03-22-94 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCA 22, 1994 However, if the Lake Street project were bid on its own, the costs might exceed the estimate. Dousi stated that she thought last year the estimated cost was $35 per foot. The Administrator replied that the residents had indicated last year that they would support a project at $35 per foot, but estimates for acceptable improvements were over that amount. John Johnson, 115 Lake Street, reported that he purchased his home on Lake Street last summer. Since he is a relatively new homeowner, Johnson did not believe he would qualify for a home equity loan to pay for assessments and make them tax deductible. Johnson reported that the payments associated with a street improvement are a big concern to him. Johnson pointed out that Lake Street does not have heavy traffic volumes and believed the street to be in fairly good shape. Johnson asked why the improvement of Lake Street would be a priority over improving Jackson Street which has heavy traffic volumes as well as bus traffic. The City Administrator reported that the improvement of Lake Street has been discussed in the past. The condition of Lake Street makes that street one of the worst the City has. The Administrator agreed that there is more traffic on Jackson, and pointed out that consideration of the improvement of Jackson/Old County Road C/Lakeshore Avenue is also scheduled for consideration this evening. The Administrator reported that if a street is constructed properly, it can be expected to last 20 years. Johnson reported that the average homeowner stays in their home for 8 years. Therefore, there is typically no pay back to the homeowner for street improvements. Johnson did not feel the street was in such bad shape that improvement of the street should be a priority. Johnson asked if the fact that there is a park on the street was reason for improving the road. Pedersen reported that the park is not an issue in the matter. 17