Minutes - Public Works Committee - 03/21/2006

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City Engineer Jankowski indicated once the street programs have been notified they have been considered pending, but that can be changed in financing in relation to these properties and the overlay. The resident requested verification that the individuals that purchase her property would not be required to hook up to sewer and water. Public Works Director Olson responded that is correct. Chairperson Elvig stated the City cannot require residents to hook up to sewer and water. Mayor Gamec stated after the feasibility study is completed there would likely be a commitment needed from 10 to 12 property owners in order to proceed with this project. He explained if there is not a commitment from enough properties the balance of the cost would have to be paid by the rest of the City. Mr. McKusick stated the reason the residents want this feasibility study completed is because they have a sincere interest in having this done. This could be a solid thing if it is economical enough for them to survive through it. A resident stated his property is immediately west of the McKusick's where it had been slated to have the stub located. His concern with the stub coming through was the location on his property; he would have preferred it to come through the center of his property, leaving the other side buildable if City sewer and water runs down the main mad. Public Works Director Olson indicated the stub could still be discussed. Mr. McKusick inquired when the residents would know if they will be billed for the feasibility study. Public Works Director Olson explained in general the only time the cost of the feasibility study has been an issue in the past is when a neighborhood kept petitioning the City to have the feasibility study prepared, and every time it was completed they counter-petitioned the project, requiring the City to eat the cost of the study. In typical projects the cost of the feasibility study gets added into the cost of the project if it is successful to proceed. On the third attempt of this other neighborhood to petition for sewer and water and a feasibility study to be done the Council had directed staff to allocate the cost of the study back in the event that a counter-petition were to come in again. However, according to City Code, if 35% of the property owners petition the City the cost of the study will come from the enterprise funds. Hopefully if a feasibility project is completed the project will move forward, and it will then be added to the cost of the project. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, that the above comments be entered into the record, and to recommend that the City Council direct staff to proceed with the proposal from Bolton & Menk for the preparation of a feasibility study for providing municipal services to 157th Lane in an amount not-to-exceed $3,500, that the City pick up that cost through Public Works Committee / March 21, 2006 Page 5 of 12