02-11-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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JOINT CHARTER COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 1997 Commissioner Solfest asked if the Council believes this issue needs to be acted on or can be ignored. Council Member Lyden said the Council is aware of the importance of this issue and is determined to work on it. Commissioner Dahl asked if an overlay project adds a pad of bituminous or removes, recycles, and then reuses the material. Mr. Ahrens explained a "recycled mill and overlay" uses recycled material but an "overlay" places a new pad of asphalt on the roadway. Commissioner Dahl asked if the recycling method is less expensive and more effective. Mr. Ahrens stated this depends on whether the subgrade is in good condition. If there is no subgrade strength, a recycled mill and overlay is a waste of money. He explained the importance of investigating the soils and subgrade condition. Commissioner Dunn complemented Mr. Horn and Mr. Ahrens on providing such a comprehensive plan and start on road reconstruction. He commented on the previous Council discussion regarding the impact of garbage trucks on City roadways and reviewed details of the number of miles and condition of City roadways. He commented on the need to address the condition of roadways at this time to prevent further costly deterioration. He asserted a serious crisis exists and there is a need to do something about it now. Commissioner Dunn stated the funding will need to come about through an election or change in the Charter to allow the City to put the costs in the tax structure without concern for an election and the like. He suggested the Charter Commissioner consider the potential redefinition of what "streets" are. He further suggested that there be two categories, those needing road reconstruction, and those needing road reconstruction and utilities. ROAD PLANS AND SCHEDULE In response to Chair Montain, Council Member Bergeson explained the Council does not yet have a plan and the schedule is as submitted by Mr. Ahrens. Commissioner Solfest asked if the Charter Commission can assist in this process. Council Member Kuether expressed a reluctance with moving ahead until the funding issue is resolved. She explained the Council will need to determine if this issue should go to a referendum and if successful the Council will then need to determine percentages. Mayor Landers concurred with the need to place this issue on a referendum to allow residents to vote so the Charter issue can be put to rest, one way or the other. Chair Montain asked if the actual project would be placed on the referendum. Mayor Landers explained the suggestion was to select five projects and deal with those first. He suggested these five projects be placed on the ballot and allow residents to vote. PAGE 4