Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/18/2006

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know that this area would really require curbing, and does not believe it requires sidewalk. A lot of the residents have systems that will have to be replaced, which will be at a cast of $20,000 to $25,000; it would be beneficial to them if they can add another $50,000 to this cost to have City services, selling a lot to recoup that cost. Public Works Director Olson explained the areas of the City that do not have sidewalk and curbing area areas do not have urban services. The reason they do not have that type of infrastructure is because the units are not as tight. When sewer and water are provided it provides the ability to subdivide and the development becomes denser. One thought was that it is very expensive to put all of this infrastructure in right away, but it would be even more expensive to do it piecemeal when people subdivide their lots. Also, if an individual were to subdivide and put in curb and gutter in a small section of sidewalk in the middle of the block, but adjacent residents did not subdivide, there would be a section of sidewalk that is not functional. He suggested this topic be forwarded to a work session for discussion by the full Council. Acting Chairperson Cook suggested the topic of subsidization of sidewalks through trail funds in these types of projects may be a topic to be forwarded to the Park and Recreation Commission for discussion. Public Works Director Olson indicated City Code states when a subdivision goes in initially that sidewalks are required on all through streets. 157th Lane is a cul-de-sac so it is a different situation, and it is an existing neighborhood as well. The sidewalk requirement could potentially be waived, but the connection to Dolomite Street has been discussed as a possible necessity. Mr. McKusick commented the project across from Alpine Park does not have sidewalks because it dead-ends. The City must make a decision on the plan for Dolomite Street. He noted possible routes for the sewer and water, and stated the discussion has been about loops, but adead-end is a possibility for the connection. There was discussion of the following in relation to the 157th Lane and Ramsey Boulevard projects: looping versus dead-ends for City sewer and water connections; reduction in the estimated assessment costs on 157th Lane from increased participation on Ramsey Boulevard; and the effect on project costs from urban improvements. Acting Chairperson Cook stated he strongly supports having sidewalks when there are urban services. The fact that 157th Lane is a cul-de-sac might be different, and they may be able to work through that to solve some of the problems if the City could acquire an easement for a sidewalk at the time of the project, and not put the sidewalks in until it connects to Dolomite Street. Mr. McKusick inquired about the possibility of bringing in sewer and burying the water line under the assumption that ten years from now a loop would be made with the water line. Public Works Director Olson replied this would be much cheaper, but the gaskets would dry out if the water line is not used. Public Works Committee /July 18, 2006 Page 4 of 7