03-10-99 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1999 The City Engineer reported that the City has some rights in this regard and indicated that these improvements have been discussed with the owner of Balty's. The City will obtain a waiver of trespass. However, there is storm sewer presently there and the proposal is for a change to the existing storm sewer system. Bally's will be paying for these storm sewer improvements in addition to their share of the street reconstruction costs. The City Administrator reported that this is run-off that the City is requesting that Bally's contain through the improvements proposed. Again a property owner asked that the City look at directing run-off to the slew behind Bally's as well as to the low spot behind the mall just west of Bob's Cycle. Fahey suggested that the various options be sent to the appraiser so that he can determine which would be the most feasible in terms of proving benefits received. The City Administrator suggested that the appraiser will do a before and after analysis of the benefits received question irrespective of any of the assessment options. This information will be available for Council review prior to the assessment hearing on this improvement. The Council discussed the problems with flooding at the Little Canada Mall, and it was suggested that the Engineer take a look at some additional alternatives for storm water improvements in the area. Council discussed the issue of assessing properties for a curb and gutter improvement when the curb and gutter does not abut the property. This issue arose in considering the improvement of LaBore Road and McMenemy Street for curb and gutter when portions of these streets would not receive the curb and gutter. Morelan indicated that when small sections of a street do not receive curb and gutter, there is likely to still be an overall benefit from the improvement. However, when very large sections do not receive the improvement, it would be difficult to prove benefits received for those properties without the improvement. Council agreed, and suggested that additional discussion of this issue occur at such time as it is necessary. The City Administrator recommended that the Assessment Policy be changed so that the odd-shaped lot formula use a 10-foot diver~ence between front and rear lot lines rather than the 5 feet provided for in the Policy. The Administrator reported that in applying the policy to LaBore Road and McMenemy, it became apparent that 10 feet was a fairer figure to use than five. Council a~reed. Morelan pointed out that the City has been assessing 85% of project costs to benefiting properties for some time, and property owners involved in