01-26-09 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 26, 2009 is a unique opportunity to get some needed street work done at a very good price. Tom Duray indicated that he was opposed to the project given the cur7•ent economic conditions. Duray felt that the street was in fairly good condition and should last for up to five years without any work. He also noted that the Rice Street project is moving forward and suggested that the City hold off on the Demont improvement until the Rice Street project begins so that the intersection will tie in. One property owner asked about storm sewer improvements. The City Engineer indicated that there will be some storm sewer improvements made, but the cost of those will not be assessed. A property owner felt that Demont Street was in good condition, and felt there was no need to move forward with the improvement at this time. The City Engineer noted that the City conducts a pavement rating on its streets, and indicated that based on that rating the mill and overlay are warranted. The Engineer agreed that the street is not falling apart, but indicated that a mill and overlay will prolong the life of the street. He also noted that if the project is delayed, the cost will be more in the future. One condominium owner pointed out that they are faced with a large assessed for building improvements. The owner requested that the road project be delayed. The property owner asked if the improvement was proposed as it was being combined with other projects. The City Administrator replied that the project has been proposed because it needs to be done. The street surface is spawling off, and a mill and overlay is needed to prolong the street life and delay full reconstruction. The Adminishator anticipated that a mill and overlay will add another 20 years to the street life. One property owner suggested that delaying the work for another two years would not hurt anything. Another property owner asked if the project had been bid. The Engineer replied that the costs are his estimates at this point. The Administrator indicated that staff's recommendation is that the project be bid. If the bids are not below the Engineer's estimates, the decision will likely be to not move forward with the project. One condo owner noted that he was assessed last year for the Canabury Drive improvement, and now will be assessed for Demont Avenue. The Administrator noted that the condominium is on a corner lot, therefore, is assessed for improvements on both streets. 17