3.1. DRAFT MINUTES 03-07-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 3 February 14, 2011 4.3.B. River Line Proiect Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. He stated there were now 14 properties in Phase I of this project and of the 14 properties, 5 owners were also the property owners in 1988 and 1989 when the sewer line was originally put in the front. Assessments were from $337.00 to $550.00 which was calculated based on the area of their lot. A new trunk sewer was assessed to all properties within that trunk sewer district. They were not assessed directly for the laterals that were stubbed up to their properties. Property owners were informed in 1988 that they would eventually need to connect to city. Phase I and II improvements will ultimately need to be completed on the property at the expense of the property owner. An easy conversion (no trees obstructing and the line would run out the front of the property) would cost approximately $5,000. A more complicated conversion could cost approximately $10,000. Mr. Femrite went on to explain the conversations he had with Mr. Simon and SEH and discussed possible grant opportunities that would help property owners pay for the private property improvements. In one instance, the grant would pay for 80% of the improvements based on income guidelines. He suggested staff notify the affected property owners by mail of the potential necessary improvement and host an open house to explain the project and timeline, and assist property owners on the process of locating a contractor. He suggested a 3=d party survey also be sent to affected property owners. Ms. Johnson stated the City can no longer maintain the river line and the concern is from a health and safety standpoint. Council requested that staff proceed with communicating with affected property owners, setting up an open house to explain the process, and putting together a survey to ask property owners their thoughts in order to being the project in 2012. 4.4. Grant Update Mr. Benoit and Mr. Schreifels reviewed grants currently being sought by various departments per the staff report. Council approved moving ahead with the Water and Storage Project (Hillside City Park), Athletic Field Lighting Project (Youth Athletic Complex), and improvements to the Fishing Pier (Lake Orono Park). Mr. Simon reviewed the Solar Thermal Heat/Reheating Project (City Hall) and Solar Lighting Project (Great Northern Trail). He stated they are still deciding whether or not to move ahead with these projects as they only received two bids and there was a huge variance in the bid amounts. The bids are currently being examined by Building Maintenance Supervisor Gary Lore. Mr. Femrite reviewed the Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Reuse Grant information per the staff report. Ms. Johnson reviewed the status of the Baily Point grant process with the Minnesota Land Trust. She submitted a preliminary application for grant funds which received approval to move to the next step. Final grant submission is due March 31 but one issue that came up involves the Lions Park grant. An audit in 2009 revealed an issue with the Boys and Girls Club being an ineligible operation on park land and until the issue is resolved, the City is not eligible for this grant. One way to resolve this issue would be to acquire additional park land prior to purchasing Baily Point. The other way would be deduct the value of the property that is leased by the Boys and Girls Club from any future grant proceeds that we would