04-08-2004 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission April 8,2004 Page 2 APPROVED Community Development Director Grochala referred to the Lakes Addition project that was approved by voters in 1997. He explained the process that was used for that project and the amount of dollars that were assessed to the citizens. He indicated the last road reconstruction referendum failed by a substantial amount of votes. The City needs a plan to reconstruct and maintain City streets. There is a clause within the Charter that stipulates the City cannot go through the same process for the same project for at least one year. Community Development Director Grochala indicated staff is working on updating the Pavement Management Plan. The question is where to go from there in terms of implementing the plan. The City would issue bonds for the projects. Mr. Steve Bubul,Kennedy& Graven, is the City's consultant in terms of bonds and what can be done within the Charter provisions. Commissioner Warren inquired about the process for reviewing and approving a new five-year pavement plan. Community Development Director Grochala referred to the Pavement Rating Map noting how the ratings for each street were determined. The ratings prioritize the City's needs and where money could be best allocated. The ratings do not take into account drainage issues,water management needs and safety needs. City Engineer Studenski distributed a graph outlining the pavement life cycle. Community Development Director Grochala stated the City has the responsibility to maintain City streets. Staff cannot make that happen without a funding source. Seal coating and some street maintenance can currently be budgeted for if the City had an additional revenue source. The Pavement Management Plan is the first step in developing a street reconstruction and maintenance plan. Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the details of the Lakes Addition Street Project in comparison to the last street referendum. Councilmember Carlson stated that the City has had two road referendums. The project that had the benefiting properties paying 11%failed. The one that had the benefiting properties paying 28%passed. Chair Trehus pointed out that the last project would have been on the ballot with or without the City Charter. Commissioner Warren asked if there are other alternatives to get residents who are against a project in favor of a project. Mr. Bubul stated not being able to prove benefits to a property owner is a huge problem for cities within Minnesota. There is a new process to complete projects that include basic street reconstruction, lower assessments and a reverse referendum. Councilmember Reinert stated the City has roads that are falling apart. He inquired about the staff recommendation in regard to this issue. 2