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Public Works Superintendent Riemer commented that it would depend upon the road. He noted <br />that one gravel road may have class five material in anticipation of paving, while others are dirt <br />roads. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked the estimated cost to pave a road. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that every section would be different and have a different cost. He <br />stated that staff could look into the sections in further detail to provide estimated costs. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked if assessments are based on the increase in value that would be <br />provided related to the road improvement. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that by statute the City cannot assess more than the increase in <br />property value resulting from the improvement. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff commented that the properties along Variolite were not assessed <br />because the return would not provide the desired value. He stated that he is unsure as to whether <br />that would be the same case for some of the smaller roads. <br />City Engineer Westby confirmed that could be part of the review. <br />Chairperson Riley stated that while he would like to see the road paved, he agrees that the <br />additional information is necessary to make an informed decision. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked if adding pavement to a gravel road could be considered as <br />maintenance and then potentially funded through the pavement management plan. <br />Chairperson Riley commented that he would be resistant to that approach. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he would agree to treat the two types of roads separately. <br />Councilmember Musgrove agreed that she would not want to see a gravel road take the place of <br />another paved road that has been waiting for needed repair/reconstruction. <br />City Administrator Ulrich explained that one reason to assess a gravel road conversion to a paved <br />road is because those properties never paid for the road construction in the first place, whereas <br />new developments pay for the roads constructed through the cost of their home. He stated that it <br />would then make sense that the property owners share in the cost because paving would be an <br />improvement to their road. <br />Councilmember Musgrove commented that the assessment for gravels roads does not seem to <br />specify the benefit to the property, it simply states 50 percent of the cost. She stated that if curb <br />and gutter were installed that would be an additional cost, compared to a blacktop rural road. <br />Public Works Committee / June 15, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />