Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2002

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Councilmember Hendriksen stated if work is being done and significant cost savings can be realized it would seem it would take fewer people wanting the project and being willing to be assessed in this area to make the project economically feasible. Principal City Engineer O lson advised t he conStruction time 1 ine for the new development to occur is a major concern. The construction time line for storm sewer to be approved in is in August or September of this year. With the 60 day waiting period there is no way to get the feasibility study done, the public hearing held, the 60 day period, and still have construction for this year. One option he suggested at the informational meeting that did not meet with a lot of support was to put the storm sewer pipe in and leave this as a gravel road in the winter. There would be cost savings in that, the residents, however, did not really want a gravel road through the winter. Councilmember Anderson noted the residents have a concern regarding oak trees in their area. Principal City Engineer Olson responded there would not be a lot of tree damage, they have worked the alignment down 155th Lane to close to four feet from the existing curb and gutter. They will not be cutting down a significant amount of trees, and they will locate some smaller trees in the boulevard areas. They are fairly confident they can go through the 30 foot easement at the end of 155th Lane and make it through a pretty tight area with the installation of a trench box. It still will cause inconvenience and disruption, however. Councilmember Hendriksen asked for an estimate of the incremental cost to put sewer and water in this street at this time. Principal City Engineer Olson responded when he did the estimating for the feasibility studies prior to the ones being done, he estimated $30 to $40 per lineal foot for water and sewer and the cost came in a little higher. The total cost to put in sewer and water into 155th Land would be approximately $180,000 to $200,000. Councilmember Hendriksen asked for the incremental cost for sewer and water in conjunction with the current project. Principal City Engineer Olson responded normally when they put in a new street with curb and gutter the cost is about $50 to $60 per lineal foot. This street has about 1800 feet, of which about 1200 feet will be disturbed with the storm sewer construction. They would be saving about $50,000. Marilou Miller, 5490 155th Lane NW, stated she is a property owner between easements. When this area was zoned R-2 she attended other meetings and spoke specifically as to why they are zoning wetlands R-2. It was approved because they want to upgrade Highway 47. They understand that most of the land has been sold to developers and they are now in time constraints. The citizens on 155th Lane are asking where the studies are; they have not had any. There is the time constraint and there is a huge amount of money the City stands to lose because Public Works Committee/July 16, 2002 Page 17 of 28