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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 30. 1998 3 Mr. Coughlin stated he previously lived in Arden Hills for several years and is concerned that the residents are being assessed at too high a rate for a reconstruction, as are most municipalities which have a mind set to over build roadways. He asserted this is not being fiscally responsible and urged the Council to instead consider the minimum, cheapest option to construct a road the City can get by with. Mr. Coughlin stated he was facing a $7,000 assessment in Mounds View and believes this is an untenable amount of money. He stated there is something wrong with the concept of overbuilding just for the sake of overbuilding and asserted that this is going on all over the place. He urged the Council to reconsider this project and take the "monkey off the backs" of residents who would have to pay for this project. Mike Dwelly, 2048 Stowe Avenue, asked if the bids have already been accepted. Mayor Probst explained the bids have been received but not yet awarded. Mr. Dwelly asked how the Council can know what the rate will be for the assessments. Mayor Probst stated the bids have been received and will be awarded in April so it is known what the rates will be. He explained Arden Hills goes through the assessment process prior to the bid award, Councilmember Malone explained that most cities do the work and then assess based on the project bill. He stated Arden Hills bases the assessment on the construction bid. He noted the average assessment rate is $4,000 but it could happen that the project goes over bid. However, this policy protects residents from unusual cost overruns or increased assessments since the City would cover the overrun. Councilmember Malone noted the Council can decide not to proceed if they so choose or ifthey run into an unusual situation. Alan Nielsen, 1895 Edgewater Avenue, stated the road was dug up 20 years ago when the water and sewer were installed and asked why it would be dug up now. He suggested the few potholes on the edges of the roadway just be maintained. Mayor Probst explained the City's policy is to not overbuild roads and to follow a Pavement Management Plan to determine the condition of the roadway. He noted the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to look after the City's infrastructure and most roadways have a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. With the current number of miles reconstructed each year, it is based on a 30 year life expectancy, He explained the City only has a limited number of dollars to devote to road projects and the Council attempts to look out for the City's best long-term interest. Mr. Nielsen expressed concern for retired residents who cannot afford these costs. He stated his neighbor is a retired widow who is also unable to cover this cost. Mr. Nielsen reviewed his past work with and contribution to the City of Arden Hills and restated his objection to this project. Mr. Post explained the assessment is due within 30 days if one chose to forego finance charges, but there are other payment options available such as adding to future property taxes for five or eight years, and a disability or senior economic hardship deferral which is available to property owners who tit that criteria. Mr. Post stated he will work with residents who are interested in that information.