02-22-1999 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes Februarv 22.1999 Page 3 e COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO CONTINUE THE REQUEST BY WINDSOR DEVELOPMENT FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR LAFAYETTE WOODS 3RD ADDITION, P 99-4, TO THE MARCH 1, 1999, CITY COUNCIL MEETING WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE DEVELOPER SUBMIT A DETAILED BUFFER PLAN AGREED TO BY THE RIDGEWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.1. Public Hearina for Proposed 1999 School Street Improvements Between Proctor and Jackson Avenues City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed the feasibility study for this project. He noted that the city has received the utility easements and construction easements from the School District. Terry Maurer explained that the project consists of widening the street from 36 to 52 inches, minor storm sewer revisions, and the addition of a sidewalk on the south side of the street. The City Engineer reviewed traffic counts taken at the proposed project site. He noted the significant increase in traffic when school was in session. He further reviewed vehicle accidents and noted the significant increase in vehicle accidents during school hours. The City Engineer stated that the School District is in the process of planning an improvement to enlarge the high school parking lot by approximately 200 stalls. He further indicated that the city will work with the School District to facilitate that improvement regarding driveway accesses. e The City Engineer reviewed the project costs and the proposed method of assessment. He noted that the city is proposing to assess the adjacent property owners on the south side of the project for sidewalk and to split the remainder of the assessment for the street improvement between the School District and the City. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. Dr. David Flannery, Superintendent of Schools, indicated he was present to represent School District No. 728 School Board. He noted that the school board supports the project, but had requested to delay the timing of the improvement due to a shortage of funds. He noted that the School District has, in good faith, granted easements to the City for the project. He further stated that the School District objects to the method in which the project is being assessed. Dr. Flannery noted that although the School District generates heavy traffic twice a day, he feels that the improvement will also benefit the entire city, including the Industrial Park, and the other property owners on School Street. He stated that the School District objects that they are the only property owner on the street being assessed for the street improvement. He further stated that the School District will use the process of arbitration (assessment appeal) through the court system to resolve this discrepancy in the method of assessing the project. There being no further comments, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. e Discussion was held by the Council regarding the method of assessment. Terry Maurer indicated that the City Council last year proposed to not assess the people on the south side of School Street for the street improvement. He indicated that the need to widen the road is a result of the school traffic.