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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JANUARY 18, 1995 <br />could be assessed for their share of the project. The <br />assessment would be spread out over a ten year period <br />and collected along with property taxes. <br />Stauff questioned whether the road project would <br />improve property values. <br />The City Engineer replied that the road improvement <br />would increase the value of the property as well as the <br />aesthetics of the area. <br />Scalze pointed out that the road would need replacement <br />within the next five years regardless of the water main <br />project. A good portion of the road will be disturbed <br />as a result of the water main. Scalze stated that the <br />Council does not order a road reconstruction just to <br />make the area look better, the issue is one of public <br />safety. <br />Fahey indicated that by law the City can only assess an <br />amount equal to the increased value of the property. <br />The City understands the impact that assessments have <br />on property owners, and makes every effort to keep <br />assessments at a minimum contributing toward the cost <br />of the project what it can from the City level. <br />LaValle pointed out that these improvements require <br />City dollars, and the Council is not eager to spend the <br />money unless it feels the projects are necessary and in <br />the best interests of the City. LaValle pointed out <br />that the Viking Drive road improvement will be <br />necessary within the next 4 or 5 years, and will cost <br />more at that time. Therefore, it is better over the <br />long haul to do the project now while the street is <br />being disturbed as part of a water main project. <br />Stauff felt there was a problem on Viking Drive with <br />traffic speeds, and a smoother road would contribute to <br />that problem. Stauff stated that the property owners <br />felt the water main improvement was necessary, but not <br />the road improvement since it will bring the total cost <br />for property owners up to $9,000 or $10,000 per lot. <br />Pedersen pointed out that the cost of the road <br />improvement will be greater in the future. Pedersen <br />also pointed out that the water main project includes <br />$20,000 for patching which would be better applied <br />toward the cost of road reconstruction. <br />9 <br />