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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 17, 2003 Improv HearingOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING MARCH 17, 2003 The following are minutes for the Public Improvement Hearing held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmembers Williams, Nawrocki, Ericson, and Kelzenberg PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: 2003 STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR ZONE 6B Full Street Reconstruction Projects 1) Presentation of Information on Street Reconstruction Projects' by Staff Kevin Hanson, Public Works Director, indicated a sign in list would be passed through the audience. He listed items included in the Councilmember packets. Nawrocki asked if notes were available from the resident's information meeting. Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer, indicated official minutes were not taken and Hansen stated he would relay any concerns at this meeting. There was no real opposition regarding improvements, only questions on the improvements and assessments. A church questioned if this was the appropriate time to do reconstruction with budget concerns. Hansen stated that Councilmembers Williams and Kelzenberg attended the public meeting, with 18 people who signed in and about 25 people in the audience. Hansen stated this meeting is to request improvements for Zone 6b. The zone has been reduced by 7th Street for budget concerns. He discussed the four types of reconstruction and the methods of research to decide what type of reconstruction is required. A condition index is compiled which shows full reconstruction of all streets except Jackson, which is recommended for sealcoating next year. The sanitary sewer is in relatively good shape in the area, but manholes need repairs or replacement. Storm sewers will only need minor work like grates, with one area to have a small drainage pipe. The water main replacement is due to its age; the current size is 6 inches and was installed around 1913. The scope of utility work is down from 2002. To facilitate full reconstruction we will need to do some tree removal and replacement will be necessary, on a case by case basis, of approximately 15 to 18 trees. New plantings will be placed with a root inhibitor included. Wyckoff asked what happens to the trees that are removed. Hansen stated some of the tree is chipped or used for firewood. Nawrocki asked if the property owner would be notified before removal. Hansen stated the trees would be marked with an orange "X" prior to the pre-construction meeting. Williams referred to the damage done by the trees to the sidewalks. The estimated cost for Zone 6b is $900,000, with utility costs of approximately $275,000 (to be paid through the utility fund). Construction costs would be paid by 50 percent owner assessments and 50 percent by the City. Non-residential property would be assessed at 100 percent. There are some apartments and some churches in this zone. A unit rate basis for charging is recommended. One church has frontage on four roads and the charge will be as it has been in the past. Hansen stated if Council gave approval tonight they would go into the final plan process and bid the work, which would come back to Council for approval. An assessment hearing would be held in October, when the Council would set the interest rate and the final assessment amounts. City Council Minutes Ma~ch 17, 2003 Page 2 of 4 Williams asked Hansen to address how this improves the value of homes and possible lead hazards. Hansen stated the amount of the proposed assessment must add to the value of the property. He indicated on a map potential water service replacement, as any lead piping is required to be removed. He explained that to replace the line from the curb to the house would require a plumber, whereby State laws allows one year for replacement. Williams answered the "why now" question by stating that last year's interest was 5% over 15 years. Hansen stated past practice is a 15 year assessment and averages about $200 per year. Hansen explained the payment period without interest or partial payment immediately following the assessment hearing. Nawrocki asked if residents possibly needing water replacement were notified. Hansen stated yes, and that cost was included in the cost estimate residents were given. Nawrocki questioned if 41 st and 42nd Avenues would be worked on in the future. Hansen stated that 41st was worked on in '89, and 42nd will have the potential for repairs in eight years. Nawrocki wanted to be sure residents were aware of all potential costs. He asked for assessments in the quadrants already done. Hansen stated that information could be obtained and distributed. Hansen stated that last year the assessment was $2,200. Nawrocki questioned why we started work on the better streets and now are getting to the worst streets. Hansen stated that in 2006 we propose to sealcoat the rest of Zone 6. Wyckoff questioned if we would use the same contractor as last year if they were the low bid. Hansen stated we would need to consider the low, responsible bid. Nawrocki indicated that the problems should be addressed in the specifications. Hansen stated this is done yearly. 2) Questions and Comments on Street Reconstruction Projects Wes Wiggins, 4144 Madison, questioned moving the sidewalk to avoid taking the trees down. Hansen stated that if we have the right of way we can do that, or if the abutting property owner will give an easement we could do that. A sidewalk policy will be coming before Council in April. Jeff Kline, 4109 Madison Street, felt this work is ill timed, as he is unemployed and has spoken to a realtor about the assessment and selling of the property. He referred to the economy and stated he moved into this home in 2000, but has lived in the community since 1994. Larry Mathias, 4022 Madison, asked where the funds to pay this come from. Hansen indicated that State Aid funds that must be used for road construction would be used for residential streets. He questioned if any of this comes from City funds and if this is the right thing to do at this time. Hansen stated that the City has a disbursement from the State that was reduced by ten percent, but that funds would not be taken away, and that the portion assessed would not increase. Ericson stated the money to take care of the City's portion is dedicated for street improvements, and if improvements are delayed they may not be available next year. Nawrocki stated those dollars are constitutionally dedicated. Nawrocki did an informal poll of the audience and asked if there is a need for this project. One resident asked if the work could be postponed until next year. Wyckoff stated the assessment amounts could be worse then. Ted Yehle, 4852 Stinson, stated that he works for Minnegasco on their rehab projects, and whenever a project is pushed back it always ends up being more expensive. Kline spoke again on economics and doing this work right now. City Council Minutes Ma~ch 17, 2003 Page 3 of 4 Bill Roddy, soon to be from 4025 Washington, and currently at 118 42 iA, stated that we must consider quality of life and that it is imperative to stay on the schedule so the community can continue to improve. Williams stated he would vote in favor of the project because we now have interest rates at an historic low. Close the Public Hearing Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to close the Public Hearing on the 2003 Street Rehabilitation Project # 0302. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Consideration of Resolution Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-9, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-9, being a resolution ordering improvements for Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2003-09 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND THE PREPARATION OF PLANS WHEREAS, Resolution 2003-9 of the Columbia Heights City Council adopted the 24th day of February, 2003, fixed a date for a Council hearing on the proposed improvement of Washington Street, Madison Street and Monroe Street from 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue and Quincy Street and Van Buren Street from 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue. AND WHEREAS, ten days' mailed notice and two published notice of the hearing a week apart was given, and the hearing was held thereon the 17th day of March, 2003, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows: Full street reconstruction of Washington Street, Madison Street and Monroe Street, 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue and Quincy Street and Van Buren Street from 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue. Work includes required utility reconstruction, sub-base preparation, new aggregate base, new bituminous surfacing, new concrete curb and gutter including driveway aprons, required concrete or bituminous driveway and concrete walk/step replacement, sod restoration, miscellaneous construction items and appurtenances. 2. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council Resolution adopted 24th day of February, 2003. 4. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. #1076-1077 - Project 0302. The City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement. City Council Minutes Ma~ch 17, 2003 Page 4 of 4 ADJO[IRNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC, Deputy City Clerk