Laserfiche WebLink
CONSCCfI1G E1C11EENS October 18, 1994 <br /> 1326 Energy Park Drive File: 330 000 -00 <br /> St. Paul, MN 55108 <br /> 6 644 4389 Ms. Susan Hoyt <br /> 1 -800- 888 -2923 City Administrator <br /> Fax: 612-644-9446 City of Falcon Heights <br /> 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue <br /> Falcon Heights, MN 55113 -5594 <br /> RE: SIDEWALK REPAIR POLICY <br /> Dear Ms. Hoyt: <br /> This correspondence is intended to summarize the conversation we had recently regarding <br /> City' s sidewalk repair policy. As I indicated, most cities that I work with or am familiar or by having the City <br /> with have a policy of undertaking sidewalk repairs of reasons for this contract for the work. I believe there are a number s approach to sidewalk <br /> it EiiGiNEEni`!G. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL <br /> repairs. The primary reason would be one of liability. Regardless of who maintains the <br /> MUNICIPAL <br /> PANNING sidewalk or whose property it is in front of, should there be a liability claim, it is likely to <br /> SOLID WASTE involve the City since the sidewalks are in the City's rights -of -way. The other issue is one <br /> STRUCTURAL of simple coordination. It is quite difficult to administer a program of notifying and <br /> SURVEYING following through with the individual property owners making a repair. Even if the repair <br /> TRAFFIC is made, it may not be to the standard that the City would like to see. Since it is primarily <br /> TRANSPORTATION the City's liability for accidents that may occur on the sidewalk, I believe most communities <br /> feel it is appropriate for them to be the primary agency for maintaining the adequate <br /> ELECTRICAL /MECHANICAL condition of the sidewalk. I have heard insurance representatives for other communities I <br /> ENGINEERING. represent indicate just having an active City program of repairing sidewalks would go a long <br /> HVAC ways toward defending the City in the case of a claim. <br /> POWER DISTRIBUTION <br /> TCADA One issue the City of Falcon Heights will have to deal with would be assessments. The <br /> SYSTEM CONTROLS question would be, should repairs undertaken by the City be assessed? Also, does assessing <br /> for new sidewalk but not minor repairs create an inconsistent policy? I do not believe so, <br /> and my recommendation would be that the City not assess repairs. As you are aware, the <br /> sidewalk assessment in the University Grove area did not constitute 100% of the total cost. <br /> The City eliminated the cost of removing the existing sidewalk and preparing the area for <br /> new construction. Also eliminated was the portion of the sidewalk through the driveway. <br /> This resulted in an assessment of approximately 60 -75 of the total cost to each individual <br /> property owner. In addition, sidewalk repairs were made to areas east of Coffman Street <br /> with no assessment. Another example would Tbaintenance be responsibility. These would be <br /> OFFICES IN Cleveland for which the City has accepted <br /> MINNEAPOLIS repaired if needed with no assessment. <br /> PRIOR LAKE <br /> ST. PAUL <br /> WASECA <br />