CC 12-09-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 9. 1996 6 II Councilmember Keirn concurred with removing Snelling and Hamline A venues and noted the proposed 1998 project streets are more geographically close. I Council member Malone explained the City's Assessment Policy and appeal process which residents can take at the March 31,1997, assessment hearing to submit a formal assessment I appeaL He then explained with regard to assessments of corner properties and advised the law requires that assessments are based on the benefit ofthe improvement. The intent of the Assessment Policy is to be fair to properties ofthe same class. He advised that the Council will I review each assessment to determine if adjustments are needed. With regard to the sewer gas issue, Councilmember Malone stated he understands the concern and agreed with the need to resolve it. I An unidentified resident asked if they will be informed of their assessment cost. Mayor Probst I advised an assessment notice will be mailed prior to the public hearing date. Councilmember Malone reviewed the notification process used for the assessment hearing and I advised the notice will contain the entire dollar amount of the assessment and the letter will indicate the individual lot assessment. Ie Councilmember Hicks stated he agrees with the comments made about the streets most likely to be removed, if needed (Snelling and Hamline Avenues). However, the pavement condition of those two is the lowest and if the Council believes in the process to evaluate and prioritize, then I it would not make sense to remove them. Councilmember Hicks stated he is also concerned about the budget. He noted that during budget I discussions, the Council wanted the increase to be under three percent but the City is falling behind on the 30-year street maintenance cycle which concerns him. With regard to the debate over reconstruction or repair and sealcoat, Councilmember Hicks questioned the fiscal I responsibility of doing repairs rather than reconstruction. He explained the City does not want to spend more than needed and needs to get the best return on its expenditure. Councilmember I Hicks pointed out that based on what the Engineer has indicated, that is not always doing repairs and patching where there are major drainage problems. I Mr. Stonehouse reviewed a picture of a segment of North Snelling which showed extensive cracking. In regards to the question of whether to repair or reconstruct, he explained isolated repairs are not desirable due to the high expense of rehabilitation per square foot. Also, an I overlay ofthe major cracks will reflect through the surface within one to two winters as will alligator cracks. He explained that seal coating of these types of streets is also not an option since it is an inefficient way to spend the City's road dollars. I Councilmember Hicks asked if bidders will separate out street segments. Mr. Stonehouse stated .. they will and explained the Council can determine which streets to remove after getting the bids. Councilmember Hicks stated he prefers to bid the 1997 Street Improvement Project as proposed I