01-22-2014 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MINUTES AUSTRALIAN AVENUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 6:00 P.M. The City Administrator welcomed those present to the neighborhood meeting regarding the reconstruction of Australian Avenue from Lakeshore Avenue east to the end of the street. See sign -in sheet for those in attendance. The City Administrator introduced himself, Mr. Joel Hanson, Mr. Lee Elfering, City Engineer of Elfering & Associates, and Mr. Bill Dircks, Public Works Superintendent. The City Administrator explained the neighborhood meeting process whereby the City provides residents of the proposed construction area with the basic information, obtains their input on the nature of the project, and then decides how to proceed from there. At this point, the City Engineer, Mr. Elfering, reviewed the Powerpoint presentation with those who were present. He explained in detail existing conditions and the proposed improvements. Mr. Elfering indicated that the proposed improvement as it stands now would reconstruct Australian Avenue from Lakeshore east to the end of the road. The existing street would be excavated and a new sub -grade would be added. New curb and gutter and asphalt would be laid to re- establish a crown in the road and improve drainage. The existing storm sewer system would be upgraded to current standards and rain water gardens would be added to aid in storm water and runoff drainage. Water main would also be added to the street as it is one of two remaining streets without water in the City. He stated that he would attempt to design a turnaround at or near the end of the street since one does not currently exist. Mr. Elfering gave a brief explanation of the new Watershed District rules on infiltration of the first inch of rainfall. Mr. Elfering then explained the City's Assessment Policy, a proposed construction schedule, and potential construction issues that have occurred in the past. At the conclusion of Mr. Elfering's presentation, the residents were asked for comments or questions regarding anything that had been presented. The following is a summary of that discussion: Y A resident asked why curb and gutter needed to be added to the street when the current rural section seems to aid drainage and infiltration in the area. Mr. Elfering said it is the City's policy to upgrade streets to an urban section. Curb and gutter protects the pavement edge and aids in snow plowing operations. He stated that there is a provision in the policy allowing residents to request a rural section but the properties would be assessed for 100% of the project costs. ➢ A resident asked how the elimination of curb and gutter costs would affect the total project price. Mr. Elfering explained the project cost cap and how residents 28