Agenda - Council - 01/24/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The existing storm sewer system is in good condition and based on preliminary review appears to meet all applicable current State Aid design standards so no improvements are proposed. An off-street 10 foot bituminous bike trail exists along the north side of Sunwood Drive and is in relatively good condition so no improvements are proposed with this project. The engineer's opinion of probable costs for completing the proposed improvements on Sunwood Drive as outlined in this report is $607,000. Estimated costs include 23%indirect costs for administrative, engineering, finance and legal costs. A summary of the engineer's opinion of probable costs is included in Appendix B of the attached Feasibility Report. A total of 9 parcels have been identified as receiving special benefit from the improvements. These parcels are identified in the preliminary Assessment Map and Roll which are in Appendix C of the attached Feasibility Report. A total of four pavement corings were completed by WSB and Associates (WSB)to assist with the preparation of this report. In addition, eleven soil borings were completed by Northern Technologies, Inc. (NTI). Both firms offered pavement design recommendations which were considered and incorporated to varying degrees while preparing this report. Copies of WSB's and NTI's reports are inAppendix D of the attached Feasibility Report. This improvement project,which is listed in the City's current Capital Improvement Program, is proposed to be funded using a combination of special assessments to benefiting properties, street reconstruction bond proceeds, and stormwater utility funds. Staff recommends using special assessments to pay for 25%of eligible improvement costs,which totals $151,750 and will be applied across 9 assessable properties using the "area"method of assessment. All costs for this project are eligible for special assessments since the street is proposed to be reconstructed at its existing width,which meets current State Aid standards, and since the existing and proposed pavement sections both meet 10-ton design standards meaning they are equivalent sections. This project does not include any ineligible project costs related to the use of special assessments. Staff recommends ordering a special benefit consultation report for this project to verify that the proposed assessment amounts will not exceed the amount of benefit to any of these properties. If the report concludes that the benefit to any property is less than the proposed preliminary assessment rate, Staff would propose to lower the assessment rate accordingly for the Assessment Hearing scheduled for October 10, 2017. However, if the special benefit consultation report verifies that the assessment rates as proposed are justified, Staff will propose to adopt the final assessment roll using the rate as preliminarily proposed herein. Staff has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the proposed improvements or the use of special assessments to pay for a portion of the improvements with impacted property owners. However,upon Council acceptance of this report Staff will immediately contact impacted property owners for the purpose of explaining the proposed improvements,how special assessments are proposed to be applied, and to request a meeting to discuss the proposed improvements in more detail and to gather their input on the project, including any information that should be explored in more detail during development of plans and specifications. Staff will then present this information to Council during the Public Hearing on February 14th. This project would best be constructed as a stand-alone project and is necessary, feasible, and cost-effective from an engineering standpoint, and can be constructed as proposed herein. Notification: No notifications are required for this case. Observations/Alternatives: