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City Council Meeting Minutes August 10, 1999 • Page 6 l Cavanaugh stated that making the transition to sidewalks is understandably difficult. On the 2 other hand, he believes that sidewalks are beneficial and that residents are not aware that some of 3 the property to be utilized for sidewalks is considered public property. Cavanaugh feels that the 4 character along 29" Avenue could be improved by adding sidewalks and decorative lighting. 5 Cavanaugh clarified that he would prefer buried cables for the decorative lighting. In retrospect, 6 Cavanaugh stated that the intent of the proposed project is to solve the storm water problem and 7 he would not support any insistence on sidewalks. He stated, however,that from a safety 8 prospective,sidewalks, decorative lighting, and landscaping could have a calming effect on the 9 neighborhood. 10 Martha Johnson, 2816 29`h Avenue, stated that she believes that lot size is not being considered 11 in relation to sidewalks. She requested that the Council considered the possibility of decreased 12 property values upon installation of sidewalks due to reduction of lot size. 13 Richard Perrin, 3217 29'Avenue, stated he had resided in St. Anthony since he was three years 14 old and has lived on 291h Avenue for 13 years. He confirmed that the residents are opposed to 15 sidewalks, except around park areas. He concluded that, after measuring the lot for his home, a 16 sidewalk, if implemented, would be approximately 20 feet from his front door. 40 Mr. Perrin offered that many residents feel a safer street could be accomplished by a stronger 19 police presence in the area. He stated that most of the children who wait for the school buses 20 wait in their own driveways or a driveway close by their home, and the absence of sidewalks has 21 not been a concern. 22 23 Mr. Perrin questioned if the proposed reconnection fee to homeowners of$400 is a guaranteed 24 figure. 25 26 Marks asked City Manager Mike Morrison to respond. Morrison stated residents would be 27 assessed a water reconnection fee of$400.00, and he then reviewed the process of obtaining 28 MSA funds for the balance of the street reconstruction. 29 30 Marks reassured Mr. Perrin that homeowners would not be assessed charges, other than the 31 reconnection fee, due to the street reconstruction. Cavanaugh disagreed that assurances could be 32 given as MSA funds have not been received. Faust clarified that the reconstruction would not 33 occur until MSA funds have been received. Cavanaugh expressed concern that MSA funds 34 would not be approved because such funds were not mentioned in the original plan from the task 35 force. 36 Morrison stated that the City had raised storm sewer rates in previous years to help solve the flooding problem. He further clarified that MSA funding was not in the original plan from the 16 task force because the firm of WSB was originally hired to solve the flooding problem and not to 39 reconstruct the streets. The policy has been redirected to include the extension of the project.