2016-03-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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However, Mr. Freihammer reviewed Alternate 2 that would involve a paved drain system of permeable concrete blocks tied together and laid out in large sections. While the finished product looks like individual pavers, Mr. Freihammer advised that with them tied together as a block, they were more stable, and water flowed through the blocks to the under-drain rocks and then into the lake. Mr. Freihammer noted that this system provided a treatment for that water before it entered the lake. Mr. Freihammer reviewed preliminary cost estimates at $310,000 and allocation of those costs as follows: • Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District = $ 50,000 grant • City cost (from storm sewer utility funds) _ $195,000 • Residents (assessment for 25% of the cost) _ $ 65,000 Mr. Freihammer noted that the total project cost would include the typical 10% contingency to cover unanticipated incidentals. At the usual 5% interest rate for special assessments, recognizing that the assessments would be based on the actual construction costs following completion of the project, Mr. Freihammer anticipated assessment costs for each homeowner over the assessment term of 15 years to be approximately $1,127.18/year. Mr. Freihammer advised that the city had never assessed a project such as this to-date for storm sewer improvements. Mr. Freihammer noted that preliminary costs suggested those estimated total cost would be approximately $8,133/lot for the eight lots affected. However, Mr. Freihammer noted that the final assessment amount would be based on actual construction costs, and therefore may vary some. Mr. Freihammer advised that the benefit would be that the storm water runoff would be treated prior to entering the lake and captured for treatment through infiltration instead of flowing overland directly into the lake. Also, Mr. Freihammer noted that by moving from gravel driveways to a hard surface, property owners should experience easier maintenance and snowplowing. At the request of Member Cihacek, Mr. Freihammer advised that the city's current assessment policy typically assesses homeowners at 25% of the total project costs for improvement projects. In 1995 storm sewer dollars, Mr. Culver noted that such an improvement would have been approximately $3,000 to $4,000 rather than that estimated in today's costs. At the request of Member Cihacek, Mr. Culver also confirmed that the project would be contingent on receipt of grant funds and assessments from residents. Mr. Culver also noted that if the project went forward, it would require a formal public hearing and support by those residents before being authorized by the City Council, and if not, there would be no project. At the request of Member Lenz, Mr. Culver advised that the private road meant that the maintenance and ownership of the roadway is the responsibility of the private property Page 3 of 7