Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/17/2006

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sewer and water in without assessments, and putting in curb and gutter, street and storm sewer. The Helium Street connection was the main concern. Another significant concern was that there was a Due-On-Sale clause, and a requirement to hook up within a certain number of years of availability. Both of those issues have been resolved with the Northwest Sewer Extension Project. Mr. Olson advised his understanding is since the City had put significant funding in the feasibility for both neighborhoods, nothing of which was reimbursed, that the City would not move forward with another project like this until there ~vas a request. He advised this petition should be forwarded to the City Attomey to be sure it is correct as to form. Support of more than 35% of the property owners is required by City Code to require a feasibility study. Councilmember Cook stated he was very supportive of this project the first time it was discussed and is happy to see there is more support from the neighborhood. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained there were two contingencies in City Code that were nerve wracking for the residents, and some non-trust at the time this was previously discussed. At that time the City was contemplating a pilot project of up-fronting the sewer and water, and allowing the developer to hook up as they determined to try to recoup the cost. He would suggest this feasibility study be prepared like the feasibility study that was done for Ebony Street where the cost is identified and attributed to the benefiting properties along with the trunk, SAC and WAC fees. Mr. Olson explained when the two feasibility studies were previously completed the development plans to the north were not known. There is an existing sewer pipe that comes in through 152na and Germanium Street over to the existing City Hall and it was not known if there would be full basements and grade issues related with extending the pipe to Helium Street and 150th Lane. This is not a concern with the current development proposal. Mr. Olson explained one of the issues in the feasibility study was the constructability of a 25-foot deep sewer at the intersection of 150th and Helium Street. However, knowing now that sewer is not necessary for the development to the north, the sewer can be kept much shallower, and the construction necessary to get it in there would be less intrusive on the neighborhood to the east. He advised there would be some benefit to the water improvements with the creation of another loop, which would help to freshen up the water supply. Councilmember Cook asked if there would be a benefit of leverage by completing this project at the same time as the bigger project. City Engineer Jankowski replied not likely if the Chapter 429 process is used. Mr. Murphy stated he would be willing to put in as much time and energy as is needed to work with the residents. This project would be a great benefit for the residents in the area. The costs will be a concern for some of the residents and he will do what he can to try to allay concerns. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained it will take time to get the feasibility study updated, followed by a time period before a public hearing can be held. Once the public hearing is held there is a two-month waiting period to allow people the opportunity to counter-petition the improvements. A 100% petition from the property owners would be required to sign off on the 60-day waiting period. Public Works Committee/January 17, 2006 Page 2 of 14