretary or April 9, 1985 Page 3 of 3