Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/20/2024

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pavement sections. He noted that underlying soils generally do not change over time and the CIP does not address replacement of the 1999 road grader. Councilmember Olson asked the cost of completing the boring and geotechnical reports. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby replied that the cost would be estimated at $25,000 to $30,000. He confirmed that the soil boring information would be good for decades, while the only element that may fluctuate would be groundwater levels. Councilmember Olson commented that completing the borings and geotechnical report would place the City in a nimble position where it could move forward if the opportunity arose and therefore supported the action. Councilmember Howell stated that she would support the soil borings to have the information on hand but is unsure she would want to support a paving project at this time. Chairperson Musgrove commented that she would want to look at the policy. She explained that the cost of the grader and staff time would be spread across the whole city. She stated that perhaps the formula for paving those gravel roads should be reviewed as the current policy for funding road improvements using assessments is 25 percent assessment and the remainder is covered through the levy. She stated that perhaps the residents on gravel roads would support paving if their assessment was 25 percent rather than 50 percent. She stated that she would also be hesitant to move forward with paving as some residents on the gravel roads do not want that, but would agree that having the soil boring information would be an advantage and allow them to move forward if the opportunity presented itself. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that the special assessment policy was drafted with the 50/50 split for gravel roads. He believed that the PIR fund would be a good funding source for the borings and geotechnical work. He commented that there is a city-wide benefit to paving the roads as there is no longer a grader included in the CIP and maintenance costs and needs would decrease as well. on by Councilmember Howell, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to direct staff to obtain Moti soil borings for all remaining gravel roads and to explore subgrade correction and stormwater management needs as required to convert the gravel roads to bituminous pavement sections. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Musgrove, Councilmembers Howell and Olson. Voting No: None. Chairperson Musgrove confirmed the consensus of the Committee to discuss the gravel road paving policy at a future meeting. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby replied that policy was never formally adopted. It was confirmed that could be a topic of discussion when the soil borings information is presented to the Committee. Public Works Committee / February 20, 2024 Page 5 of 7