2023.11.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for November 20, 2023 Page 4 of 8 City Engineer Mark Erichson identified the project location which consisted of 125th Street and streets within the Dellwood Ridge neighborhood. The project would entail roadway reclamation and paving of 125th Street and a complete roadway reconstruction and storm water improvements in the Dellwood Ridge Neighborhood He explained this project was identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. The plan was reviewed every three years, and there had been significant changes to the CIP due to last year’s freeze/thaw cycle that damaged many roadways. Erichson showed pictures of existing conditions and provided details on the proposed improvements. The streets in Dellwood Ridge would have the pavement removed, subgrade corrections as needed, installation of concrete curb and gutter, and reconstruction of the storm sewer and stormwater management. 125th Street improvements would include recycling existing pavement, minor grading corrections, and stormwater and drainage improvements. He explained the assessment process as governed by MN Statute Chapter 429, and he highlighted the two required public hearings-the one this evening and the assessment hearing in the fall. Assessments were typically spread out over ten years, and the interest rate would be determined around the time of the assessment hearing. An option for deferral would be available for senior citizens or disabled, though interest would continue to accrue. Written objections needed to be presented in writing, and notice of an assessment appeal would need to be filed within 30 days of assessment adoption. Erichson provided project costs and information on the City’s assessment policy. The total project was estimated at $3,931,412. The assessment policy was last updated in 2013. According to that policy, property owners on streets receiving a complete reconstruction would be charged $5,200/unit. Those on streets receiving a roadway reclamation would be charged $3,400/unit. He explained the provision for a half assessment for corner lots and those with two frontages. Parcels that could be subdivided would be assessed accordingly, and Erichson stated that staff has had conversations with those land owners. Erichson said the City was only collecting 6.6% of the project costs via assessments, and he noted the City has been paying larger portions of road projects because costs have escalated over the years. Erichson provided the proposed schedule for the project and an update on concerns heard at the neighborhood meeting that was held on September 27, 2023. If the Council authorized the preparation of plans and specifications this evening, another open house to present the plans would be held in January, 2024. Construction would take place in Summer, 2024, and the assessment hearing would be held in October. Staff would be evaluating speeds to address neighborhood concerns. He talked about the current roadway in Dellwood Ridge being wider than the typical street standard. The cost of keeping the road at that width would be an additional $70,000. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing Jody Lessard, 7426 125th Street North, said she had two properties. The property at 7124 was 80 acres. She said she had met with Erichson and Senior Engineering Technician Liz Finnegan and they proposed possibly four units to be assessed. She said she didn’t understand since the property was zoned agricultural and was rural vacant land, and if subdivided, parcels would be landlocked. Community Development Director Rachel Juba explained that it was zoned residential but not classified on the tax statement as residential. Juba explained that eight units could be fit on the property with the construction of a road, however, the City was proposing to