02-12-2018 Special Council Minutes (Imp. Hearing)

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2018 The City Engineer explained the City's street improvement planning process. He explained that after the streets that need work are determined, the process begins with neighborhood informational meetings and progresses on to the public hearing to consider ordering of the improvement, which is this evening's hearing. Once bids are received and awarded, construction starts, 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 charged, 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 would then accrue to the date the assessment was approved. The assessments can be paid off at any time. The project is proposed to consist of a mill & overlay with curb repairs as needed. The City Engineer explained that they will also inspect water main valves. He then reviewed the construction process in detail. 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 timeline. The City Engineer reported on project funding, noting that sanitary sewer, water main and storm sewer repair costs would not be assessed. Fifty percent (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 been in place since 1995. He noted that the properties will be assessed for their frontage footage up to a maximum of 125 feet, except for some that have additional development potential or are a corner lot. At this point the public hearing was opened for comments from the general public. 2