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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 31. 1997 5 . Mayor Probst replied the City decided to adopt concrete curb and gutter for all new street improvements because of its longer lite and ease ofsnowplowing. He stated since about 1990, Arden Hills has had a pavement management program in place which tracks street improvements for the City. These records go back approximately 8-10 years. The City looks for ways to prolong the life of streets, one of which is better seal-coating of streets. Mr. Koch inquired what the average life expectancy of a street is. Mr. Maurer replied 20 years on the average with good maintenance, with an overlay being needed anywhere between 8-12 years. Mr. Koch inquired at what point should a reconstructed street need more improvements. Mr. Maurer replied it depends on traffic patterns of that street. He further stated this is why the City utilizes the pavement management program, so there is better control of street maintenance. Mr. Koch stated in closing he feels the City Council from years ago was not aggressive enough in pursuing street maintenance, and that he is being made to pay for their failure to do so. He also stated he felt the life expectancy of this street should be longer than what was stated. . Alan Kent, 1390 Indian Oaks Court, came forward to inquire if construction of curbs and gutters was done on Pascal Avenue near Bethel College, as it was his understanding that this had been planned for last year and then removed by the City. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, indicated that curbs and gutters had been installed on that improvement. Mr. Kent stated that none of the people on his street feel that curbs and gutters are needed, and they do not wish to pay for them. Mayor Probst replied there are over 30 miles of roads in the City, and the Council has a responsibility to the community to protect and maintain the infrastructure. He further stated Council could discuss dropping this street from the street improvements for this year, as they try to make the best decisions based on the resources the City has. Mr. Kent reiterated that the property owners on this street do not desire curbs and gutters, nor do they wish to pay for them. He inquired what percentage of the assessed cost is for curbs and gutters. Mr. Maurer replied curbs and gutters average $6.00 per foot. Councilmember Malone reported according to his calculations, curbs and gutters account for less than 10% of the final cost. Mayor Probst added his belief that this is an appropriate method of funding these projects. Mr. Kent indicated he does not care whether this street is reconstructed, as it would not increase the value of his home. Mayor Probst stated there is evidence to the contrary, that when assessments are done, the value of the affected home does increase. .