Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/21/2002

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problem is that the City bears the entire cost rather than assessing it. Hen explained that if he lived on a dirt street and did not have to pay for the maintenance it would be an incentive to stay on a dirt road, but if the City were to treat the people on dirt streets the same and assess half the cost on a fair basis they may choose to live on a paved street. He stated that the reason for resistance to paved streets probably has to do with the fact that the City is not assessing for the maintenance on the dirt roads, which the City is doing little maintenance on. Principal City Engineer Olson explained that the dirt street maintenance program was a proposal and has not been followed to date. He noted that if the City were to assess the costs under the proposed maintenance program the assessment amount would be higher for the people along the dirt roads then it is on a paved road. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he was not disputing that the incremental cost to go to a bituminous street from nothing it makes sense. In the V2 mile example if they are going to have a tar street there will be a $60,000 to $70,000 expense in year one and the question is will the City pay for that cost or assess the entire amount to the benefited homeowners. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that the current policy is to assess 100 percent of the cost to the benefited homeowners. He stated that staff would like to see the roads paved and what they are trying to identify is that the maintenance costs are similar. What staff would like to see is some sort of incentive program for the residents on dirt streets to pave their roads, noting that there are only five miles of dirt roads remaining in the City. Staff recommended that the City pay 50 percent of the cost to pave the roads, similar to seal coating and overlays, as a one time incentive, but not make it a requirement. Councilmember Anderson stated that it appeared that a majority if the dirt roads have to be rebuilt and questioned if a road is under water who is responsible for rebuilding the road. Mayor Gamec stated that his preference was to offer a one-time incentive to get the roads paved and cut down on maintenance costs. After that any roads remaining than would have to be assessed for the maintenance. One concern with dirt roads is that it washes away and then there is culvert cleaning that is required. He stated that he would like to see the cost of each project come back before the Public Works Committee for consideration. City Engineer Jankowski noted that in 1994 a rough cost analysis was done for paving the remaining dirt roads. Councilmember Kurak stated that she agreed with offering the one time incentive concept and the assessment of upkeep if they choose not to pave their roads, except in situations where safety might be a concern. She stated that if there are safety concerns with the road she did not think the option should be given to the homeowners. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that the City cannot force people to pave their road if they don't want to. Public Works Committee/May 21, 2002 Page 7 of 12