07/28/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 28, 1997 Mr. Hahn's conclusion is that the subject streets are in total failure due primarily to high water levels and frost heave, and reconstruction is recommended. He added that the storm sewer no longer function properly, requiring total replacement; and, sanitary sewer repairs should be completed prior to work on the roadways. Mayor Landers asked which streets specifically require the degree of repair/replacement suggested by the feasibility report. Mr. Hahn stated that all of the streets in the area are in need of significant repair. Council Member Kuether asked if the property owners might face similar problems to those experienced in the Twin Cities area with respect to drainage problems. Mr. Hahn stated that without the proposed improvements such problems certainly could occur. Council Member Bergeson asked how the assessment to property owners was determined. Mr. Ahrens explained that the $2,000 is based upon the projected increase in market value to the subject properties as a result of the proposed improvements, and the $1,045 is based upon actual construction cost. Council Member Kuether asked if the annual cost to each property owner had been calculated. Mr. Ahrens explained that the cost per property has been estimated at $330 per year over 15 years, assuming a 7% interest rate. Mayor Landers opened the public hearing at 7:07 P.M. Carol Henfield, 6832 Black Duck Drive, stated that she is in favor of the project. John Perin, 6797 Black Duck Drive, expressed concern in the event the project is not approved by the voters. He added that during his 10 years in the neighborhood he has not personally experienced any drainage problems. Mr. Perin also expressed concern about the future condition of the roads after the proposed improvements; would they hold up for a reasonable time? With respect to the drainage problems, Mr. Ahrens stated the study revealed that the roadways have settled to a point that water doesn't reach the catch system, coupled with frost heave contributing substantially to drainage problems. He added that should the project fail at the public election stage, further discussion would have to take place to determine an alternate approach to the problems. Mr. Perin asked if the assessment amount is a set figure, to which Mr. Ahrens responded yes. Mayor Landers added that should the project fail at public election, the City Council and the Charter Commission would have to review the matter and perhaps create an amendment to the Charter which would allow the Council to use tax money for the needed reconstruction. John Pitzel, 6715 Partridge Place, agreed that the roadways are in very poor condition due, in his opinion, to heavy truck and equipment traffic at the time of new construction. He expressed considerable objection to the project. Jay McFane, 1050 Lantern Lane, expressed his approval of the project stating that he personally has a significant flooding problem. He suggested that a traffic count be conducted to be sure that the new roadways will be adequate to accommodate their use. Mr. McFane also asked about rerouting traffic during construction, and if property owners would be compensated for whatever adjustments they might have to make. Mr. Ahrens explained that traffic would have to be routed through the work area. He assured Mr. McFane that compensation would be forthcoming in the event of any disruption of individual property. With respect to traffic volume, approximately 2,000 automobile trips per day were estimated based upon the number of residences in the area. Tim Stemmick, 6647 Black Duck Drive, indicated that he has observed considerable flooding in his neighborhood. His concern is about the current lift station, and the possibility that it may be subject to drainage from the streets. Mr. Ahrens stated he does not believe such drainage is taking place. Rick Spees, 6730 Partridge Place, stated that he has not personally experienced flooding problems. He agrees that the streets are in very poor shape, but concurred with Mr. Pitzel that the damage is due to heavy construction traffic, not residential use.