01-26-09 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 26, 2009 done. The City Administrator indicated that due to the poor condition of the streets, a lot of maintenance dollars will not be put into them. One property owner noted the increase in the cost estimate since the last time the project was discussed. The City Engineer indicated that the increase can be attributed to additional storm drainage improvements needed to get water to Centerville Road. This property owner reported that even after it rains there is no standing water on the street. He questioned the need for the storm drainage improvements when the street never floods. The City Administrator noted the importance of ensuring that drainage is properly conveyed. Given the urban design, water will be directed to the concrete gutters and them into a storm sewer system. A property owner indicated that run-off flows naturally to Centerville Road. The City Engineer reported that urban design standards must be met on this project. The City Administrator pointed out that storm sewer improvements are not assessed, and also noted that the City will receive some Municipal State Aid dollars for this project. One property owner stated that they moved to Little Canada because it was not like St. Paul or Minneapolis, and stated that the rural standard streets were preferable. She felt that the urban streets will change the atmosphere of the City. The City Administrator noted that the City's Assessment Policy provides fora 100% assessment of project costs to property owners for streets not built to urban standards. Property owners indicated the hardship that the assessment will put on them. Declining property values were also a concern to one property owner who indicated that he no longer has any equity in his house. The City Administrator noted that it is inevitable that the street improvement will occur, if not now then in a year or so. One property owner indicated her preference that the improvement is put off. She noted that her parents, who live on Eli Road, are elderly, and if the improvement is delayed, it is likely that a new property owner will have to deal with it. A petition was submitted to the Council in opposition of the improvement. One property owner stated that the road does need to be improved, but felt that the School District and the City should pay for the improvement given the amount of traffic that they generate on the street. Montour noted that having a new sri•eet is a good from a property resale standpoint. It was again noted that the City has done no maintenance on the road and has let it deteriorate. Blesener pointed out that due to the poor condition 14