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. . .e . . . . . I I- . . I . I I I I- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 26.1996 9 Janie Hecht, 1620 Oak Avenue, stated she was concerned with access during construction, since Oak Avenue is a dead end. She stated she does not wish to pay more property taxes because the City feels curb and gutters improves property values. Mayor Probst stated, in reference to Mr. Smith's letter, that the issue of Oak Avenue's reconstruction would be revisited, not dropped, if the soil borings showed reconstruction was the best method. Mr. Smith inquired how the City determines right-of-ways. Mayor Probst replied that it is platted and recorded with the County. He stated that the City is not trying to destroy any improvements made by residents, but noted it is a public right-of-way. Mayor Probst stated he understood there would be no tree loss. Mr. Stonehouse stated there would be tree loss around the cul-de-sac. Mayor Probst stated there was no access problems during reconstruction on Stowe Avenue. He explained that maintaining access is a function of the contract. Mr. Stonehouse displayed an overhead of Oak Avenue, and discussion was held on how the reconstruction would appear once complete. Mayor Probst stated the concerns with curb and gutter could be addressed with surmountable curbs, with vehicles "cheating" and riding up on the curb in the area of the cul-de-sac, if necessary. Councilmember Malone stated that the Council could decide to remove Oak Avenue from the reconstruction project list, but wished to know if a compromise could be reached. Mayor Probst stated that trees could be replaced if necessary, but the fundamental issue is, should the City proceed with the reconstruction. Mayor Probst stated he would not support cold- in-place recycling, as it would not last. He noted the issue was not the amount of traffic that would cause deterioration, but water underneath the street. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the size of the cul-de-sac was retained, how would the buses and other large vehicles get through. Mr. Smith replied they would negotiate the turn as they have for the last 30 years. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was struggling with the fairness of this issue. She stated that the City uses its funds wisely, and patches streets when appropriate and replaces when appropriate.