Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/16/2014

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commented he is not sure how the assessments were determined. He stated there is no standard in the City for street reconstruction assessment. Chairperson Backous suggested this item be added to a City Council Work Session since there are so many moving pieces. This requires large policy decisions. City Administrator Ulrich agreed. He suggested this Committee identify some issues for the Council to consider at a work session. Chairperson Backous questioned which assessment methods would be easier to administer. He commented whether it is calculated by area or front footage it could be similar amounts. City Engineer Westby explained the members at the last Council meeting wanted the policy to be flexible. The front footage provides flexibility in determining how the homeowners are assessed. He mentioned most cities assess by unit for single family residential. He said this method should be in the toolbox, as well as the front footage method. Chairperson Backous asked if there can be different assessment methods per project, legally. City Engineer Westby replied there can be different methods when they are for single family residential units. City Administrator Ulrich noted in other cities, there is a certain rate for single family, another rate for multi family, and another for commercially zoned properties. This may be a method to consider for street maintenance, because typically one unit will have the same amount of cars as the next. The Committee discussed assessment percentages for road upgrades, new construction, reconstruction, reclamation, mill and inlay, edge mill and overlay, and crack seal /seal coat. It was agreed to suggest to Council to assess new 25% on reconstruction and reclamation, and overlays. Crack seal and seal coat should be equal to the maintenance expense. The Committee reached consensus to set the interest rate at 2 %, and set the term for 10 years for street improvement. City Administrator Ulrich pointed out a standard amount should be set, however each project can deviate from the standard as necessary. Chairperson Backous requested City Engineer Westby draft language in regard to deferrals for people with disabilities, farmland and other special groups. City Engineer Westby asked if there should be language regarding more than one assessment at a time. Councilmember Kuzma requested City Engineer Westby draft language to address this issue. City Engineer Westby asked about utility assessments and when to assess them. Public Works Committee / September 16, 2014 Page 8 of 9