01-26-09 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 26, 2009 5.35%, increasing interest costs to the point where this may not be the best option. The Administrator also pointed out that there assessment deferment options available, however, noted that interest continues to accrue on deferred assessments. The City Administrator pointed out that the $2.67 per foot credit proposed because of the unused life of the curb and gutter is based on a 30-year life. He suggested that the credit could be based on a 50-year life, thus increasing the credit to $5.60 per foot. The City Administrator indicated that given the fact that oil prices are down and the bidding climate is very competitive, City staff feels that this is a unique opportunity to get some needed street work done at a very good price. A property owner asked if the improvement would increase property values, thus increasing property taxes. Blesener indicated that he doubted that property owners would see a corresponding increase in the County's property valuation. The City Administrator noted that the fluctuations in sales prices are reflected in property values over time, and indicated that the County is still making downward adjustments in property values. He also noted that the County relies primarily on sales data versus public improvements. One property owner asked about the assessment of public property along the street. The City Administrator replied that public property is assessed, noting that property owned by Xcel Energy and the City will be assessed at the commercial assessment rate. One property owner asked about the property staking that has occurred and asked if stakes marked as property line were such. The City Engineer indicated that in addition to marking utilities and easements, there may be some property line staking. If a stake is marked as a property line, then that is what it is. It was noted that the proposal is to nai7•ow the street to 30 feet from 32 feet. One property owner asked where the additional green area would occur. The City Engineer replied that the pavement would be centered within the right-of--way; therefore, there will be additional green area on both sides of the street. There was discussion about driveway aprons with the Engineer noting that this work is included in the project cost. The Engineer noted that the Code provides a maximum driveway opening of 24 feet. If a driveway opening is wider, there may need to be some discussion on the restored width.