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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2002 • the resident's house, resident's neighborhood, and resident's taxes and asked that the neighborhood be able to provide input to create a project that fits their budget. • • Mayor Bergeson explained that the State has road specifications and standards that are narrow in scope if you are using their funds. Mr. Brinks stated there is flexibility on the width of the road based on speed and parking. He stated that centering the roadway within the right-of-way is ideal and he is unsure if meandering the roadway is an option due to State specifications to meet design speeds. John Johnson, 261 Elm Street, stated Rice Lake Drive is across from his property. H stated that concern has been expressed about the speed on the road but he does not think there is a speeding problem. However, he does not live by the school. He stated that people who want to lower the speed should look at how fast they are driving right now. He stated that to meander the road alignment may create more safety hazards, especially in the winter time. Mr. Johnson stated his main concern is with the road, he has no problem with the traffic, and thinks h e is lucky to live on a street with two schools and a church since it is one of the first to get `plowed uand sanded. Ms. Fenno noted that the sanitary sewer and water assessment does not cover the cost to bring it to the house or cover the cost of the work needed in your basement Mayor Bergeson asked City Staff to comment on the petition process. Community Development Director Grochala stated there is a process needed for any public improvement process and this project will not be approved tonight. He explained that the purpose of the meeting tonight is to get out the information to impacted property owners and the Council is being asked to initiate the preparation of plans nd specifications for the project. He stated tonight a draft plan has been presented and the Citi hartcr provides that after the meeting there is a period of 60 days for property owners to be assesse. o etition against the project and proposed assessments. Community Development Director Grochala stated that period of time is 60 days for the City to receive a petition by 51% of the properties to be assessed petitioning against the assessment in its entirety or in part. If that is received, the City cannot move forward with the assessments. That means the project is not done or part of the project is pulled out. He stated per the Charter, residents have a period of 60 days to petition against the improvements for the project. Mayor Bergeson asked if anyone else wants to speak. A resident indicated that bothers him even more since it means the residents either have to "eat" the $19,000 or go against it. He stated this process does not allow residents to dispute the numbers. Community Development Director Grochala stated there is a cost to do the project and in the event people do not want to be assessed, the only other alternative is for the City to carry that cost and while that has been done with previous projects, it is not known if that is an option at this time. He stated also involved is the Statute 429 process that gives the City the authority to certify special assessments. 25