04-14-2021 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 14, 2021 they have a family situation and ask for a variance. McGraw stated he has seen over the years that if something is allowed for some, then everyone wants it. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ASSESSMENT POLICY The Public Works Director stated that the City last updated its assessment policy in 1995. He explained that a base rate was set at that time and the new rate is calculated using the Consumer Price Index each year. He stated there have been some questions regarding the application of the policy during the past couple of years, so staff has decided it is a good time to take a close look at the policy and update it to fit the current best practices in the area. He reviewed the proposed changes and edits that should make the assessment process easier to apply to each street. The Public Works Director stated that another topic that could be added to the policy include a section on irrigation and other items in the right-of-way. He explained that in the past, the City has had the street contractor or an irrigation contractor handle irrigation repairs or other repairs to items in the right-of-way, such as invisible fencing or landscaping. He stated that there generally have not been many issues, however, last year the Pitrina Park Townhome Association's irrigation repair cost $28,000. He explained that the Council could opt to make property owners responsible for their own repairs in the right-of-way, which could be addressed in the assessment policy or a new standalone policy to cover right-of-way issues during street projects could be created. The Public Works Director reviewed the current assessment cap rate and what has been used since 1995, and options for going forward. He stated that the city has used the Consumer Price Index rate for the annual increases, but there are also National Construction Index and the Minneapolis Construction Index rates that could be used. McGraw stated that maybe since street improvements are construction, using a construction index is more applicable. Keis asked if the city receives MSA funds, how are they used. The Public Works Director explained that any MSA or grant funds that the city receives are put into the fund and used for the city's share of street construction costs. The Public Works Director asked the Council what the consensus is for which rate to use. There was Council consensus to use the Minneapolis Area Construction rate. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. o4/4 John If. Keis, Mayor Att stophd Heinema , City Administrator 3