Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/16/2007

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Case #4: Consider Financing for 160th Lane Paving Project City Engineer Jankowski explained the Trappers Ridge subdivision consists of a two lot subdivision, which was platted at the terminus of l60th Lane in 2004. The westernmost 420 feet of l60th Lane has not been constructed, however a 66 foot road easement existed over the two properties at the end of the paved street. It was subsequently determined that this easement was not specifically dedicated to the City. As a result the City purchased the right of way from these properties and the Trappers Ridge lot property owner constructed his driveway through the right of way to obtain ingress and egress to his lot. Over the summer of2005 staff had received phone calls from the property owners at the end of 160th Lane disputing the use of the drive access that had been constructed within this right of way. By the time the issue was discussed at the September 2005 Public Works Committee meeting the neighbors appeared to have solved. their disputes, but there was discussion about the permanent status of the road. The neighbors indicated that they preferred not to have a public road built, however, at the February 7, 2006 City Council work session, the Council addressed this issue and agreed that if a right of way is to be used by the general public it needs to be maintained by the City. It directed that paving of this segment of street be added to the program for street improvements scheduled for the summer of 2006. Bids were opened in July 2006 for paving this segment of street. The cost was $45,419, which was considerably higher than the $26,000 estimated and the project was not awarded, but was to be reconsidered at a later date by placing the project in the next update of the Capital Improvement Program. The 2007 Street Maintenance Program has been cO,mpleted and the final City costs are $105,000 below the budgeted amount of $400,000. This is primarily due to the fact that the feasibility study allowed for a 25% increase in bituminous price over the 2006 price, which did not materialize. Since this was an ordered project in 2006 which was deleted due to lack of funds that year, staff would like to determine whether the Committee wishes to consider undertaking this project with the surplus funds available from the 2007 Street Maintenance Program. The plans have already been prepared and the contract documents could be updated within a short period for bidding to take place this construction season. Although it is unlikely that paving could be installed this construction season, this Plioject includes clearing, grubbing, Class 5 placement, which could provide work in what is currently a slow market. It is likely that an adjustment clause would need to be considered if bituminous prices were to increase over the winter. Chair Elvig stated that his brother-in-law is involved in this situation and he does not think he is interested in this paving project. Public Works Director Olson stated that the issue comes up every few months and he would like to see it resolved once and for all. Motion by Councilmember Olson, to recommend to the City Council that the City pave 160th Lane and maintain it. as a public road. Councilmember Olson retracted her motion to allow for further discussion. Public Works Committee / September 18, 2007 Page 18 of23