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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 30 1998 2 Councilmember Hicks stated based on his discussion with Mr. Post, this means the City would be responsible for approximately 50% of the total construction costs and, from that point of view, he supports the recommended change. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-33, Revising the 1998 Street Improvement Assessment Rates. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Probst explained the result of this action is a reduction in assessments from $48.85 per foot for reconstruction to $39.98 per foot. All of the non-curb and gutter Surface Water Management (SWM) costs will be paid by the SWM Utility Fund. Councilmember Malone explained the City has a policy to provide a starting point in determining assessments and the philosophy behind that policy is that the other tax payers of the City who are not receiving a street improvement are paying for one-half of the street improvement costs and those directly benefitting pay one-quarter of the cost (if there are homes on both sides of the street). He advised of the formula which considers the front footage for determining the rate to be charged. Councilmember Malone provided a brief explanation of the State Statutes which govern the assessment of improvements based on the value received of the capital improvement based on the highest and best use of the land. COlillcilmember Malone explained the rate is based on the project footage and anticipated construction costs. The Council then reviews the numbers and takes into consideration special situations such as unusually shaped lots. He explained that according to State Statutes, the "bottom line" is the Council's determination. Councilmember Malone then read each of the addresses involved in the 1998 Street Improvement Project and advised of the original assessment noticed and proposed reduced assessment to be levied. Deanne Howard, 4057 Fairview Avenue N., asked if there will be any allowance made for underground sprinkling systems that need to be relocated. Mayor Probst stated if the sprinkling system is located too close to the curb, it will be the resident's responsibility to relocate the sprinkling system or cover the damage, Mr. Gregg Brown, City Engineer, explained staff will hold a preconstruction meeting with the contractor and any notification to residents regarding irrigation systems or other issues will be provided along with telephone numbers ifresidents need further information. Residents will also be advised of where the irrigation system needs to be moved to. Mr. Brown estimated the project, if approved by the Council, could start mid-May. Dan Coughlin, 8468 Spring Lake Road, Mounds View, stated he just went through a similar situation in Mounds View with similar assessment rates but, after working with a road estimator, they found the cost would be reduced by one-half without curb and gutter. He reported about a contractor who provided a bid at a lower cost per foot than is being proposed tonight.