Agenda - Council - 02/24/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Despite the clear benefit to their property and share of the demand created by their future development, the property owner east of Puma Street has previously objected to the proposed cost share. It is possible that they will agree to some cost share, but it is unclear if they support the revised proposal presented at the 2/18 Public Works Committee Meeting. Staff therefore proposes to follow the requirements of State Statute Chapter 429 to allow for the use of special assessments to pay for a portion of the project costs to construct the Puma Street Extension Improvements. Staff has discussed this alternative with the City Attorney. Staff believes this to be the appropriate mechanism to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of costs. Staff continues to discuss with this Property Owner. Based on this zoning classification and lot size, City Charter and Minnesota Statute Chapter 429 authorize this process and do not provide for a counter -petition process. The first step in the Chapter 429 process is to order a Feasibility Report for the proposed improvements. Ordering the report tonight would allow the City Council to accept it on March l Oth. The public improvement hearing can also be conducted on March l Oth, allowing the project to move forward as quickly as possible. Both of these actions are reflected in alternative # 1. Notification: Upon Council approval to call a public hearing, public hearing notices will be published twice in the City's official newspaper, the Anoka Union Herald. Publication dates will be Friday, February 28th, and Friday, March 6th. Observations/Alternatives: Observations: Preparing a Feasibility Report for the proposed improvements will allow estimated project costs to be refined and further development of the funding program, including the use of special assessments which requires compliance with all applicable provisions of the City Charter, the City's Special Assessments Policy, and Minnesota Statute Chapter 429. Copies of these are attached to this case for reference. This does not order a project, it simply sets a process in motion. This does not obligate the City to the project. The Feasibility Report will explore numerous aspects of the proposed improvements including whether they are feasible and necessary, whether they are cost-effective, and whether they should be completed alone or in conjunction with other improvements. A preliminary project schedule will also be developed. Alternatives: Alternative #1 — Motion to adopt Resolution #20-015 ordering a Feasibility Report and calling a Public Hearing for March 10, 2020, for Improvement Project #20-04, Puma Street Extension Improvements. Alternative #2 — Motion denying adoption of Resolution #20-015 at this time. Funding Source: Upon Council authorization, the Feasibility Report will be completed in-house as part of Staffs normal duties. Based on Bolton & Menk's previous involvement with improvements in this area, as well as Staff's existing workload, Staff will propose to utilize Bolton & Menk to assist with final design, preparation of plans and specifications, bidding and administering the project, and staking construction. Estimated costs for these work efforts are included in the attached draft memo from Bolton and Menk dated December 18, 2019. A revised memo with updated schedule will be prepared and presented at a later date. These costs can then be rolled into the assessment. City staff proposes to inspect construction and assist with project administration. Recommendation: Staff recommends alternative # 1 to support future development in the area. Action: