12/16/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1996 Council Member Neal asked how much the landowners would have to pay for the new road. Mr. Powell explained the County's standard policy for cost sharing of proposed improvements. He stated that typically it will reimburse the City for a percentage of whatever qualifies as eligible for State aid. Curbs and gutters, for example, are shared on a 50/50 basis. Mr. Ahrens added that the estimated cost for the realignment is approximately $1,000,000, and the proposed assessments for the street are $250,000 for the entire project, involving seven different property owners. Mr. Powell explained that the City's financing policy for County and State aid roads would limit the assessability of those properties because County and State roads are constructed according to a much higher standard than a typical residential roadway. The cost to the property owners will be based on a typical residential assessment. Council Member Neal pressed for a figure as to each property owner's cost. Mr. Powell explained that a public hearing was held on this project and assessment costs were discussed at that time. Mr. Ahrens added that he has talked to Mr. Schreier about the assessment amounts. He stated that no objections were made to the proposed County road assessment. Mr. Ahrens reminded the group that at this time the subject of discussion is the construction of a service road from the most northernportion of the current Otter Lake Road to the new realigned Otter Lake Road. Council Member Lyden expressed concern about the safety of old Otter Lake Road as it meets Hwy. 14. Mr. Wessel explained that the matter of an agreement between the City and County has been concluded, and all that remains is the formality of signing the documents. The only question remaining open at this time is access off of Hwy. 14 from the freeway interchange to the new Otter Lake Road. The County would like to see limited if any access at that point, and the City is currently reviewing that matter. The Planning and Zoning Board is working through a prudent and responsible process with the County, and is responding to the wishes of the developer who would like to have the corner installation open by summer. Council Member Lyden expressed concern that by solving one safety issue another would be created. Mr. Wessel explained that Staff too is very concerned about the corner property, and is reviewing the plans very carefully. He added that the City Council will have an opportunity to address this concern when the project comes before it for action. Mayor Landers asked if the proposed service road will be a seven- or nine -ton road. Mr. Powell stated that the proposed roadway would be designed for nine -ton capacity; however, in reality, the capacity will be more in the neighborhood of ten -ton. Mayor Landers opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Mr. John Daubney, the attorney representing Mr. Richard Scherier, stated that his client is strongly opposed to the project and the assessment which is designed to benefit one property owner at the corner of Otter Lake Road and Main Street. Mr. Daubney indicated no objection to the overall realignment project, but added that the service road currently being considered would benefit one property owner with Mr. Scherier being assessed the "lion's share" (approximately 90% of the cost) for a road he neither needs nor wants. Mr. Daubney stated that there are other ways to pay for the construction costs, such as use of State aid funds and/or County funds. He explained that according to Minnesota law a property cannot be assessed an amount greater than the amount of the economic benefit to the property; and,