2007.11.05 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of November 5, 2007 Page 6 UPDATE FROM OCTOBER 16.2007 SOUTH ETHAN AVENUE NEIGHBHOOD MTG On October 16, 2007, Council held a listening session with residents living on South Ethan Avenue in order to discuss with them a proposed public improvement project. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided a PowerPoint slide show highlighting the proposed project, as well as the petitions submitted to the City, both in support and against the public improvement project. Ten residents spoke to Council, addressing their issues and concerns about the project, after which Council agreed to delay any further discussion on the project until February 2008. This time will allow City staff to review the City's current street assessment policy and its application in the South Ethan Avenue neighborhood, as well as to allow residents the opportunity to discuss, both the pros and cons of the proposed project. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided Council with an update on the meeting. Council member Petryk suggested that this matter be placed on `hold' until the City's street assessment policy is finalized. No formal Council action was taken. DISCUSSION ON GOODVIEW AVENUE EXTENSION SOUTH INTO CITY OF GRANT AND CSAH 7 For many years, Hugo, Grant, and White Bear Township officials have received calls from residents traveling south on Goodview Avenue out of Hugo into the City of Grant. This approximately '/, mile section of the road is gravel, and is shared by the City of Grant and White Bear Township. The City of Grant is responsible for maintaining the roadway based on an agreement with White Bear Township. The complaints vary and include the roadway not being maintained properly, excessive speed, and excessive dust. Recently, City staff hosted two meetings with Grant Council member/Road Commissioner Brad Hinseth, White Bear Township Clerk Bill Short, and Washington County Deputy Engineer Wayne Sandberg to discuss the situation and potential solutions, including the paving of the roadway. Mr. Hinseth has since informed City staff that the affected Grant residents are not supportive of paving the road, particularly if it will involve assessments. The Grant City Council has recently discussed other options for resolving the issue. Public Works Director Chris Petree and City Engineer Jay Kennedy discussed this issue with the City Council, with Jay suggesting that a meeting scheduled with representatives from Grant, WB Township, Washington County, and City staff, along with representatives from the Hugo City Council. Mayor Miron and Council member Chuck Haas offered to participate in the meeting. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to schedule a meeting with representatives from the City of Grant, WB Township, Washington County, and Hugo City staff, along with Mayor Miron and Council member Chuck Haas to continue discussion of the Goodview Avenue issue. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON TAX FORFEITED PARCELS The City received notification from Washington County of eleven tax forfeited parcels within the City, parcels on which developers have not paid taxes. All of the parcels are in residential developments, which have been platted and developed, in which necessary utility easements have been obtained. The parcels include uplands, lowlands, wetlands, and wooded lots. PW Director Chris Petree review with Council all the parcels and requested direction from Council as to the acquisition of these parcels of