04-04-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 4, 2012 poles are not buried, it will still be necessary to move them outside the proposed sidewalk area. Keis asked if the County will have money next year for this project. The Administrator was not sure, but pointed out that they have money budgeted for the project for this year. The City Engineer estimated that the County has $300,000 to $350,000 in their budget for this project. There was additional discussion about the estimated cost of various project elements with the City Engineer indicating that the County will pay 100% of storm sewer costs. He indicated that under normal circumstances the County pays 25% of the cost of retaining walls, but the Engineer pointed out that the proposed walls are needed because of the installation of storm sewer. Therefore, the County may pay 100% of the retailing walls. The County has indicated that the City has 100% responsibility for easement/rights -of -way acquisition, but there are discussions with the County relative to their paying 50% of these costs. The Engineer reported that he will be presenting the project layout to the County for their approval. It was noted that the County wanted the curb and gutter, storm sewer, as well as sidewalk improvements proposed. It is anticipated that the County will approve the project design. It is also hoped that the County will allocate additional dollars for this project. The City Administrator pointed out that the County's Public Works Department is asking the County Board for more County highway funding, and it appears the Board may be receptive to this request. Boss suggested that the sidewalk improvement be extended to Noel Drive to Gervais Mill Park. It was noted that room for a sidewalk would be tight given the location of the retaining wall. It was the consensus of the Council to request Xcel to do an engineering estimate for burying the power lines along Little Canada Road from the freeway to McMenemy Road. The Administrator also indicated that City staff will discuss with the County the possibility of delaying the project until 2013. The Administrator then discussed the issue of assessing benefitting property owners fbr this project as well as the Rice Street Phase II project. He noted that benefitting property owners were assessed for the Rice Street Phase 1 project. There was discussion about the issue of assessing for an improvement on a County road It was noted that the City has not had a County road reconstructed as of yet. The Administrator also noted that many City streets were formerly County roads. City staff was directed to look at this issue and put together some recommendations for the Council's consideration. 6