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COUNCIL MINUTES April 11, 2005 APPROVED •284 Councilmember Carlson questioned whether future studies could be paid for by the general fund, as 285 the Staff report notes, based on the requirements of the City Charter. City Attorney Hawkins noted 286 Staff may have to look at using other funds. 287 288 Councilmember Reinert moved to adopt Resolution No. 05-44 approving the preparation of a 289 Feasibility Study for West Shadow Lake Drive Street and Utility Improvements. Councilmember 290 Stoltz seconded the motion. 291 292 Councilmember Carlson expressed concern about paying out funds if the projects do not get 293 approved. She read from the City Charter, and indicated concern that this project was not passed in 294 the last referendum. 295 296 Community Development Director Grochala indicated the first step is a feasibility study for the 297 project, and the City Council is directed by State law and the City Charter to prepare a report to tell 298 the people the cost of a project. He stated that although this referendum did not pass the first time, it 299 does not negate the situation that the street is in need of reconstruction. He indicated a concern and 300 Staff's understanding of why this did not pass the first time was a lack of information on the cost of 301 sanitary sewer and water, which Staff is including in the proposal before the Council this evening. 302 303 Councilmember Dahl questioned how long the feasibility report could be used. She also expressed 304 concern that the costs for the study could not be recouped if the project does not pass with the voters, 305 and asked if the City received a petition from 25% of the affected homeowners. 306 *307 Community Development Director Grochala indicated the numbers in the study will not last long, but 308 it will give them a solid idea of the general design needs, and the soil boring studies will be complete. 309 He stated the assessment role would need to be updated at the time the project was actually approved, 310 however the design would stay the same. He indicated the City has not received a petition from 25% 311 of the homeowners, however Staff did a study of streets needing reconstruction, and broke those 312 streets into five phases. He noted that the first phase was done in 1998, but then the City did not 313 move forward with Phase 2 until 2003, at which time the proposal failed. He stated since then Staff 314 has re-evaluated the streets, and West Shadow Lake Drive and the Shenandoah area are still high on 315 the priority list. He advised they have to prepare this study before they can proceed to a public 316 hearing. 317 318 Community Development Director Grochala explained that at no time is the City guaranteed to 319 recover costs for a feasibility study, as they need to have the approval of 50% of the affected property 320 owners as well as approval of the taxpayers. 321 322 Councilmember Dahl stated this area is different in her mind because it involves large lots that could 323 be subdivided, and her understanding is they would be assessed as such. She questioned why they 324 could not have neighborhood meetings before ordering this report to see what the neighborhood 325 wants or does not want. 326 327 Community Development Director Grochala indicated Staff is of the impression there are mixed 328 feelings about sewer and water. He stated Staff's concerns are on some of the smaller lots and their 329 ability to replace septic systems if necessary. He agreed that any assessments would likely be based Aft 330 on their draft procedures, and those lots able to subdivide would likely be assessed a larger amount. 331 He stated each land parcel would be evaluated on a case by case basis as part of the feasibility study. 7