Agenda - Public Works Committee - 06/20/2006

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City Engineer Jankowski replied there are costs involved with the poor soils and straightening the road. He asked the contractor if he saw any changes that could be made to the project to reduce the cost and he indicated he did not. Matt Nelson, 7501 164th Lane NW, questioned if there will be further discussion of the City absorbing costs beyond the 50/50 split. Chairperson Elvig replied at this point of the total $250,000 cost the discussion is to deduct $10,000 for stormsewer, and potentially some of the soft costs. The calculated cost after these deductions would be divide by two. The residents will be provided with a revised feasibility study. Public Works Director Olson inquired if the extension of the amortization schedule would be of interest to the residents. Mr. Nelson replied all of the considerations would factor into the decision, and the residents would like every bit of information available. This is all cloudy to him at this point. He pointed out that this road is utilized by a lot of other neighborhoods in the City. He inquired if the residents should be coming up with a justification for the City to absorb more of the costs, or if that will be determined by the City. City Engineer Jankowski noted it was mentioned at the neighborhood meeting that this mad is used by many people in the City, and that this could be something that would make this situation unique. However, there are a lot of streets in the City that are utilized in the same way. Mr. Nelson stated Welcomes Road is one of the few through gravel roads remaining in the City, and the road gets pounded with heavy equipment as well. Chairperson Elvig requested clarification that the policy a few years ago was that residents wanting their gravel road paved petitioned the City and paid for the project. City Engineer Jankowski indicated the past policy was that residents would petition for the road, a feasibility study would be completed, and the residents would be assessed for 100% of the project cost. He noted the conversion of dirt to paved roads became popular in the late 1970's/early 1980's. Approximately 80% of the gravel roads were paved in a five-year period, and they all went through the process under the previous policy. Chairperson Elvig informed the residents about 1 ½ years ago the Council determined a goal to get the gravel roads in the City paved and deliberated on what could be done to initiate that goal. The policy for paving these roads was changed from 0/100 to a 50/50 contribution by the City. There would be a concern to contribute further than that 50%, as the roads that were paved ten years ago paid 100% of the cost. However, the City is very anxious to get these gravel roads paved, and would like to complete this project. The Committee has discussed possible ways to reduce this cost, such as a reduction in stormsewer costs, a potential reduction in some of the soft costs, and an extension of the payment schedule. Public Works Committee / May 16, 2006 Page 5 of 16