2013.04.01 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2013 Page 5 of 8 Discussion on Formation of Broadband Committee Council Member Phil Klein and staff have been meeting with residents in the rural areas of Hugo who feel they are underserved in high-speed internet connection, and the residents seemed receptive of the idea of working together on a solution. Council Member Klein said that local focus was needed to put real effort into it. Council Member Haas would like to see what opportunities are out there and acknowledged that, through his own experiences, residents don't always get the correct answers from the providing companies. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to appoint Council Member Phil Klein as chair of the Broadband Committee to consist of 5-7 people, and direct staff to advertise for committee members. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Rosemary Way Petition for Public Improvements The City received a petition from property owner Len Pratt to construct Rosemary Way between its existing end within Victor Garden's North Village and Everton Avenue. The improvements would include roadway, sidewalks, public and private utilities, and storm water management. The petition includes a request to assess the cost of the improvements to the adjacent properties owned by the petitioner. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided an overview of this issue for the City Council. Kennedy explained the project was not included in the five-year CIP, and the Assessment Policy states that the project cost would be assessed. The City would fund it through the City CIP and Utility Fund, and all cost would be covered by assessments from the two vacant lots in the development, except the over sizing of the water main. The City would accrue interest until the assessment was due, which would be when the property is sold, subdivided, or development takes place. City Attorney Dave Snyder talked about the Preliminary Fee Escrow Agreement, where Everton Investments, LLP would deposit $6,500 into escrow for the feasibility study. The Council would have further discussions on it prior to the construction of the road. Council Member Haas indicated he was not comfortable with this arrangement; development should support itself as always in the past. There is no provision for it in the Assessment Policy, and Haas felt the City should not be financing it. Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the Preliminary Fee Escrow Agreement for the Feasibility Study. Everton Investments Developer Len Pratt said he was willing to pay the $6,500 for the study, and the road would also benefit surrounding area. Haas made motion to table the discussion. Motion died for lack of second.