Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/16/2006

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Chairperson Elvig suggested in addition to the staff recommendation, that legal opinion be obtained regarding the possible elimination of soft costs associated with project overhead and the extension of the amortization schedule. Public Works Director Olson indicated staff will conduct research into other roadways that have proximity issues with wetlands prior to the Council meeting when this project will be discussed. Chairperson Elvig noted the City is currently involved with a project that requires a box culvert to be installed where the road is so low that water is going over the top of the road. This project is being paid for by stormwater utility fees. Public Works Director Olson explained that project will include payment for the stormsewer costs by the stormwater utility; however, the roadway will be assessed at 50/50. Motion by Councilmember Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend to City Council that (a) staff be directed to modify the feasibility study with respect to financing in response to the issues outlined in the case above; (b) that the recommendations of this case be presented to the City Council for ratification at the May 28, 2005 meeting, and (c) that the deadline for petitioning against this project be extended to June 9, 2006, and that legal opinion be obtained regarding the possible elimination of soft costs associated with project overhead and the extension of the amortization schedule. Further discussion: Councilmember Pearson suggested material for this project could be obtained from the Gun Club property. Public Works Director Olson replied he was informed today that site is close to balancing with the materials from the high area being moved to the low area. Chairperson Elvig suggested the possibility of material being obtained from the Oakwood Land Development project in this area. Public Works Director Olson noted some materials could likely be obtained; however there would still be tracking costs involved. He noted there may also be materials available at Alpine Park. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Pearson and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Pearson. Case #1: Green Valley Greenhouse Appeal of Storm Water Utility Fees Public Works Director Olson indicated this case is regarding an appeal by Mr. John Rowe, owner of the Green Valley Greenhouse, to the change in his stormwater utility rate. Mr. Olson provided an overview of the history of the case and the reason for the change in the rate. He explained the Stormwater Utility was established in 2000. All commercial properties were assigned a rate based on aerial photographs from Anoka County. The ordinance provided a mechanism for billing single-family residences with an attached business. The ordinance states that single family properties with a business on the site shall be charged ½ the residential rate and ½ the business rate until such time as the business is no longer active on the site, at which time the rate shall be the standard single family residential rate. Mr. Olson explained the house and the greenhouse business at 6530 Green Valley Road were owned by the same person (Wayne Davis) so the property was charged 50% of the residential rate and 50% of the Public Works Committee / May 16, 2006 Page 7 of 16