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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Council Meeting Minutes <br />April 27, 1999 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Public Hearing. continued <br /> <br />Civil Engineer Brian Olson explained that the alleys contained in this project are <br />generally located between 4th St. and 8th St., Old Hwy 8 and 8th Ave., and 13th Ave. <br />These alleys are primarily used by abutting residents for access to their properties. Staff <br />recommends the reconstruction because of the age and poor condition of the alleys. <br /> <br />An informational meeting was held February 11, 1999, nineteen residents attended and <br />several phone inquires were received. A petition opposing the reconstruction was signed <br />by 14 of the 16 residents abutting the alley on the 600 block between 8th Ave. and 9th <br />Ave. Staff is concerned that vacation of this alley could present future problems with <br />maintenance of the sanitary sewer manhole and easement access. <br /> <br />Olson said the new alleys will be reinstalled very close to existing grades, and minor <br />adjustments would be made to remedy drainage problems. Televising of the sanitary <br />sewer mains uncovered areas needing further analysis and possible repair. <br /> <br />The total estimated project cost is $148,600. According to City policy, 100% of the <br />resurfacing cost for the alley would be special assessed on an $8.82/lineal foot basis for <br />each benefitting property. Storm sewer and sanitary sewer costs would be paid through <br />their respective utility funds. Staff anticipates the contract to be awarded in June with <br />project completion sometime in September 1999. <br /> <br />Benke asked what is the typical lot size in this project. Olson acknowledged that the lot <br />widths vary, but a typical assessment would be $700/10t. Benke asked what problems <br />could develop if that alley was abandoned. Olson said it appears the main concern is <br />access to sewer manholes for maintenance or repairs. The only solution to access <br />problems would be City purchase of the easement area. <br /> <br />Olson said the City generally waits one year after project completion to hold the <br />assessment hearing. After the hearing, residents have 30 days to pay the entire or part <br />of the assessment without interest charges. Remaining assessments are then certified to <br />Ramsey County for collection through property taxes. The City has a deferment policy <br />for qualifying senior citizens. <br /> <br />Jeffrey Nelson, 684 8th Ave., said himself and his neighbor did not sign the petition <br />because the alley vacation would eliminate access to their backyards. <br /> <br />Leona Rose, 603 9th Ave., seldom sees cars using the alley, and supports elimination. <br /> <br />Pat Rother, 490 - 9th Ave., noted continual damage to this yard from vehicles accessing <br />the alley, and asked if additional surfacing could be installed to prevent damage. Olson <br />said they cannot widen the alley without ROW acquisition, but concrete wings could be <br />installed to prevent further damage. Rother asked if the apartment building would be <br />assessed a higher rate than a single family home. Olson said all properties in the project <br />would be assessed based on a front yard linear foot. <br /> <br />Misty Miceli, 533 10th Ave., objects to being assessed for an alley she does not have <br />access to, and asked if these costs could be paid from general City taxes. Olson said <br />utilizing general City taxes would not be equitable due to the alley abutting and <br />benefiting only a small number of properties. Even through Miceli does not currently <br />have access to the alley, that access is available to her anytime. <br /> <br />Public Hearing <br /> <br />Hansen Park Alley <br />Reconstruction <br />Report 99-097 <br />