10-20-1987 CC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 City Council Minutes October 20. 1987 e Councilmember James Tralle stated that the Utility Commission has discussed this issue at its previous meeting. The Commission did not approve a formal motion. but it was the consensus of the Commission that the Utilities will finance the cost for typical street lighting in this area including underground work. The Commission has requested General Electric to provide a cost estimate for street lighting in the CBD and costs above that amount for decorative lighting will have to be assumed by the benefited property owners. Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has approximately $10.000 in reserves. She indicated that it may be possible for the HRA to participate in the beautificaion aspect of Main Street in the CBD. Mayor Gunkel suggested that the Downtown Business Committee requests the HRA to hold a meeting and that the CBD Committee request $10.000 from the HRA for improvements in the downtown area. By having the CBD property owners receive financial assistance from the Utilties and the HRA. the final cost for decorative street lights may then become very reasonable. TREES The City Engineer. in his September 21. 1987. memo. estimated that approximately six inch diameter trees would cost $600.00 each. and that 61 trees were needed in the CBD. This amount plus 20 percent additional charges would equal $43.900.00. The 28 percent overhead being added to this amount ~ makes the Engineer's estimate for trees at $56.200.00. The Mayor indicated that the Street Superintendent. Phil Hals. is suggesting the City go with a much smaller tree that can substantially reduce this cost. Phil Hals indicated that an approximately $100 tree is much easier to install. and still has a very good likelihood of survivial. Also if these trees are damaged. the replacement cost is much more economical. Based on $100.00 per tree for 61 trees and $200.00 per tree for planting and overhead in purchasing the trees. the total cost for trees in the CBD is approximately $18.300. Mayor Gunkel indicated that the City is willing to finance this entire cost through the City Dutch Elm Program. If the CBD property owners wanted to go with a more expensive tree. then additional expenses beyond $18.300.00 would have to be assumed by the benefited property owners. The $100.00 tree mentioned above are approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It was again noted that the replacement of damaged trees by weather conditions or vandals would also be absorbed through the City Dutch Elm Program. TREE GRATES e The City Engineer originally estimated that tree grates at the base of the trees would cost in the $1.000.00 per grate range. plus some additional expenses for a total of $65.000.00. Adding the City's standard 28 percent overhead to' this amount. makes the total estimated cost for tree grates at $83.200.