Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/18/2005

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Assistant Director of Public Works Olson agreed that there needs to be a consistent policy that concrete curb and gutter is required with the extension of City sewer and water. Councilmember Cook stated that he does not want to set precedent that the City will pay 50 percent of the curb and gutter costs when sewer and water extension is being requested. City Engineer Jankowski noted that another issue that complicates the issue somewhat further is that only half of the street is going to be receiving the improvements of the City sewer and water. Councilmember Cook inquired if it was possible for the City to assess the curb and gutter to only the benefited properties that have petitioned for the project. It was his opinion that the benefiting parcels should have to pay for the entire cost of the extension of sewer and water, which includes the cost of curb and gutter. Those properties that are not benefited by the City sewer and water should only have to pay 50 percent for the curb and gutter. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend that the City Council accept the feasibility study and set a date for a public hearing with the following funding scheme: · Street improvements will be assessed 50 percent to all parcels · Sewer and water extension costs will be assessed 100 percent to benefited property owners · Curb and gutter costs will be assessed 50 percent to non-benefited property owners and 100 percent to benefited property owners · Water main looping will be paid fully by the City · Forward the issue of the feasibility of a sidewalk to the Park Commission Further discussion: Councilmember Cook suggested that staff look at upgrading the City's policy to cover similar situations regarding the assessment of concrete curb and gutter because this will not be the only situation they will see in the City. Chairperson Elvig stated that he wants to make sure that the City does not create so many disincentives that people don't come forward with a request to extend City sewer and water. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Cook, and Olson. Voting No: None. Case #7: Consider Adopting Performance Standards for Trails Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated that Ramsey has recognized the need for trails to move pedestrians, bicycles and other non-motorized uses off the roads and streets. Trails and sidewalks have been required as new development occurs. Some of the trail needs are adjacent to roads that were in existence before the need for trail was made a priority. Many of these are not maintained by the City such as State Trunk Highways and County Highways. MSA roads are maintained by the City but are funded by the state and should be considered along with the State Public Works Committee/January 18, 2005 Page 20 of 27