2008-12-10 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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~@~ N~r@- Present were Mayor Capra, Council members Jeff Paar, Tom Lee, Linda Broussard- Vickers, and Michelle Lakso. Also present were Mark Statz of Bonestroo & Assoc., City Attorney Kurt Glaser and Council member elect, Ben Fehrenbacher. City Council 2008-12-01 p.m. Minutes of Work Session 2009 Street Project: Dallas Larson reviewed the schedule of special assessments that was calculated subsequent to receiving bids in late October. The schedule excluded watermain, which the council would have the City pay for and then collect the costs as the properties that are served begin to hook up. It was noted that the assessments total just over $900,000. The fInancing plan that was prepared by the fInance director assumed adjustments that might lower that amount as much as 15%. The Council questioned the engineer on whether there would be any benefIt to rebid the project, given that crude oil prices and retail gas prices have dropped signifIcantly. Mark Statz of Bonestroo indicated that a savings of around $40,000 (less costs of $5000- $10,000 to re-bid) might be possible, if prices hold at their current levels. He indicated that the refIneries are not committing to a future price for paving asphalt, so the contractor assumes the risk that the price will remain at lower levels. Property owner, Wayne LeBlanc was present to discuss the rain gardens needed on this project. He has been in contact with Rice Creek Watershed District and believes that grass rain gardens will be allowed. Mr. LeBlanc suggested that the areas along the wetlands have a "no mow" type of grass to help protect the wetlands. Engineer Statz indicated that he is hoping that RCWD will approve turf grass for the rain gardens. That will permit the owners to mow the grass and the areas will appear like the yards except for a short time after a rain event. Mr. LeBlanc suggested that the property owners have the option to upgrade their raingardens to flowering plants if they wish to do the additional work at their expense. The extra work may be eligible for grants from RCWD. The Council discussed maintenance of the raingardens. The city will clean out sediments periodically, but the adjoining property owners will be expected to mow and maintain them as they do the rest of the boulevard area. It is still expected that almost all of the rain gardens will fIt in the right of way or city utility easements. The engineer suggested that workshops be held with property owners affected by rain gardens to explain the program. The Council took input from property owners that were present. Art Mohler commented that he understood that a rain garden would be necessary and has been working with the engineer on the details. Bill Sveten indicated that he was happy that the council plans to have the city pay for the watermain and then collect the cost when hookup is requested. Mr. Sveten indicated that he thought that the cost of the street paving would be around $2500, but that was not the correct number. The assessment estimate indicates about $6000. Mr. Sveten and Mr. Mohler both indicated that they thought property owner