06-14-2007 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 5, 2007 Meeting Summary In Attendance: City Staff Gordon Heitke-City Administrator, Jim Studenski-City Engineer, Michael Grochala-Director of Community Development Consultant: Steve Bubul - Bond Counsel Citizens' Task Force: Kathi Gallup, Jon Latcham, Cheryl Sanchez, Laura Carlson, Jamie Stem, Judi Brunner, Peter T. Brown Council member: Jeff Reinert Charter Commission member: Robert Bening One issue brought up was the perception of inconsistency in street standards -what is the standard? Question raised to City and Street Planners - Basic standard is 32' wide with curb and gutter. This gives a stronger street as it won't deteriorate as quickly. If you don't work the curb and gutter you need a larger ditch and grading that is more objectionable to residents. It is also difficult to manage driveways with this approach. Even at this width, one side will need to be no parking so emergency vehicles can get through. The narrowest that would even be considered is 30'. This width street cannot be a collector street. Above that, additional needs are considered for bike traffic and trail connections. Clarifying question raised to when the Charter Section 8 kicks in: Steve Bubul: It is not the project but the financing plan that triggers Chapter 8. It kicks in whenever it is financed with special assessments. When you levy assessments you have to prove that the amount assessed is supported by an increase in property value. City can reconstruct streets without special assessment but it is an expensive option. Peter to city to tell them one possibility we have discussed - One approach would be to establish a fund and pay for the streets without special assessments. This is recognized as less efficient but it would get streets reconstructed. Put this to the voters so that they have a choice -change the charter or finance the reconstruction through less efficient methods. Rely on Levy instead. Any issues or drawbacks with this? Bubul: Levy limits happen whenever legislature kicks them in so be aware that this may make this approach inconsistent. City could start with a project and then a limit is set and it would need to back off. We also discussed that sometimes residents may agree to a street now but not water and sewer. If they later want water and sewer, is there an option to run it down the side of the street so the street isn't torn up? Michael: Option of putting in water/sewer afterwards down the side. There are issues with keeping the sewer line the right distance from existing wells, etc. It has to be 50' from wells and this means the middle of the street typically. Special arrangements have been made in some areas but this approach won't consistently work. If the residents petitioned against sewer/water but still got the street and the city used other funds to run the sewer and water lines they could just have a deferred assessment such that when they connect they