01-26-09 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 26, 2009 A property owner asked about State funding for the project. The Administrator reported that the City's Infrastructure Fund supports these types of projects. Also, based on the information received to date, it is unlikely that Little Canada will receive any stimulus money for its street projects. Tracey George expressed her objections to the project based on the large expenditure needed from both the City and property owners given current economic conditions. George also indicated that she was against narrowing the street for safety reasons. George felt that there should be less expensive options considered rather than a total street reconstruction. She also felt that assessments should be based on number of licensed drivers and/or vehicles per property. George suggested that the monies to be used to purchase a street sweeper should be diverted toward the road improvement. George asked that the Council work to get the cost of the road improvement down to a manageable level. There was discussion related to reducing the sheet width from 32 feet to 30 feet, with the City Engineer pointing out the width is from face-of--curb to face-of--curb. The Engineer noted that with either width, boulevard restoration will be necessary. The Engineer also pointed out that utilizing a barrier curb will result in the street elevation being lowered by 2 inches. The City Adminishator noted that given the drainage improvements that were made as part of the Unweave The Weave project, the City will be able to connect its storm sewer into these improvements. This has added some expense to the project in addition to providing for a viable drainage outlet. A property owner asked about the rain water gardens. The City Engineer described the typical size of the gardens, the variety of plantings available, as well as the function of the gardens. Given the poor soils in this area, the Engineer suggested that it may be necessary to add a 4-inch drain the to the gardens and direct water into the storm sewer system. A property owner asked about tree removal. The City Engineer reported that any trees that need to be removed and are in the City's right-of--way will not be replaced. He also noted that unless there is a significant impact due to tree removal, the removed trees would not be replaced. A property owner asked which side of the street the storm sewer will be installed. The Engineer replied that it is likely it will be placed on the opposite side of the street from the water main. Blesener asked the preference of those present fora 32-foot wide street versus 30-foot wide street. Those present were equally divided on this