Minutes - Council - 09/10/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor LeTourneau asked if this would be a case where the City would like to have that report to justify the cost of the assessment. City Engineer Westby stated that those reports were not ordered and if they were desired, they would have been ordered at the time the contract is awarded. Councilmember Riley stated that the City has prepared similar reports for other projects and therefore has the knowledge on the amount of benefit that would be provided from the project; therefore the cost of$6,500 for the report did not seem justifiable. He noted that Jarvis Street was a similar project with a report available. Councilmember Kuzma asked if residents would still have the ability to stop the project if desired. City Engineer Westby stated that window closed, and that option is not available at this time. He noted that for Andre Street $9,150 was the original assessment estimated. He explained that was the City's first reclamation project,which resulted in a lower cost and assessment. Councilmember Musgrove noted that the decision of the Council was not to complete the benefit study because there was an available report from a similar project, noting that it was seen as a cost savings to the residents. Lisa Monserud, 5725 180th Lane NW, commented that an assessment of $6,600 seems absurd. She noted that the pooling of water is worse now than it was prior to the project. She commented that it was great that the cul-de-sac was expanded which is great but does not justify an additional $3,000 in assessment. City Engineer Westby stated that the project has not yet been finalized. He agreed that there is a drainage issue not yet completed. He noted that the Monseruds are also doing a project in their yard that has caused sand to wash into the ditch. He noted that the issue will be resolved prior to projection completion. Mayor LeTourneau acknowledged the complaint related to water, noting that the water issue can be resolved but the discussion tonight is related to the proposed assessment. Ms. Monserud stated that the difference in assessment is huge. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the resident would feel that the investment in the roadway has increased the value of the property, should the property be sold. She noted that the children in the neighborhood also have a safer location to be picked up by the bus. Ms. Monserud was unsure. She commented that the assessor just visited their neighborhood prior to the project and therefore that would not be adjusted for another five years. She stated that they have no intentions of selling their property. City Council/September 10,2019 Page 12 of 16