Minutes - Public Works Committee - 12/18/2018

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Councilmember Kuzma stated that although the language states that the project would be stopped for one year, it could be much longer than that. He noted a previous project that was petitioned, and it was eight years before that road was reconstructed. He noted that only two property owners are present tonight on this topic. City Engineer Westby stated that notification of this meeting was not provided to all property owners as staff was unsure if the petition, as received, was valid. He stated that staff wanted to ensure that was clarified with the City Attorney prior to the discussion tonight and reaching out to the residents. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would want the residents to know that the petition would pause the project for more than one year. He stated that when the other project that was petitioned was stopped, the cost increased by more than $5,000 when the road was actually reconstructed eight years later. Rick Aberle, 17290 Germanium Street, stated that this project is expensive and would tear up his whole front yard. He stated that he would like additional information on the contours of the ditch as well. He did not believe the road needs to be reconstructed. He stated that if the proper maintenance would have been done in previous years, the road would not be in this condition. He stated that he is opposed to drainage, as he believes that the properties drain fine now with the exception of spring thaw. rd Sean Peterson, 5530 173 Avenue NW, stated that he also brought the petition around the neighborhood. He believed that this is a high cost for the project. He acknowledged that he did have some misinformation in the beginning and when he went back to those properties, he did make those property owners aware that the project would stop. He stated that there was disappointment in the past when an overlay project was done but stopped at Germanium. He noted that overlay project would have had a much lesser cost. He echoed the comments about the lack of maintenance on the roadway and noted that the adjacent development used their roadways for their heavy truck traffic and should be responsible for the damage that was caused. He stated that he looked at how Elk River pays for their roads, with franchise fees, and believes that is a much better method for funding. He asked if the residents would still have a voice in projects if franchise fees are used for funding rather than assessments. Councilmember Kuzma stated that because of assessments, residents have the opportunity to provide their input. He stated that if franchise fees are used for funding, engineering would develop the plans for the roadways. Chairperson Riley stated that the engineering staff would propose the plans, along with alternatives, and that process would not change. City Engineer Westby stated that the only thing that would change is that the City would not be required to hold a public hearing on projects. He stated that a public information meeting would still occur before the project moved to the City Council. Public Works Committee / December 18, 2018 Page 4 of 11