01-24-2019 Special Council Minutes (2019 Imp. Hearings)

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 explained that since this is a county project, so they will pay for a lot of the cost, but Little Canada and Vadnais Heights will have some responsibility also. 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. A resident asked how far in the driveways will be cut out. The City Engineer stated that is hard to say right now, but the street will be lowered quite a bit and the amount of driveway cut out will depend on how to best drain water. He noted that any driveway removed, will be replaced. The City Engineer explained that due to the number of entities involved in the County Road D project, he does not anticipate that this street could be reconstructed until 2020. He noted that due to the amount of issues and things that need to be done before it can go out for bids, it will miss the best timing for receiving best pricing. At this point the public hearing was opened for comments from the general public. A resident stated that there seems to be a lot of negatives to the project. The City Engineer stated that since this is a county road, Ramsey County will have the most say in whether this moves forward or not. He noted that rain gardens will only be installed where someone is willing to have one located. A resident asked if the assessment amount given tonight is the final amount, or could it increase. The City Engineer explained that the amount shown is based on a capped rate, and may likely be the amount you will pay unless the determined amount of property frontage is off. Montour clarified that the county does not have this project in their capital improvement plan budget. The City Engineer stated that he was told that was the case. Montour asked what happens if the project does not move forward for five years, because the assessment amounts would then not be the same. The City Engineer reported that he would recommend that the Council state that this project be done within two years. Montour asked if this could be done like Centerville Road where the City fronts the money and be reimbursed by Ramsey County. The City Engineer stated that is a possibility, but the Council may not want to move forward until the joint powers agreement between the three entities is in place.