10/25/1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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?4 CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION OCTOBER 25, 1994 streets that need extensive renovation. Some streets discussed were Black Duck Drive north of Birch Street, LaMotte Drive, West Shadow Lake Drive and East Shadow Lake Drive. Mr. Schumacher explained that restoring these streets requires more than maintenance and is costly. He noted that the City Council has discussed assessing a portion of the restoration cost to the affected homeowners. However, the City Charter allows homeowners to petition out of a project and requires that no ad valorem taxes be used for such improvements. There is no way to pay for an extensive reconstruction of the streets. Mr. Schumacher explained that the City cannot continue to spend large amount of dollars for street overlay. This is only a temporary solution to a major problem. He suggested that new policies be established and suggested one such policy could be a combination of a referendum and assessments. This would require a change in the City Charter. Mr. DeWolfe explained that he has cut down the amount of overlaying and does not do any overlaying on streets where there are sewer and water utilities. Mr. Schumacher explained that SEH had studied the situation and developed a plan to included one (1) major public hearing and then go through the State Statute 429 procedure. However, if residents bring in petitions, the project is stopped. Mayor Reinert suggested that the Charter Commission be told why streets cannot be upgraded. He also suggested that a meeting of the neighborhood be called and explain to them why neighborhood cooperation is needed. Mr. DeWolfe explained that organizing these meetings is a Public Works Directors job. Council Member Bergeson felt that Lino Lakes has a unique problem because of the soil conditions and the inability to use tax dollars. Mayor Reinert suggested that Mr. Schumacher and someone from Public Works meet with the Charter Commission and ask them to help establish a program to take care of these needs. Mr. Schumacher will attend the next Charter Commission meeting. Street lighting was discussed. Mr. DeWolfe explained that the City will be responsible for approximately 247 street lights in 1995 at a cost of approximately $30,696.00. He noted that other cities have a street light utility or a combination street light and some other type of utility. Some cities bill the homeowners annually for street light service and some cities assess this cost. Mr. Schumacher explained that the General Operating Fund can no longer afford to fund this service and suggested that a policy be implemented requiring the homeowners to help fund the service. Mayor Reinert asked that a survey be made to determine PAGE 4 1 1 1