Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/17/2006

Home

City Engineer Jankowski indicated a Councilmember introducing a request on a citizen's behalf would be sufficient to be brought before the Public Works Committee. Public Works Director Olson suggested a standard such as 5 signatures from residents within 500 feet of the modification request. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend to City Council that staff be directed to modify the policy for presenting traffic modification requests to the Public Works Committee by requiring a written petition for the desired change signed by a specified number of property owners or residents residing within a specified distance from the requested modification. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Cook. Voting No: None. Case #4: Discuss Mississippi Subdrainage District No.1 Phase 2 Construction Project City Engineer Jankowski explained an ordinance adopted on February 22,2000 established the Mississippi Drainage District to address the storm sewer needs for the area which is bounded by the Burlington Northern railroad tracks on the north; Highway 10 on the south; Sunfish Lake Boulevard on the west; and the City limits on the east. This 'ordinance established a special taxing district to finance necessary drainage improvements which would allow the district handle additional storm runoff caused by the development ofthe area within the district. In fall of2000 storm sewer was installed through the eastern half of the district. The western half of the district had anticipated the extension of this storm sewer once appropriate drainage and utility easements were obtained. Mr. Jankowski indicated staff last approached the City Council on June 27,2006 advising them that three easements were still required to proceed with the phase 2 project, and that two of these easements were anticipated to be donated by the property owners to facilitate the construction. The third easement was appraised at a value of$13,500 and Council authorized an offer to be extended to the property owner in this amount. Staffhas contacted the remaining two property owners several times over the intervening months to obtain these easements, but has been unsuccessful in obtaining them. During the; last conversation with one of the property owners, Mr. Larry Hickman, he indicated a preference for the easement to be obtained through a purchase. Staff estimates that the value of this easement could be as much as $144,050 if the same unit price land values which were identified for the appraised property were applied to Mr. Hickman's property which is considerably larger. City Engineer Jankowski advised currently the cost of the phase 2 project is estimated at $266,300 with $40,000 for property acquisition. The district currently has a fund balance of $142,800 with anticipated 2007 revenue of $43,348. To proceed with this project at this time in light of the significantly increased land acquisition cost would require either a significant increase in the levy to this special district or an extension of the levy period for a period for as many as six years. Mr. Jankowski explained the purpose for this project as stated within the CIP is twofold. First it will provide drainage capacity to the western portion of the drainage district so that it can facilitate future development, and second it provides an outlet for the large regional Public Works Committee / September 19, 2006 Page 6 of9