02-11-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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a JOINT CHARTER COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 19W Then, the Charter issue can be put to rest and a road reconstruction fund can be put into place. Council Member Bergeson stated his understanding was that the Council would select one high priority project, notify impacted property owners, prepare a feasibility study, and get resident's input after they are informed of all the issues, including cost. At that time, assuming it fails due to cost, that specific project would be placed on the ballot to use general funds. If that fails, then a Charter amendment would be considered to allow usage of general funds. Commissioner Solfest noted that since some of the project costs cannot be assessed and State Statute does not allow assessing beyond benefit, the issue must go on the ballot. Council Member Kuether noted that some residents do not understand their ability to object to the assessment. Chair Montain agreed that this process has not been done recently so an educational process will be needed to make residents aware of the need and process. He noted it appears the Council is aware the roads are an important issue, a very large investment, are deteriorating at a rapid rate, and five phases have been identified. He stated it comes down to what the Council will do. Council Member Lyden stated this is a very complicated multi-faceted issue, including the definition of"maintenance." He stated the issue is being proactive and protecting the City's good roadways. Council Member Lyden explained if the City's maintenance budget is not adequate, the Council is of the resolve to make that change. Council Member Lyden stated his willingness to consider creative financing methods. He concurred with Commissioner Dunn regarding the great impact of solid waste trucks on City streets. Council Member Lyden noted that the Council can consider separately the improvement to Wear Road which is an MSA road. Council Member Bergeson stated he holds a different view and believes the amount of money placed into road reconstruction is "fiddling" with the bottom part of the chart. He stated he believes the Council needed to meet with the Charter Commission so they are able to deal with the big ticket reconstruction costs which cannot be done now by assessment or by the City. He stated it is his belief that the improvements need to go forward to the top of the chart and the Council needs to make a determination on the bottom of the chart. Commissioner Scharpen asked if all of the MSA funds should go into fixing Wear Road or if the funds should be spread out to improve the two other MSA roadways. She suggested not all of the money be placed in "one basket." PAGE 5