Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/21/2023

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Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that there is some easement, but not a road easement. He noted another deferred assessment situation, noting that although finance does not prefer that method, it has been used in the past. Chairperson Riley commented that there could be some merit to the deferred assessment concept. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that it seems there is agreement in connecting to Bunker Lake Boulevard. Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if the group is comfortable building the project this year. Chairperson Riley asked if engineering could handle that task. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby replied that Bolton & Menk is working on the plans currently and is at 90 percent completion. He stated that plan development is being funded through the PR fund and the funding for the road project is yet to be determined, which is why there were discussing the possibility of assessment. He stated that it seems there is consensus not to assess the current properties. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the assessment could be used in negotiation for the purchase of right-of-way. City Administrator Hagen confirmed that could be done, explaining that otherwise the parties would just be handing checks back and forth for the different costs. Councilmember Musgrove stated that it would be worth it to determine what an assessment might look like and compare that to the purchase of right-of-way costs. She stated that she would be interested in seeing the full option for the project, but also narrowed down to just the new portion of the road. Chairperson Riley stated that the City has eliminated assessments first with the franchise fee and then changing that to being on the tax roll, therefore he would feel uncomfortable assessing for the road project. Councilmember Musgrove acknowledged that point but stated that with development the cost of roads is assessed. Chairperson Riley stated that he could entertain the idea of assessment for the new road, but not reconstruction of the existing road. City Administrator Hagen identified the parcels that would be assessed under that scenario because the other parcels have access to roads. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he would prefer to move this project forward this year to ensure people are not driving on a dirt road to reach the dome. He commented that it would be similar to his concerns for other roads leading to parks that draw outside users as that sets the tone Public Works Committee/ February 21, 2023 Page 9 of 12