2025.12.15 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for December 15, 2025 Page 8 of 11 Erichson presented photos of the current condition of the streets that showed cracking, patching, and distress around manholes. He stated that the project also includes the removal and replacement of street lighting, trail improvements, and improvements at Water Tower Park. He said there had been options discussed with residents along 130th Street, noting that residents on both the north and south sides preferred to widen the roadway by four feet to the north. There would be no room for a trail. Erichson explained how the process outlined in MN Statute Chapter 429 requires a public improvement hearing and assessment hearing. The City also had additional neighborhood meetings. He explained the assessment policy and different options for payment. Property owners have a right to object, and he noted that two letters were received from residents that will become part of the minutes. The estimated project cost was $4,690,400. According to the assessment policy last updated in 2013, the residential assessment for partial reconstruction would be $4,100 per unit and $2,100 per unit for an urban roadway overlay. Commercial properties pay a higher rate. He noted that the majority of project costs are paid by the City. Erichson presented a map of the assessment area noting two areas. One was the residential area north of 130th Street and west of Fenway Boulevard where there is no direct access. The frontage is owned by the homeowner’s association. Those properties will not be assessed with this project, but when improvements take place within the development they will be assessed one full unit. The other area he noted was the residential properties along 140th Street North, and he pointed out that the two letters received were from residents in that area. Erichson provided information on construction impacts and the proposed project schedule. There will be full closure on roadways that access Fenway Boulevard on the west side and one way traffic on Fenway Boulevard. Half the road will be constructed at a time, allowing access to businesses during construction. Construction will take about three months beginning in May or June. If it is authorized this evening, plans will be prepared, and meetings will be held in late January with residents and businesses. An assessment hearing will be held in March, before the contract is awarded. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. Jarard Torenvliet, 5436 140th Street North, stated he objected to the proposed assessment, saying the road is in good condition and provides no direct benefit to his property. He said improvements appear to benefit the industrial park. He stated he has had to close the windows to reduce noise from the traffic. Torenvliet submitted a letter objecting to proposed assessments that will be kept as part of the minutes. Council Member Krull asked if his driveway is located on 140th Street North, and Mr. Torenvliet replied it is. Tyler Lessard, 14020 Finale Avenue North, stated he has lived there for 15 years, has young kids and improvements will increase traffic to his neighborhood. He said businesses were not taking care of the sidewalk so it’s unlikely it will be plowed. He said the road was perfectly fine with no potholes or bumps. He had submitted a letter that is attached to these minutes, and he read his letter out loud.