HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 5, 2006 Pub Imp
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING
JUNE 5, 2006
The following are the minutes ofthe City Council Public Improvement Hearing meeting ofthe held at 6:30 p.m.
on Monday, June 5, 2006 in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights,
MN.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALLI PLEDGE OF ALLIEGENCE
Council President Nawrocki called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. prior to the Mayor entering the room.
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Diehm,
Councilmember Kelzenberg
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: 2006 STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR ZONE
7B and lA
A) Street Rehabilitation Projects
1) Presentation of Information on Street Rehabilitation Projects by Staff
Kevin Hanson, Public Works Director, indicated that this is the second improvement hearing for this
project. Due to the increased energy costs, bids were $215,000 more than anticipated in the original
proposal. We can not exceed the amount of the proposed assessment without another hearing. Staff
recommends the City pay an additional $115,000 and an additional $100,000 be distributed between
all the properties. This meeting is a step prior to the contractor beginning work.
Nawrocki asked for a description of the areas included in the project. Hansen listed the boundaries of
Zone 7A and Zone lA. Nawrocki asked if Main Street would be included. Hansen stated no. Areas
not included are to be seal coated or completed next year. Hansen listed streets that would be in
Zone 7B. Nawrocki questioned how the bids were advertised. Hansen stated that they were locally
advertised and placed in the Construction Bulletin for three consecutive Fridays. Nawrocki stated
that the bids were 13.5% over the estimate and we propose a 10% increase to residents and the City;
how can that be. Hansen clarified this was the difference in the bids. The original engineer's estimate
was just over $1,600,000. The low bid was $1,839,000. The original assessment was $755,000 and it
is now $865,000 plus water main service. The estimate for water main charges for residents is
$40,000. Nawrocki listed areas that funds would come from and asked if that will change. Hansen
stated that the increase would be absorbed come over three years from the infrastructure fund. This
year we will bond for it and pay it back with State Aid funds. Nawrocki received clarification on the
names for each fund number.
Williams questioned the percentage split on the original assessment. Hansen stated that the
percentages have not changed. It is 50/50 on full street rehabilitation, partial reconstruction is 70/30
and 85/15 on seal coating. The split will be the same.
2) Questions and Comments on Street Rehabilitation Projects
La V onne Widstrom, 4040 Maureen Drive, asked why all the units of their Association are assessed.
Their Association owns an empty lot, but Maureen Drive is a private street. Hansen stated that that
property is split between all the units. Hansen explained how the amount is figured. She questioned
ifthe Association would pay the same if it was assessed rather than each unit. Hansen stated yes, and
they are being assessed for two lots. W oodstrom did not agree with the assessment and felt they were
being treated improperly. She stated that it is not right that this two block area pay for an area they
do not use. Their private road needs improvements and they will get no help from the City.
City Council Minutes
June 5, 2006
Page 2 of3
Nawrocki explained the street and avenue charges. Hansen explained future work in the area.
Glenn Stauffer, owner of the business at 3929 California Street, stated he put in the cul-de-sac by his
building at a cost of$25,000 and asked for a reduction in his assessment in consideration of this.
Hansen stated that at the last hearing it was decided to review this assessment to see if a credit would
be appropriate. Stouffer indicated that ifthere was street reconstruction at 3825 3rd Street, he would
request driveway curbs be considered. Hansen stated that area would only be mill and overlay.
Lamont Miska, from the comer of 40th Avenue and 2nd Street, stated that in March his assessment
was estimated at $3,000 and now it is $4,700. The letter indicated the water service would be
replaced. Hansen stated that water service replacement estimated by the age of the home. Anything
put in place prior to 1950 is a potential water service replacement. A determination can not be made
until the street is excavated. Normally, about 1/3 of the homes need to replace their water service.
Miska requested a speed bump be placed on 2nd Street and Edgemoor, as people drive 50 to 60 miles
an hour down the street. He stated concern for the safety of children. Hansen stated that City policy
requires a petition request signed by 75 percent of the area and any costs would be assessed to the
property owners. Fehst indicated he would relay this information to the Police Chief. Hansen stated
that this is not something we would look at under this project, as the request would have to go to the
Traffic Commission. Nawrocki stated the problems with speed bumps, such as loosing control. He
requested this gentleman be given a cost estimate and assessment estimate. Nawrocki indicated it
would make sense to place this during reconstruction.
Kelzenberg stated that a similar situation was discussed at the Traffic Commission meeting tonight.
It requires a 75% request petition and payment by the residents. Speed bumps are now removable, so
it would be the responsibility of the petitioner to put in and remove the speed bump each year.
Steve Lamont, 3905 California, business owner, stated shock that his assessment is now up to
$22,000, which would be 3% of the total assessments. He asked for a reduction with the
consideration that their parking lot is used like a street. Their area was damaged during the building
of the other business on California Street. Hansen stated this could be review and was not an
unreasonable request.
Eva Pelton, 3728 2nd Street, questioned the difference between full street reconstruction and partial
reconstruction. Hansen stated that in partial reconstruction the curb is not replaced. She asked if all
homes would have water replacement. Hansen showed the area on a map with a potential for water
replacement.
Virgil Eckstrom, 3819 2nd Street, asked how much work would be done. Hansen stated that the street
and water mains would be replaced and individual water services would be determined during
reconstruction. Nawrocki stated that this resident's street would be a partial reconstruction.
Harold Hoium, 4200 3rd Street, referred to deterioration of the area off of University by the
pedestrian bridge. Hansen stated the area would be reviewed.
B) Close the Public Hearing
l'"iotion by \"1/illiams, second by Diclnn, to close the Public Hearing on the 2006 Street Rehabilitation
Project # 0502. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
C) Consideration of Resolution
1) Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2006-64, there
being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
June 5, 2006
Page 3 of 3
Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2006-64, being a resolution
ordering improvements for Zone 7B and lA Street Rehabilitation. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion
carried.
Nawrocki questioned if the University Avenue service road from 40th to 53rd would be part of this
project. Hansen stated no; that area would probably be seal coated in August.
Hansen stated there would be a public informational hearing on the project on Wednesday night in
the Council Chambers.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-64
BEING A RESOLUTION FOR A NEW PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING FOR
ZONE 7B AND lA STREET REHABILITATION CITY PROJECT NO. 0502
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a Street Rehabilitation Program which divides the City into seven zones, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 2006-12, a report has been prepared by the Director of Public Works with
reference to the Zone 7B and lA area of the Street Rehabilitation Program, and
WHEREAS, State Statute 429.031 requires a new public hearing when increasing assessment amounts
WHEREAS, Zone 7B is bounded by California Street to University Avenue, from 37th Avenue to 45th Avenue.
WHEREAS, Zone lA is bounded by Central Avenue to Reservoir Blvd., from 37th Avenue to 45th Avenue.
WHEREAS, the report provides information regarding whether the proposed project is feasible, necessary and cost
effective, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
1. The Council will consider the improvement of such streets in accordance with the report and the assessment of
abutting or benefited property for all or a portion of the cost of the improvement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 429 at an estimated total cost of the improvement of $1 ,839.831.96.
2. A public hearing shall be held on such proposed improvement on the 5th day of June, 2006, in the City Council
Chambers at 590 40th Avenue N.E. at 6:30 P.M. and the City Clerk shall give mailed and published notice of such
hearing and improvement as required by law.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
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Patricia Muscovitz, CMC /
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary