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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 28, 2025 8 Mr. Fisher stated the estimate was based on prior projects with a similar scope and project that were completed this year in the metro area. He reported it was his goal to target the average bid price. He indicated he was fairly confident that the estimate was falling in line with the proposed contingency amount. Councilmember Monson requested staff speak further to the payment options for the proposed assessments. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained after receiving bids the City would be able to determine the low bidder and actual costs. From that point, the City will recalculate the assessment rates and notices will be sent to property owners. He stated the Council would then approve the assessment rates and a letter will be sent to property owners confirming the assessment amount. He reported property owners would then have 30 days to pay the assessment without any interest. If the assessment is not paid in 30 days the assessment will be rolled into the property taxes and will be repaid over the next 10 years. Councilmember Rousseau stated she has been having conversations with her neighbors regarding the City's decision to move forward with assessments instead of higher levies. She discussed the life cycles for streets and requested further information regarding the work the City has been doing on its street improvement project and how does the Karth Lake neighborhood fit into this. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the entire City was on a 20 year Pavement Management Plan. He stated every street within the City should see some type of repair or rehabilitation on a 20 year cycle. He commented on the procedures the City was following in order to preserve and protect the City's street. Councilmember Rousseau questioned when work was last done to the streets in her neighborhood. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated Amble Drive has not been rehabbed since 1994. He explained Pleasant Street and Karth Lake Drive were pushing 20 years. He stated a lot of the neighborhoods in the City were constructed in the 1980's and the design of the pavement sections did not have 12 inches of sand, which meant some roads were deteriorating prematurely. He discussed how the full depth reclamation adds more structure to the pavement, which adds integrity to the pavement. Councilmember Rousseau inquired when conversations with the watershed district would begin. Mr. Fisher stated he contacted the watershed district today and a meeting would be scheduled with this organization once he has direction from the City Council. Mayor Grant commented on how the City had hired a company to rate the health of the roadways throughout the entire community. He explained this has helped the Council determine which roads should be rehabilitated and when. Further discussion ensued regarding how asphalt standards and mix design specifications from MNDOT have improved over time.