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

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 rain gardens. He explained that these are slight depressions near the street that capture stormwater runoff and must drain within 48 hours. The 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 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 after the project is substantially complete, 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 based on the bond rates. Interest on certified assessments would accrue from the date they are approved. The assessments can be paid off at any time. The Engineer then reviewed the construction process in detail. The Engineer then reported that there will be inconveniences and 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. Since this is a full reconstruction, the contractor will likely install temporary boxes just outside of the project area for use by the Post Office. 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 City 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 reported on project funding, noting that sanitary sewer, water main and stone sewer repair costs are not assessed. A portion 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. The Engineer noted that most residential properties will be assessed $7,534.94 for one unit, except corner properties that do not, access Greenbrier will be assessed at 20%, and the three commercial properties are assessed at twice the residential rate. He stated that the park property is considered commercial property. He reported that