01-21-2003 Council Special Agenda

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Neighborhood Meeting Minutes Stark Street December 10, 2001— 6:30 P.M. The City Administrator welcomed those present to the neighborhood meeting regarding the reconstruction of Stark Street between Old County Road C and DeMont Avenue. (See sign in sheet for those in attendance.) He introduced the staff present at the meeting in addition to himself. They were as follows: Lee Elfering of Howard R. Green and Public Works Director Greg Schroeder. The City Administrator explained the neighborhood meeting process whereby we will provide the residents with the basic information we have, get their input on the nature of the project, and then decide how to proceed form there. At this point, the City Engineer reviewed his handout material with those present. (A copy is attached.) At the conclusion of the Engineer's presentation, we discussed the issue of seed versus sod with the residents. The City Administrator explained we have had problems restoring boulevard areas with sod whereby on -going maintenance by the property owner doesn't occur and the sod has died two seasons later. He pointed out that while the area is "instant green" that does not typically last given the long time it could take for sod to establish itself. He also mentioned that sod is 100% Kentucky Blue grass and this does not lend itself to all boulevard applications. As a result, staff is proposing the option of re- seeding these areas. While the property owner will have to do a lot of watering initially, staff feels the seed will adapt to the soil conditions much faster thereby yielding a better long -term result. Staff would also propose a reduction in the maximum assessment rate of $1.50 per assessable lineal foot if a neighborhood chose this option. He cautioned those present that the City Council would need to approve this idea if the neighborhood was interested. The concensus of those present was this idea makes sense. Questions were raised regarding the preliminary assessment role included with the Engineer's material. The City Administrator emphasized they are preliminary in nature and would receive a more thorough review if the project moved forward. He also stated the City Council must approve the "cap rate" for the assessment. A question was asked regarding the term of the special assessment. The City Administrator stated we use a ten -year teen. Another question was raised regarding the narrower portion of the street and how that would be handled. Staff explained we would attempt to work within existing right -of -way and will attempt to take additional width from both sides of the street equally. It was also noted the gravel base of the road would be slightly wider than the paved area to accommodate curbing. A question was asked regarding the duration of the project. The City Engineer explained that 60 days would be typical. He noted during the most disruptive periods, we would use calcium chloride for dust control. He emphasized that we will maintain access during construction, but there will be times of inconvenience when direct access could be restricted for short periods of - 2 9 -