08-26-2020 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 26, 2020 The Public Works Director stated that Old County Road C is a small connecting street between County Road C and Stark Street and Ruth Street. He noted it also does not have curb and gutter and needs to be upgraded to an urban standard. He explained that the street has numerous potholes that the Public Works Department has spent time filling over the past few years. He stated there are ten properties abutting Old County Road C and the estimated costs are between $465,000 and $631,750. The Public Works Director explained that Nadeau Road is a short connecting street between Country Drive and Condit Street that already has concrete curb, gutter and storm sewer, so it would only require a full depth reclamation and re -paving of the street. He reported there are two commercial properties abutting the road and neither has an access point on Nadeau, so they would be assessed at the residential rate in accordance with the City's assessment policy. He stated the cost estimate is between $140,000 and $149,410. The City Administrator stated that he has talked to one of the property owners that would be assessed and they told him they are still reeling from the last assessment and dealing with vacancy in the building. The Public Works Director stated that the city has patched the street and could wait another year or two if needed before improving this street. The Public Works Director explained that the 2021 street costs increased significantly from the estimate that was calculated in 2020. He stated that based on the increase in the 2021 street costs, the street costs in 2022-2025 will need to be reviewed to verify that these costs are accurate. Fischer stated that we should hold off on Nadeau if possible, and let other property owners know further ahead of time that their streets are planned for improvements. CONSIDER WAIVING 2ND QUARTER UTILITY SILL LATE FEES The Finance Director stated that the Local Emergency Declaration approved at the March 25 Council Meeting, directs City Staff to make recommendations regarding additional emergency regulations to support the employees and residents of the City of Little Canada. She explained that the Council chose to waive the late fees on the 1 st quarter utility bills, and now Council should decide whether to waive late fees on the 2nd quarter utility bills. She explained that the amount of 1 St Quarter 2020 late fees waived was $10,652, and 2nd Quarter 2020 late fees are estimated to be $8,822. Fischer asked if the balance of unpaid 1st quarter utility bills was higher than in the past. The Finance Director stated that it was actually less, and staff are attributing that to the fact that many people signed up for automatic withdrawal after the forms were included in the 4th quarter utility bills. She noted that there are now programs available for residents who are struggling with their mortgage; rent and utility bills, whereas those were not available when the pandemic started. Fischer stated that since there are other opportunities for people to receive financial help, he doesn't feel that waiving the fees is necessary. Torkelson agreed with Fischer, and asked that City Staff make efforts to help any residents through the application process for the financial assistance. The City Administrator stated that we could absorb this revenue loss, but it would affect the long-term ability for the water and sewer fund to be stable. El