HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 4, 2002 -Imp Hearing 6AOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 4, 2002
The following are the minutes of a Special Meeting for the Public Improvement Hearing on Zone 6A of
the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall,
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, and Nawrocki
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: 2002 STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR
ZONE 6A
Peterson stated the purpose of the Public Improvement Hearing.
A) Full Street Reconstruction Projects
1) Presentation of Information on Street Reconstruction Projects by Staff
2) Questions and Comments on Street Reconstruction Projects
B) Partial Street Reconstruction Projects
1) Presentation of Information on Street Reconstruction Projects by Staff
2) Questions and Comments on Street Reconstruction Projects
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated he would combine the presentations for full street
reconstruction and partial reconstruction, as only one street is scheduled for partial reconstruction.
Hansen listed items included in the Council member’s packets. He stated the street rehabilitation
program began in 1995 and is broken down into seven zones. Zone 6 was a larger area, but because of
the scope of treatment in the area and associated costs, this zone was broken down. The rest of Zone 6
will be seal coated in 2003 and readdressed in the next cycle of improvements. Three techniques are
used to determine work done: 1. Core into the street, 2. Contract Brau Intertec to rate the streets, and 3.
Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer counts cracks and records their type. These ratings give an
overview of what work needs to be done. Full reconstruction is being recommended in Zone 6A
because of the condition of the streets, except for Monroe Street, which will be partial reconstruction.
Hansen described full street reconstruction and stated that the existing street width will be maintained.
Sidewalk replacement is not proposed, but if added in, the cost would be assessed back to the adjacent
owner.
Hansen referred to rating of our utility system and the process this includes. The water mains in this
area were installed between 1913-1915, the joints are sealed with lead and the pipes are not lined,
which leads to iron in the water. He described suggested repairs, i.e. low points, and catch basins.
There are grants obtained to do some water pipe repair along Madison Street. There will be spot
repairs to the sanitary sewer system, i.e. manholes.
Full reconstruction is estimated at $850,000, partial reconstruction at $50,000, and utility work at
$340,000. Funding is a combination of assessments, and city funds (the City pays for about 50 percent
of full reconstruction). Water services placed before 1950 most likely contain lead and may need to be
replaced. This would be estimated at $1,200 per service, but the final cost would be based on actual
construction costs.
Hansen stated the assessment method is that each parcel pays the same amount for the same type of
work. Assessment for full reconstruction is estimated at approximately $2,500, and partial
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March 4, 2002
Page 2 of 4
reconstruction is estimated at $2,100. Hansen stated that if Council would want full reconstruction in
the partial area, there would be an additional cost of $49,000 to the City infrastructure fund. Hansen
stated that where full reconstruction is done there might also be about 18 trees removed. Because of
construction work the trees would probably die from cutting the roots and be unsafe after the project.
Hansen stated that if the project is approved, we would then go through the final bidding process.
There would be another informational meeting when estimated dates for work are known, and the
residents can talk to the contractor about any requests they might have for additional work.
Hansen stated that the construction time frame would be from June to September. There would be an
assessment hearing after the project is complete to determine final costs.
Mayor Peterson opened the Public Hearing.
Wyckoff asked if residents could get 100 percent of their neighbors to request additional work such as
a sidewalk, if we would do this. Hansen stated yes, the cost is about $10,000 per one side of a block.
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Wyckoff questioned adding 43 to Monroe to the full reconstruction project. Hansen cautioned
Council that this would be a large cost to the City infrastructure.
Nawrocki stated that sidewalk improvements would only have to be requested by a majority of the
neighbors, according to City Charter. Hansen stated this was correct, but suggested that all neighbors
agree. Nawrocki referred to future street work for the adjacent avenues and charges that would be
assessed, and that these people could be charged again. Hansen explained the assessment procedure
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for avenues and estimated the cost of $333 for street residents. Nawrocki asked when 43 and 42
Avenues would be considered for work. Hansen stated sealcoating would be considered in 2003 and
then reevaluated in eight to ten years.
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Ken Pertler, 4236 7 Street, asked if residents have a right to vote on this, and tht he thought this is
what his real estate taxes pay for. Peterson stated this work is above everyday maintenance. Hansen
stated that the City pays 50 percent of reconstruction costs and we do not assess administrative costs or
overhead. Hansen indicated that real estate taxes are split between the county, schools and city, and
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does not include street repairs. Pertler asked what was wrong with 7 Street. Hansen explained the
problems in the area. Pertler felt that his street is torn up from two new homes recently built on his
street. He is retired and wanted to know how to pay for this. Hansen stated the costs could be spread
over 15 years. Nawrocki stated that people on the street have a right to petition for or against
proposed work, for Council consideration.
Ken Hensel, 4333 Monroe Street, introduced himself as the Block Captain, stating that his block does
not want sidewalks, but would like new curbs for water run off purposes. Hensel stated they would be
charged $2,100 for repairs without curbs, but if the cost would only be about $2,500 with new curbs
they would be in favor of paying the extra amount. Hensel asked if something else could be added to
help water run off. Hansen referred to catch basin improvements to stop clogging and special grates to
minimize clogging, which are being recommended for low spots. Hansen referred to a pipe for
drainage that will be re-routed.
Fehst stated that curbs in need of repair and replacement in partial reconstruction areas are included at
no cost to the owner.
Nawrocki stated that petitioning of the Council would be considered, but must be on a timely basis.
Fehst questioned the additional cost to the City for special requests. Hansen stated that the City picks
up 30 percent of partial reconstruction costs and 15 percent of mill and overlay work. Hansen stated
that the cost of $49,000 to the City would be on the high side. Hansen stated that if there were a
City Council Agenda
March 4, 2002
Page 3 of 4
petition presented, there would need to be a re-notification procedure and a public hearing, which
would delay the project, unless the petition included an agreement to waive the right of a public
hearing. Nawrocki stated the notification could be done after this is added to the bidding process.
Peterson asked where we would get the additional funding for our portion. Hansen stated we would
have to wait until the bids come in for the dollar amount required. Hansen suggested he write the
petition for the residents, with help from the city attorney, and deliver it to Mr. Hensel next
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Wednesday. Hensel stated that the owner of 4845 43 Avenue would also like to be included for new
curbs.
Williams stated that he appreciated these residents trying to improve their neighborhood, but
questioned if Mr. Pertler could petition against work being proposed. Hensel asked if there are funds
to assist residents who are unable to pay. Hansen stated Anoka County does offer assistance based on
income levels, and there is a senior citizen assessment deferment. Ken Pertler asked if he would have a
water assessment. Hansen stated that segment would have utility work, but the cost would be paid
from the utility fund. Pertler questioned the eight percent interest on $2,500 over 15 years. Williams
stated that this year the interest rate was dropped to 6.5 percent. Hansen reminded everyone that these
are estimated costs and interest rates, and the final determination is made by City Council at the
assessment hearing.
Fehst referred to the previous Council’s decision to improve the infrastructure of the City by spending
down reserved funds and using State funds to supplement improvements. Williams felt it was our job
to show Mr. Pertler the need for these improvements. Pertler agreed the work probably needs to be
done, but stated it would be a financial burden.
Sally Whittaker, 4349 Monroe, questioned if residents could pay cash to avoid paying interest.
Nawrocki stated that residents have 30 days following the assessment hearing to pay without interest
being added.
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Nancy Hord, 4229 7 Street, asked the life expectancy of the street work. Hansen stated it is about a
60 to 100 year cycle, with seal coating every eight years, and a possible mill and overlay in about 25
years.
Deb Johnson, 4638 Pierce Street, stated that we live in an inner ring suburb and it is time to repair the
streets. She stated that repairs will only get more expensive if let go.
Peterson questioned amending the partial reconstruction resolution if a petition is received.
Nawrocki felt that we go a little overboard on these streets, and asked if there are cost reducing actions
that could be taken. Hansen stated that another option considered was cold/hot in-place recycling. This
would be a good treatment if there were not a gutter, as it raises the height of the existing road. Hansen
stated that there are no other treatment techniques for a street that needs this extent of work.
Nawrocki questioned that the sanitary sewer survey report was not completed, and if there could be
higher than anticipated costs. Hansen stated that the sewer lines in this area are eight inches in
diameter. There are root intrusions, but no line settlement problems and there are manhole problems,
which need inverts at the bottom.
Wyckoff stated that last year the estimated assessment fees went down, and asked how much higher
they could go. Hansen stated if project estimates are over 10 percent higher than estimated, staff would
come back to Council. Last year final assessments were 15 to 17 percent less than estimated and only
one percent the prior year.
City Council Agenda
March 4, 2002
Page 4 of 4
C) Close the Public Hearing
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing.
D) Consideration of Resolutions
MOTION
1) by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No.2002-15,
Motion carried
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. .
MOTION
Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-15, being a resolution
ordering improvements and preparation of plans, P.I.R. #1067, Project #0202. Upon vote: All
Motion carried
ayes. .
MOTION
2) by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-16,
Motion carried
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. .
MOTION
by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-16, being a
resolution ordering improvements and preparation of plans, P.I.R. #1068, Project #0202, with
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the addition of Monroe Street from 43 to 44 Street, if Mr. Ken Hensel gets 100 percent the
of neighbors to agree to full reconstruction.
Hansen stated the estimate would be $426 per street assessment and $126 per avenue
assessment, with an approximate additional cost to the City of $49,000.
Motion carried
Upon vote: All ayes. .
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
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Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk