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

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COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 28, 1997 Maggie Wills, 6817 Black Duck Circle, agrees that a portion of Black Duck Drive is in very poor condition. However, she feels that most of the street is in good condition and asked if only the most needy sections could be repaired. She also asked about certain properties at the north end of Black Duck Drive, which are not included in the proposed project area. Mr. Ahrens responded that, with respect to the properties at the north end of Black Duck Drive, certain streets are not included because the study indicated they appear to be in relatively good condition. Ms. Wills also expressed concern about the possibility of increased speed levels with the improved road. Mayor Landers asked if the sewer system in the better areas of Black Duck Drive referred to by Ms. Wills had been examined by camera, and with what result. Mr. Ahrens responded that the final report had not yet been completed, but that the preliminary report indicated problems with the present system. Clear water is seeping into the pipeline suggesting cracks in the pipe and/or illegal sump pump connections. Pete Brown, 6897 Black Duck Drive, agreed that area roads are bad, but is concerned that his property value will not increase by the amount he will be assessed for the proposed improvements. Mr. Brown also expressed concern about the project not passing public vote. Council Member Lyden asked for clarification of the actual percentage of total cost each property owner will pay. Mr. Ahrens explained the City will be responsible for 70% of the cost of the project while assessment to the property owners will account for 30%. Ed Loscheider, 6710 Partridge Place, asked why certain privately owned vacant land on the east side of Black Duck Drive was not being assessed. Mr. Ahrens explained that portions of that area is unbuildable; therefore, those lots would not be assessed. Mr. Loscheider asked about the projected durability of the new roads, to which Mr. Ahrens responded 25 years is the expected life expectancy of the improved roadway. Mr. Loscheider also asked about offsetting costs through construction equipment permits and any other types of road fines. Mr. Ahrens explained that the City does not collect a significant amount of such fees. Mayor Landers verified that the County receives the majority of such money, confirming that the City receives very little income from road fees. Mr. Loscheider asked if the impact of the waste disposal service trucks on area streets was being taken into consideration. Council Member Kuether responded that the waste disposal issue will appear on the November election ballot. Mr. Ahrens clarified a reference to reconstruction of the water main as well as sewer and drain systems, as these issues were addressed in the recently published legal notice. The notice was prepared prior to determination that water main repairs would not be required. He also stated that there is adequate water supply for emergency purposes. Mr. Loscheider added concern about road elevation following the proposed reconstruction. Mr. Ahrens responded that elevation is a primary concern in the improvement process and an integral issue in the construction plans. Mr. Loscheider also asked about the possibility for minor road repairs, to which Mr. Ahrens replied such a "band aid" approach would not have long-lasting results and would ultimately be economically wasteful. Mayor Landers added that resurfacing the road would not have any positive effect on the underlying drainage problems. Robert Bening, 6788 Shadow Lake Drive, expressed approval of the project. His only reservation is with respect to the percentage homeowners would have to expend. Mayor Landers asked Mr. Ahrens if arrival at the 30/70 split was a result of Charter formula. Mr. Ahrens responded that the percentages resulted from using the maximum assessment allowable as to market value increase coupled with actual construction costs. 5