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Home My WebLink About12-07-2020 Public Improvement Hearing Minutes 6:15OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING- PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING DECEMBER 7, 2020 The following are the minutes for the special meeting of the City Council held at 6:15 pm on Monday, December 7, 2020 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Present: Mayor Schmitt; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember Novitsky; Councilmember Williams Staff Present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer; Barb Thomas, Assessing Clerk; and Nicole Tingley, City Clerk Also Present: John Schmitt, resident; Jason Robinson, resident. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: 2021 STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM – ZONES 4B AND 5 1. Presentation of Information on Street Rehabilitation – Zones 4B and 5 Projects by Staff by Staff Public Works Director Hansen provided an overview of the project. He provided background information on how the City’s street rehabilitation and assessment program works. This included summarizing how the condition of streets are evaluated and the overall condition index is determined, the funding and cost sharing percentages, the unit rate basis for calculating assessments, and paying for assessments. 2. Questions and Comments on Street Rehabilitation Project Hansen explained that due to COVID-19, they did not hold an informational meeting. Hansen stated that the Public Works Department kept a contact log of residents that contacted the department regarding the project. Hansen provided a summary of it. A copy of the contact log is attached as Exhibit A to the minutes. Hansen shared an email sent by Dan Borchert (4853 6th Street). Hansen stated Bouchert was opposed to the project because of the timing and the street is in good condition. A copy of the email is attached as Exhibit B to the minutes. Hansen shared an email sent by Brian Spencer (4847 6th Street). Hansen stated Spencer was opposed to the project because of the timing and the street is condition. A copy of the email is attached as Exhibit C to the minutes. Hansen shared a letter sent by Linda and Harold Greenwood (4904 6th Street). Hansen stated they asked questions regarding the extent of the work and they are opposed to the project. A copy of the letter is attached as Exhibit D to the minutes. City Council Minutes December 7, 2020 Page 2 Councilmember Williams asked if a project has not been approved by the City Council because of resident objections and how much construction extends the life of a street. Hansen responded that the program has taken years off. He also stated that a fully reconstructed street lasts approximately 60-80 years and a partially reconstructed street lasts approximately 40 years. This assumes a mill and overlay every 20-25 years. Councilmembers Buesgens and Novitsky shared their support for the street rehabilitation program noting the importance proper infrastructure and that it is a good investment. Novitsky commented that it helps maintain walkability of streets without sidewalks. Jason Robinson (4829 4th Street) stated that the assessment was too high and that he has been out of work since March. Robinson commented that he walked to the meeting as his truck broke down and that the walkability of the road is fine. John Schmitt (4260 Tyler Street) asked if the City receives more complaints for poor road conditions or for fixing the roads. Hansen responded that the Public Works Department receives a lot of complaints regarding potholes and that there are not complaints about road recently fixed. 3.Close the Public Hearing Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to close the public hearing of the 2021 Street Rehabilitation, Project 2002. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 4.Consideration of Resolution Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to waive the reading of Resolution 2020-109, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to adopt Resolution 2020-109 being a resolution ordering improvement and preparation of plans for 2021 Street Rehabilitation – Zones 4B and 5, City Project 2002 All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:38 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ___________________________________ Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary Name Company / Address Follow- Follow- Date /Phone No. / Fax No.Up Up Time E-mail Address VM T M Discussion Needed Compl. 1-Dec Jason Robison X X Left multiple voicemails on PW general, and KH & KY direct line VM. 3-Dec 4829 4th Street Returned call and he responded that he just wanted a response (Zone 4B & 5)provided to his email. Response attached 1-Dec Mitchell Peka X X Voicemail - what are the extents of the improvements? (Zone 4B & 5)Returned call - said he read the enclosed explanations and what was on the website - He said his questions were answered. 1-Dec Linda Greenwood X X 49th and 6th - VM left on such a high amount ($3,402), what justifies (Zone 4B & 5)that cost, and what all is involved with that cost? Returned call and went through project, how costs are calculated, and reviewed the City's cost share. 1-Dec Dave Pallies X X Voicemail on what is the extent of the Recon? Returned call and (Zone 4B & 5)reviewed project scope. Mr. Pallies does not agree with the per parcel cost vs calculating per Front Foot. Brought up trucks on side streets, traffic on 53rd and process to turn 4th into a 1-way. 3-Dec Bryan Jones Voicemail on high cost to his condo'd property (old school on 6th), high 5100 6th Street interest rate, over 10 years: what can be done to lower the cost. This, (Zone 4B & 5)coupled with a 22% tax increase to his property are unacceptable. Created a map that shows how past assessments were calculated and how the assessments were calculated for 2020. Provided the Finance Director contact information to review property tax increase. Further discussion next day (12/4). 1-Dec Laura Lindquist-Tesquorse X Wants to attend Hearing via Zoom - to voice her opposition to the (44th Avenue)project. 4-Dec Wayne Bergland X X Project related questions. Supportive of the street rehab. When is the 4852 6th Street City going to recon the alley? 2020 Sheet __1___ OFFICE TELEPHONE / MEETING RECORD Exhibit A- 12/7/20 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program - Zones 4B and 5 Public Improvement Hearing Minutes Name Company / Address Follow- Follow- Date /Phone No. / Fax No.Up Up Time E-mail Address VM T M Discussion Needed Compl. 1-Dec John Blood X X New Property Owner - explained process, explained street and 5201 5th Street avenue methodolgy 1-Dec Beth Simmons X X Main concern is cost. Unemployed because of pandemic 4900 6th Street (restaurant worker). Last time street was sealcoated utility company dug it up - don't want that to happen again. Explained that Centerpoint is through the area. Discussed condition of City Utilities (OK)… brought up that CP did a poor job of patching. Will write letter to Council 1-Dec Brian Spencer X X Doesn't feel construction is needed, and that pavement is in good 4847 6th Street condition. Cannot afford assessment due to being laid off. Discussed condition and if any utility work (no). Will send letter to Donna and Nicole. 4-Dec Dean Beyer He feels he pays enough in taxes already. Will probably Send 4430 7th Street an e-mail to Mayor/Nicole and attend meeting via zoom Zoom mtg info sent to Dean Beyer at 4430 7th St 2020 Sheet __2___ OFFICE TELEPHONE / MEETING RECORD From:Donna Schmitt To:Nicole Tingley; Kevin Hansen; Kelli Bourgeois Subject:Fwd: city street rehab program Date:Monday, December 7, 2020 11:51:21 AM Nicole, Please make sure all council members get a copy of this. Thanks, Donna Schmitt, Mayor City of Columbia Heights, MN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: BRIAN A SPENCER <BSPENCER10@msn.com> Date: Dec 7, 2020 11:45 AM Subject: city street rehab program To: Donna Schmitt <DSchmitt@columbiaheightsmn.gov> Cc: This message originated from outside the City of Columbia Heights email system. Use caution when clicking hyperlinks, downloading pictures or opening attachments. If necessary, contact sender by phone. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! Dear mayor Our street is in good shape and does not need to be replaced, I work for Centerpoint Energy and drive all over the metro area and beyond, our street is in great shape compared to streets in other areas. In this time of the pandenic people are not able afford this additional financial burden. Dan Borchert 4853 6th St NE Columbia Heights , MN 55421 612-845-5822 Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege; may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your computer system. Exhibit B- 12/7/20 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program - Zones 4B and 5 Public Improvement Hearing Minutes From:Donna Schmitt To:Nicole Tingley; Kevin Hansen; Kelli Bourgeois Subject:Fwd: city street rehab program Date:Monday, December 7, 2020 11:52:28 AM Nicole, He also sent this one. Donna Schmitt, Mayor City of Columbia Heights, MN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: BRIAN A SPENCER <BSPENCER10@msn.com> Date: Dec 7, 2020 10:28 AM Subject: city street rehab program To: Donna Schmitt <DSchmitt@columbiaheightsmn.gov> Cc: This message originated from outside the City of Columbia Heights email system. Use caution when clicking hyperlinks, downloading pictures or opening attachments. If necessary, contact sender by phone. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! Dear Mayor, I want to voice my protest to this program, This is a bad time financially for people right now to do something like this Furthermore the street I live on is in great shape and does not need to be replaced, Brian A Spencer 4847 6th St NE Columbia Heights,MN 55421 763-571-5792 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege; may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your computer system. Exhibit B- 12/7/20 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program - Zones 4B and 5 Public Improvement Hearing Minutes Regarding Project Number: 2021-24-03-001 Partial Street Reconstruction / Public Hearing on December 7, 2020, The City of Columbia Heights 590 40th Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 Dear Mayor and City Council Members, We are unable to attend the December 07, 2020 public hearing in person, but would appreciate if you would take our objections into consideration regarding Project Number: 2021-24-03-001 Partial Street Reconstruction. We received a letter from the City of Columbia Heights Public Works Department dated November 20, 2020, stating the estimated assessment cost of our property for this proposed project would be $3,402.00 for a partial street reconstruction. In our opinion, we feel this amount appears to be exorbitant. Our property is 40 ft wide and the street is approximately 27' 3" across from side to side, not including the curb/gutter. If we are responsible for only half of the street width plus the 40 ft width of our property, that comes out to approximately 548 square feet. According to our calculations, we would be paying $620.80 per sq. foot for this street repair. We believe the amount we are being asked to pay for our portion is excessive and a gross overcharge for our area of the reconstruction involved, which is approximately 40 ft. X 13 ft 7". The proposed cost of $3,402.00, we feel, is way overpriced and not justified. We just had the entire public sidewalk replaced in front of our residence only 3 months ago. Our curb and gutter is in decent condition, so we cannot see any necessity of replacing sections of the curb/gutter in front our residence and therefore we should not be charged for these items in the street project. In the 44 years we have resided at our residence, the City of Columbia Heights has never assessed this high of an amount for a partial street reconstruction. We are certain the community as a whole cannot afford this type of overpriced expense, especially during the current situation of a ongoing pandemic, which has deeply affected the economy. We are asking that you reconsider performing the street reconstruction work at this time, and only reconsider the proposed project when the economy recovers. We would also appreciate if you would look into the cost per homeowner to determine if the estimates proposed are actually a fair price in comparison to other cities that are having the same type of street restoration performed, as the cost seems so high per square foot for this proposed project. Therefore, we are objecting to the proposed project and ask that the approval be DENIED. Thank you your time and consideration. Sincerely, Columbia Heights Homeowners and Occupants, Lin . da Greenwood �;,· •.. __tJ � p.-�'1/�7rt7) Harold Greenwood �� Property Address: 4904 6th Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 763-586-9841 December 01, 2020 Exhibit D- 12/7/20 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program - Zones 4B and 5 Public Improvement Hearing Minutes