Agenda - Council - 03/24/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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extend the life of the pavement approximately 20 years. The existing right-of-ways along the street segments proposed to receive overlays as part of this project vary in width from 60 to 80 feet. The paved street segments vary in width from 24 to 32 feet. All proposed street segments in this project were constructed with varying thicknesses of bituminous pavement, and most have bituminous curbing. Some of the street segments utilize storm sewer systems to provide stormwater drainage. No sanitary sewer or water supply system improvements are proposed as part of this project. A public information meeting was held on Wednesday, March 18th to present information about the proposed project to property owners proposed to be assessed for 25% of the project costs. This includes all properties having direct access to improved streets. During the meeting the following questions were asked of City staff in attendance, which included the City Engineer and Public Works Superintendent. Staff's general response follows each of the questions in italicized text. 1. Can/will the preliminary assessment amount change? Staff response: Assessments for overlays are proposed to capture 25% of project costs so yes, assessments could be increased or reduced based on actual construction costs but would probably not change significantly. 2. Is the assessment amount the same for everyone? Staff response: The preliminary assessment amount of $1,280 is the same for everyone, regardless of the street or neighborhood, since each property is assumed to receive similar benefit. 3. How do lot sizes compare across the project areas? Staff response: Lot sizes vary across the project areas with sizes ranging from one-quarter acre (Pondvale Estates) to over three acres (Northfork). 4. Could the assessments be split out by project area? Staff response: The adopted Special Assessment Policy allows assessments to be applied using one or a combination of three different methods including; i) per lot, ii) area, or iii) adjusted front footage. 5. Could some streets or areas be removed from the project? Staff response: The scope of the project could change based on comments received at the public information meeting or at the public hearing, or if the bids received come in higher than anticipated. 6. How long could my access be restricted during construction? Staff response: The longest anyone 's access would be restricted during construction is about 15 minutes. Mill and overlay operations move quite quickly. 7. Will sidewalks be added to any streets? Staff response: No new sidewalks are proposed to be constructed with this project. Other more general questions were also asked about the assessment process itself including what the term of the assessment would be (staff recommends 5 years), and whether the assessment would have to be paid off before a property could be sold (staff responded in the affirmative, but noted this would need to be verified). In the interest of full disclosure City staff also explained the special assessment petition provisions contained within Chapter 8 of the City Charter. Staff also recommended the attendees visit the project web site at http://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/2015/StreetMaintenance if they thought of additional questions after the meeting. Business cards were also available in case anyone wanted to contact staff directly at a later date. Staff has also received several phone calls regarding the project. Based on feedback received to date, both by phone and at the public information meeting, impacted property owners generally understand the need to complete the improvements and do not object to the proposed assessments. Lastly, Staff anticipates numerous property owners will attend the Public Hearing, though at this time staff is not aware of any unanswered questions or unresolved issues regarding this project. Notification: As required by State Statute 429.031, public hearing notices were mailed to each owner of property proposed to be assessed for a portion of the improvements, were posted in the Municipal Center, and were published in the City's official newspaper.