HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-01 WS CC - ApprovedCity Counci12008-12-01 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
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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.
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
resistance on their street would be much less with the change in the policy on the
watermain.
The resolution scheduling a public hearing on the special assessment will be on the
agenda for the meeting on December 2, 2008. Council member Broussard-Vickers asked
what the last date would be to take action before the expiration of the bids. The hearing
would be needed by the middle of January in order to take action before the bids expire
on January 27, 2009. Engineer, Mark Statz was directed to check with the contractor to
see if he would extend his bid for a month, with a minimum extension of two weeks. Mr.
Statz indicated that he would do so, but cautioned that the pond cleaning work that was
scheduled for this winter may need to be pushed back to next winter, if the award of bid
isn't done on schedule.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m.
Dallas Larson, Administrator