01-26-2017 Special Meeting Minutes (Imp Hearing)

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 on to the public hearing to consider ordering of the improvement, which is this evening's hearing. Once bids are received and awarded, construction commences and typically after substantial completion of the project, an assessment hearing is held. The Engineer then explained the assessment hearing process. At that hearing, which is typically in October, property owners have the opportunity to voice opinions on the proposed assessments. The Council would act on any objections received and then approve the assessments. The assessment amounts can be paid within 30 days with no interest charges, otherwise they will be assessed to property taxes for a period of 10 years with an interest rate of approximately 4.5%, depending on the bond rates. Interest accrues from the date the assessments are adopted for those certified to property taxes. The assessments can be paid off at any time. The Engineer provided information about the condition of Rose Place and Lakeshore Avenue that resulted in the proposed improvement. He stated that he is proposing the street be reconstructed with concrete curb and gutter, along with storm sewer extension. He explained that with this project, there are stormwater infiltration requirements that must be met, and the most common and least expensive way to do this is through rain gardens. He explained that these are slight depressions near the street that capture stormwater runoff and must drain within 48 hours. The Engineer then reviewed the construction process in detail. He noted that the City installs paving in two lifts, and the second lifts will be completed the next year in order to ensure that any settling after winter is addressed prior to installing the last lift. The Engineer then reported that there will be times that driveway access is restricted due to construction activities. However, emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Mail and garbage service will be maintained. Mail service is typically moved to a temporary box outside the project area if the Post Master requests. The Engineer reported that property owners will be kept informed of timing of construction activities that will restrict access. He also noted that there will be an on-site inspector available to address property owner concerns. He noted that the Code allows construction work hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. The Engineer reviewed the anticipated project timeline. The Engineer reported on project funding, noting that sanitary sewer, water main and storm sewer repair costs would not be assessed. 50% of the street costs will be funded through special assessments to benefitting property owners. The Engineer then explained the special assessment process in detail which is based on the City's Assessment Policy that has 0