HomeMy WebLinkAboutPH July 9, 1979
·
~ o¡ ANDOVER
PUBLIC HEARING -- STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN SECTION 17
MINUTES - JULY 9, 1979
Pursuant to notice published thereof, a Public Hearing on the proposed street and
drainage improvement project for Xenia Street, Vintage Street, 161st Avenue, lS8th
Avenue, Aztec Street, Enchanted Drive, Genie Drive and Tulip Street was called to order
by Mayor Jerry Windschitl on July 9, 1979, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall,
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota.
Councilmen present: Jacobson, Lachinski, Orttel, Peach
Councilmen absent: None
Also present: City Engineers, John Davidson and Mark Schumacher; City Clerk,
P. K. Lindquist; and approximately 200 interested residents
Mayor Windschitl introduced the City Council and Staff and explained the procedure
used at public hearings. He also explained the inability of the city to install
sanitary sewer to the area involved according to the interceptor plans of the
Metropolitan Waste Water Control Commission through the year 2050.
Mr. Davidson reviewed the feasibility study dated June 5, 1979, outlining the location,
initiation, right-of-way, easements, drainage, assessment policy, and proposed
improvements with either rural or urban design for the 3.46 miles of street involved.
The Engineer's estimate for the project for a rural design is approximately $712,838,
which would amount to an estimated front foot assessment for streets of $19 and an
estimated front foot assessment for storm sewers at $1.50; and the estimated cost for
the project for an urban design is $612,463, which would amount to an estimated front
foot assessment for storm sewer at $1.51 and an estimated front foot assessment,for
the street construction at $16.11. Mr. Davidson also noted that normally the assessments
can be financed for a 10-year period with interest of B percent on the unpaid balance,
but this will be determined at the assessment hearing. Barring no delays in proceeding
with the project, it is anticipated the project could be completed by November 15, 1979;
however, should some unforeseen delays occur, the bituminous surfacing may have to be
delayed until the spring of 1980. All basework and gravel should be completed this
fa 11.
Mayor Windschitl also explained the City's assessment policy in that each"project area
pays for their particular project and On the policy used for corner lots. ¡.e also noted
that at this time from petitions received, most everyone appears to be opposed on the
east side of Tulip and 161st East of Tulip and those on Genie Drive in Alladin Acres.
In the remaining project there is 34 percent of the assessable front footage in favor,
17 percent opposed, and 48 percent with no responses.
The hearing was then opened to the residents for testimony. (Staff responses are shown
in parentheses.)
Rod Vosek, 16058 Xenia Street - signed yes on the original petition which stated $11
for a 32-foot wide road and $9.50 for a 28-foot wide street. However, when talking
about $20 a front foot, he asked to change his vote to no. He didn't like the
alternative of getting bituminous surfacing or nothing. Who paid for the gravel im-
provement of 161st between County Road 9 and Tulip and why was that improved and not
any other, especially since no one is living on it? (Mayor Windschitl explained that
the City used some class 5 to improve bad sections of the road, but no substantial
amount of road improvements have been done without being assessed.)
Mr. Vosek - why can that section of road be improved with class 5 and that alternative
lS not even being considered for other streets, Xenia for exarnp'ìe. Approximately 400
feet on Xenia was improved with class 5 about three years ago, which has held up quite
well with little maintenance. The rest of the road is dirt and in very bad condition,
and he would like to see it improved. Why isn't class 5 considered? (Mayor Windschitl
stated there is nothing that would prevent class 5 improvement from being considered,
Public Hearing --Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 2
but the biggest problem with it is the dust. For stability, there is no question that
Class 5 would make a better road than what is presently there, and it could be done.)
Mr. Vosek - asked if the Council would consider class 5 if a petition were brought in
supporting that. (Councilman Lachinski explained that Xenia Street has already been
approved for some minor amounts of class 5 this year if this project is not approved.
He also outlined the Road Improvement Committee's procedure of determining which roads
are to be improved with class 5 so that the road can be adequately maintained. By
doing Tulip, it was felt that a large number of residents would be served and it would
get the traffic out to Round Lake Boulevard rather than through the Addition.)
Jack Menkveld, GM Investment com~ - owns two lots on Enchanted Drive, north side -
Because of the 011 allocatlons, e questioned if contractors could work to November 15
to complete the project, as last year they had projects close down the end of October
because the paver's oil allocation was short. What happens with spring run-off if
urban-type streets are not paved in the fall? Will the bid price be held for the paving
if it is held over to the next construction season? He didn't think it was reasonable
to expect the work to be done this season. (Mr. Davidson explained if the contractor's
work is held over for reasons he has no control over, it is a litigimate reason to carry
the project over. It is a question whether he would guarantee the price through the
winter months. Recent bids have been a qualified price of the mix to reflect increases
from the time between the bid and project. By placing base material this fall, there
will be some gutter erosion; and it will have to be regraded in the spring, but there
aren't any exceptionally steep grades that would cause any severe erosion. This is a
tight schedule, so if there are any delays in the process, he recommended delaying it
until the next year.)
Mr. Menkveld - noted the prices of earth moving, asphalt, etc., are rising rapidly
because of the fuel situation. If it is done, it should be done as quickly as possible
to avoid a 25 percent overrun next spring. (Mr. Davidson explained the spiriling
costs of projects and felt that these rising costs have been projected in the cost
estimate proposed.)
Mr. Menkveld - didn't feel he had a vote since they own the property but don't have any
construction on it. He felt if it is done, it should be done as expeditiously as
possible because of the anticipated price increases.
Craig Jeska, 16021 Vinta~e Street - approves the project wholeheartedly for alternative
No.2. He frequently drlves 161st to Round Lake Boulevard and felt that should be
tarred as well as the rest of it.
Mrs. Dale Pirkl on 161st and Xenia - lived there ~ years. 161st Street was always
better than Xenla. She llved in Crystal for 6 years before coming out here, where they
were told exactly the same thing two years apart -- that the upgrading of the street
was necessary. They paid for the street and two years later they came through with
sewer. If Andover grows at the rate it is now, she didn't think anyone could give any
guarantees that there isn't going to be a new sewage plant built in Anoka to take care
of Andover and Ramsey. Two years later they came with water, so they paid for their
street three times, and she's looking at the same thing happening here. She's not very
happy with the prospect. If the November 15 date does not follow through, she felt they
are going to pay up to 25 percent more. And if the oil cartel decides to increase its
rates again, we would pay more than 25 percent increase. She felt it is rediculous to
put blacktop down now. Why not wait until sewer and water are ready to come through.
Class 5 does work and it is good, but the whole street needs it -- Xenia, Enchanted
Drive, Gene.
Dale Guimont, 16007 Xenia - has class 5 in front of his house, and it has been pretty
good. He hasn't noticed any dust from that. He does have a problem in that every time
it rains, all the fine silt from the road rushes down to his yard. He would like to see
some improvement, either class 5 or bituminous surfacing.
Public Hearing -- Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 3
Roger Sharon, 15931 VintaTe NW - would like to see the improvements. He asked what is
considered lowlands. Wou d they be fenced? Would culverts be put in? (Mr. Davidson
explained the areas colored in blue on the maps which are presently landlocked lowlands
were taken off topographical maps. Some hold water and some hold water only for short
periods of time. It would not be the purpose of the program to change the natural
drainage. In the final design, if it appears that the tributary area in an unusual
rainfall would cause damage to private property, some emergency overflow system would be
studied. For the urban section, catch basins would be built to catch water and pipe it
to the low areas. Water would be running over the surface perhaps 500 feet before
collecting to a catch basin. The land isn't going to be any different than it is now.
According to statistics, ponds and wetlands are more hazardous if they are fenced than
if they are gradually graded ponds.)
Mr. Sharon - how many ponds in the area of lS7th and Xenia? A petition brought to him
showed two ponds in the back of his house, and he never has water standing there.
(Mr. Davidson explained where the ponds are proposed.)
Dale Bower, 3720 161st Avenue - owns the lot where a pond is shown in the front yard,
and he has a problem with that because he didn't agree with the theory of drainage.
He doesn't get runoff from the entire length of road because it soaks into the ground.
(The Engineers explained that they are not saying the entire street would be drained to
that point, as there may be a break at some point. It was pointed out that the final
designs haven't been done, so the size of the ponds haven't been determined nor where
water is actually flowing. They are proposing trying to maintain the existing drainage
as much as possible, and whatever steps are necessary would be taken to properly take
care of the drainage. All ponds shown mayor may not be used in the final design.
It is not the City's intent to flood anybody's yard. If these natural drainage areas
weren't used, then some very high storm sewer costs would be incurred to accommodate
running drainage a considerable distance. Mayor Windschitl explained that a City
cannot create more water nor do damage to private property without either acquiring the
easements or getting water out some way. So if you don't have a pond or lowland now,
you shouldn't end up with one. Mayor Windschitl also explained the problems the City
has had in grading the roads and noted the experience of the staff in the Public Works
Department and that bids have been let for the new road grader. Future road grading
and snow plowing will be done by City staff so Council will have a better control over
it and, hopefully, will do a better job on it.)
Mr. Sharon - asked about the proposal for the City sewer in their area. (Mayor
Wlndschltl again explained that the local officials have no control over the interceptor
lines, and reviewed MWWCC's interceptor plans through the year 2050.)
Greg Webster, 3930 Enchanted Drive - is not on any petition but is strongly in favor of
the second proposal. He has been living in Andover for five years and has been waiting
for improvements during that time. If some improvement is not done this fall or spring,
they will be moving out, as they are tired of the dust, potholes, fixing cars, etc.
Rick Olson, 3936 Enchanted Drive - felt some serious problems have not been looked at,
especially the total expense to people who can't afford it. One of the main streets
is Xenia, which is terrible, and something should be done with that. He stated the
Council failed to consider a huge area up there, those who live on Enchanted Drive and
take the west route out. They will still be going out on gravel roads. Blacktop for him
will be of no benefit at all, considering the portion of the road he lives on is
perfectly all right. They would be paying for improvements for the entire area but would
not be benefiting from them. His father is street superintendent in Eau Claire, Wis.,
and has noted that it is now illegal for them in Eau Claire to put blacktop roads in
unless all improvements are put in at the same time, due to the fact that installations
happen faster than are forecast. He had a problem with paying for roads a second time.
Also, it takes a lot of distance for the road improvement for landscaping. Who pays for
Public Hearing -- Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 4
that? (Mayor Windschitl explained that Minnesota law doesn't allow someone to be re-
assessed twice. You can be reassessed for a similiar-type project after the bond has
been paid off. If the bond is 10years,you wouldn't be reassessed for a street until
the end of the bond. Discussion noted that for the rural street, principal and
interest for an average lot over a 10-year period would be $4,373 and $3,757 for the
urban-type street. Mayor Windschitl explained that landscaping has either been
included in the project or excluded to let each property owner do it themselves. This
project has no costs for landscaping outside of the black dirt. However, if anything
is disturbed on private property, it is returned to the same condition prior to
construction. It is done as equitable as possible.)
Mr. Webster - has been with Environmental Studies for a long time. If you plan on using
those water sites, there will be an incredible amount of water increase in those ponds.
Three years ago the water was up into his yard on the side; now it is not. His house
is built on a lot that was at one time unbuildable because it is too close to the
marsh. There are two or three houses on the other side of the marsh in the same
situation, which have basements collapsing now;'and there are other lots that have been
filled with plans to build houses on. If you increase the water in those ponds, he
felt five or six homes will have their basements under water. Mr. Webster also stated
their driveway sits below the grade of the road. Across the street are people who have
hills that go down to the road. Consequently, doing the drainage as suggested, you are
going to have to drop the level of that road three or four feet. (Mr. Davidson
indicated they haven't done any detailed surveys, so in the process they will equalize
the elevation of the streets and will relate the costs of constructing the street to
a different elevation to drain the driveway versus finding an alternative method of
draining the driveway. The entire process is one of doing the project at the least
cost. It costs money to maintain dirt or gravel streets, and, from experience, house-
wives become tired of the dust from gravel roads. He felt the method least costly to
the City generally is, as streets are built, that they are surfaced. If the City has
to buy drainage easements, it is going to increase the cost of the project and everyone
will have to pay for that cost. We think we have protected ourselves in the figures
given to say that we can reasonably design a system that is going to work with those
general figures. We do take into account the environmental impacts that relate to
storm water.)
Mr. Webster - there are many of us that can afford $11 or $9 a front foot and also many
of us that will have to sell if we own double lots because we can't afford that
additional amount of money. What worries him more than anything else is the way prices
are going. By the time this project starts, he would expect prices will be up an
additional amount. And if it is postponed until the following spring, it is going to
be more yet -- possibly as much as $6,000 to $6,500. He is not in favor of the project;
but he is in favor of some road improvements like class 5, which is working well in all
locations it is put in in Eau Claire.
Dick Bucher, 3919 Enchanted Drive - is in favor of the blacktopping. He felt that
class 5 was unacceptable because of the roughnp.ss -- it is rough on the cars, cars
losing mufflers, etc. He works for Pigs Eye plant for three years, and they are trying
to build it as fast as they can to keep up with the sewer they have. So he didn't
think they are worred about getting ours. He didn't feel the streets would be dug up for
sewer in the next 10, 20, or 40 years. He also noted that he has four neighbors that
couldn't make it this evening that are also in favor of the project.
Mary Fahnlander, 3931 158th Avenue - they're marked on the map as a yes, and the Council
should not necessarily take all the XiS as a valid yes because the information they
received when signing the petition was so drastically different. They are a no,
opposed to the project.
Public Hearing -- Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 5
Mrs. Royce Bennett, on the corner of 161st and Tulip - owns 80 along 161st plus a 20
on rulip, which amounts to a large amount of money. (Mayor Windschitl stated on
Tulip and on 161st there are only a few houses in favor with the bulk of the property
opposed to the project.)
Mrs. Bennett - explained they have the total length on 161st and on the other end of
Tullp they are on both sides of the road because the road goes through their property.
The drainage shown off 161st is in the middle of théir potatoe field, which is how
they make their living. By taking too much ground from them, they won't be able to
make a living, much less pay the assessments. She has seen an Anoka County map which
shows in the next five years 161st will be the main route from Forest Lake to Elk
River, which at that time it will become a 120-foot wide state road. This would be
spending money to put in a tar road to have the state come in to redo it anyway. (Mayor
Windschitl stated the Anoka County thoroughfare plan shows that plan and noted the
Council recognizes the problem they have with their property.)
Mrs. Bennett - has lived there for 27 years. They're just little farmers and didn't
know how they'd be able to pay the assessment. They're opposed to the project.
(Mayor Windschitl explained if the Council ordered Tulip and/or 161st, any property
in Green Acres is exempt from the assessment payments for as long as it is in Green
Acres. If it is sold and remains in Green Acres, it was his understanding that the
assessments are still deferred. The general revenue of the City funds are having to
pay the deferred assessments until such time as the money is collected. Mr. Davidson
stated they would have to pay the assessment plus interest plus the previous three-
years' taxes at the time it changes status. And if the person they sell to continues to
make at least 50 percent of his income from the farm, it can continue to carry the Green
Acres status.)
And~ Lantos, corner of Tulip and 161st - is not on any petitions and voices his opinion
agalnst any lmprovements at all.
Mrs. William Steffes, 16005 Tuli~ - recently purchased 10 acres on Tulip. They are a
young couple who waited a long tlme to be able to build a house they have been saving
for. They cannot afford the improvement, and felt there are alot of them that cannot
afford the improvement. She felt if people would use more sensible driving habits, it
would calm down the dust a lot.
Laurence Reynolds, 15951 Tulip Street - the pond shown on the Engineer's map would be
ln hlS garden. There is a bank there that water does not rUn over but runs down
into Davis' driveway. So every time it rains, Davis has to be pulled out of his driveway.
He thought if it is graded properly and taken care of properly, the existing road is
good enough.
Don Gulso, 16025 Vintage Street - has been there for six years, and is tired of mud
and dust. He is ln favor of the project.
Forrest Cerny, 15934 Xenia - felt the Council should take a vote On who wants the road
and who doesn't and make a decision on this to stop the arguing back and forth. He
knew that a good part of the people on Xenia want it blacktopped. He is in favor of
blacktopping.
John Car~, 16147 Genie Drive - is in favor of the project. He walked the petition on
Genle Drlve and had flve slgnatures, but he didn't turn it in because of the price
difference. Every time it rains, he has half the street washing down in front of his
house. When it rains, it is like quicksand on the bottom of Genie Drive. (Mayor
Windschitl asked for a show of hands from those in Alladin Acres who were in favor of
or opposed to the project. There were 10 opposed and 9 in favor of the project.)
Mr. Aane~ Aanehson, 16293 Valley Drive - took the petition to everyone on Genie Drive and
they were al I no's wlth only two yeses. If there are more yeses now, they have changed
their minds. The petition was what the City Clerk had told him to say on it.
Public Hearing -- Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 6
Dan Janiga, 15950 Xenia Street - was in favor of starting the petition originally.
He felt everyone is saYlng they want some road improvements but are worried about the
costs. He asked what the cost differential is between class 5 improvements and
bituminous surfacing and asked that the options available to improving the streets be
looked at and voted on. He felt we need the data for that. He then related to the
problems he has had getting from his house to County Road 20 during emergencies.
Jeanette Schauer, 3961 Enchanted Drive - lives at the cul de sac on Enchanted Drive
that is now a street going to the west. She goes out to the west, but if it was
blacktopped, she wouldn't have to go out that way. She thought most of the people are
concerned about that area, Aztec and Xenia mostly, which are the worst. She was
concerned about the drainage in that pond, as her basement is sinking and she doesn't
want any more unhappiness as far as improper drainage. She would like to know more
about that at a later date if this project is to go ahead. She's tired of the dust
and they have put gravel there themselves to keep the dust down and to keep water out
of their yard.
Recess at 9:05 to allow residents to check with the Clerk and Recording Secretary as to
the accuracy of their vote. Reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
Mr. Davidson explained that the 7-ton road road is capable of withstanding heavier
loads on an occasional basis. The street system is rated not only on weight of the
load, but with the amount of use at which they occur. A 9-ton road is typically a
collector or arterial-type street. To determine the cost for just the class 5
improvement, he explained you can subtract $3.96 for the blacktopping for the rural
design. From the urban design, which is a wider street, $5.25 can be subtracted to
determine the cost of class 5 improvement of the roads.
? - buses are driving on the roads morning, noon, and night, plus garbage trucks
three days a week, plus other heavy trucks. How long will 1\ inches of bituminous
surfacing last then? (Mr. Davidson stated if there is a problem with continued heavy
traffic of trucks -- and he didn't think school buses or garbage trucks were a bother --
then the design should be looked at. Garbage trucks are quite responsible about loading
on those kinds of streets and are responsible for any damage they cause.)
? - didn't think the inch and a half of blacktop is going to last on a four-
lnch base. (Mr. Davidson explained that with a graded gravel base and 1\ inch bituminous
surface plus a birm section so the edge doesn't ravel, such streets have been in
existence for over 25 years. The City maintains the streets once they have been approved.
If they have to be replaced during the bonding period, the City at large pays to replace
them. But constructing the road to City standards and with a seal coating maintenance
program, those streets will last indefinitely. He also stated that by financing the
street for over a 20-year period, one pays more for the street because the interest will
more than double for that second lO-year period. It would cost the amount it would take
to add another 1 to 1\ inches of blacktop to make it a 9-ton road. The road can be
increased to 9-ton in the future if it is desired. Councilman Lachinski also noted
that a class 5 project cannot be assessed over 10 years, since we know it won't last
for more than five years.
John Peterson, 16120 Vintage - does the homeowner have an option of financing over 10
or 20 years? (Mayor Wlndschitl stated it is a Council decision.) How is 8 percent
determined? (The Mayor stated the interest is approximately one percent over what
the bonds are sold for. It could conceivably be below 8 percent. Mayor Windschitl
also noted that apparently there is some question on assessable front footage versus an
equal assessment of so much per lot. He clarified the present policy that was established
by Council action, which is an attempt at equalizing the assessments. If the majority
of the Council chose to change it, it could be done. The attempt was to try to make the
policy as fair as possible. Apparently there is a reasonable amount of sentiment among
Public Hearing - Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 7
the group that a per-lot assessment rather than a front-footage assessment would be
more acceptable.
Mayor Windschitl stated that in Alladin Acres the new tally after the recess is three in
favor, the remaining opposed, noting the confusion of what they want there.
Mrs. Ron Chamberlain, 4011 Genie Drive ? - asked if Alladin Acres doesn't want it and
t e rest 0, oes t at mean enle Drlve lS also done as a total project? (Mayor
Windschitl stated the Council is waiting for the Clerk to retabulate the polls to
determine the percentage of those favoring or opposing the project.)
Marv Ganz, 16024 Tulip - Tulip is better than average and wondered once it is paved are
they going to be able to get more police patrolling to keep the speed down, because
there are a lot of kids playing on that street. (Mayor Windschitl stated an effective
program has been to have the Anoka County Sheriff do a saturation-type patrol with
radar for a period of time.)
Mr. Richard Davis, 15944 Tulip Street - asked why speed signs or caution/children
signs can't be put up on the end of the street. (Mayor Windschitl explained that
putting up restrictive signs is controlled by the State, and he explained the procedure
to initiate the process. Discussion was on the problems with lowering the speed limit.)
Mr. Davis - has given the police permission to park on his property to monitor the road,
but they haven't done it. He expressed concern over the safety of chi1dren in the area
because of excessive speed over the street. (Mayor Windschitl stated the Clerk will
relate the problem to the Anoka County Sheriff.)
General discussion on the project itself as to which streets should be done, noting the
problem with doing 161st east of Tulip since a majority of landowers are opposed;
however, there is a development under construction south of that road, a proposed
development to the north, plus a proposed rezoning to Neighborhood Business on the
northwest corner of 161st and County Road #9, all of which will be existing onto 161st.
It was also noted that the City has recently adopted the policy requiring all interior
streets of a development to be blacktopped. Mr. Davidson reported in a few areas
there is a possibility that it would be more economical to put in a rural section
rather than urban section, and that might possibly be true along 161st or a portion of
it. This will be looked at when doing the final design.
Because the City Clerk was still tabulating the results of the changes in votes made
by residents during the recess, it was agreed to begin discussion on the rezoning
request of Mr. Skeim until such time that the tabulation is completed. Public Hearing
resumed at 10:08 p.m.
Mayor Windschitl reviewed the results excluding Alladin Acres, Tulip Street, and 16lst
east of Tulip: 40 percent yes, 28 percent no, with no answer from the balance.
Broken down according to assessable front footage, the results are:
Xenia Street: 2670 Yes Aztec Street: 450 Yes
2195 No o No
Vintage Street: 2351 Yes Enchanted Drive: 1849.5 Yes
1693 No 551 No
lS8th Avenue: 214 Yes
901 NO
It was explained that those lots along 161st have their short sides on either Xenia,
Vintage, or Tulip and are included in those totals. The respOnses received from
residents along Tulip indicate a majority in opposition to the project, as was a majority
opposed in Alladin Acres.
Public Hearing - Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 8
Councilman Lachinski felt that a substantial amount of traffic would want to exit
through 161st and that it seems that residents wouldn't want to pay their assessments
just to exit onto a gravel road. Also, 161st could be done at a lower cost than the
other streets. He wondered if there would be some way to give additional consideration
to equalizing the cost somewhat to those larger lots in terms of the assessment, as
those corner lots may be paying twice what the other lots in the area are paying.
Mrs. Bennett - stated on 161st they have 1320 feet of frontage. She figured at $20 a
front foot, it would cost $26,400 with an annual interest of $2,112.
MOTION by Peach, Seconded by Orttel, that Alladin Acres and Tulip Street be
terminated as part of the proposed improvement. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Lachinski, to exempt from the project those streets
north of 161st Avenue NW, namely Vintage Street north of 161st Avenue NW and Xenia
Street north of 161st Avenue NW except for those lots that border 161st Avenue NW.
Discussion: Mayor Windschitl and Councilman Lachinski stated they didn't feel
comfortable looking at the map they have indicating the residents' choice on the project.
Discussion was on the reason for exempting that area, that the map before the Council
has a majority in opposition to the project. The question is if that area is removed
from the project, what affect it would have on the drainage. It is generally not a
desirable situation to assess residents for drainage but not improve the roads in front
of their property. Councilman Lachinski again expressed a desire that special
consideration be given to large lots to come up with a logical flow of traffic in the
area over all tarred roads. Mr. Schumacher stated that doing 161st as a separate
project would cost substantially less as the drainage is essentially there already
and is basically a rural section of roadway nOw. It could be separated out of the
project and done separately. Discussion was on the possibility of l61st being done as
a County road. Mr. Skeim stated he is donating the right of way, and others probably
would be willing to donate the right of way necessary for a county road if the county
would share in the construction of 161st or do all of it. Mayor Windschitl stated that
possiblity could be looked into with the County.
Mable Palmquist - wondered why the people are asking for blacktopped roads when they
moved out there they knew the condition of the roads.
Mrs. Janiga, 15950 Xenia - stated the roads have deteriorated considerably from the time
they first moved there, especially Xenia.
Mayor Windschitl stated from the count the Council has, the area affected in
Councilman Jacobson's motion is 7 in favor, 7 in opposition.
Forrest Cerny - wouldn't those people also share in the benefit of being able to drive
on blacktop to get to their place? (Mayor Windschitl stated his objection is that they
could end up with a drainage assessment but with no street, which might be objectionable
to those residents.)
VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Jacobson, Peach; NO-Lachinski, Orttel, Windschitl
Motion defeated.
Discussion was on the remainder of the project. In addressing the question of 161st
Avenue, Councilman Lachinski was concerned that residents have tarred roads to drive on
all the way to County Road #9. Councilman Peach stated the people are paying for the
street in front of their homes, not for any other benefits; and we don't owe them 161st
if we are going to pave in front of their homes. He felt that 161st from Tulip east
should be considered as a separate question. Councilman Lachinski felt that if that
section of 161st east of Tulip were not done at this time, it is unlikely it would be
petitioned for improvement in the near future. He suggested figuring out a way to spread
that cost over the rest of the project and possibly reducing not only Mr. Bennett's
front foot cost but other larger lots in the area as well.
Public Hearing - Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 9
MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, entering a Resolution ordering the
improvement of Bituminous Streets with Storm Sewers for 161st Avenue NW from Round
Lake Boulevard to Xenia Street; Xenia Street from County State Aid Highway #20 to
its northerly extension in Section 17; Vintage Street in Section 17; and lS8th
Avenue NW west of Xenia Street to Aztec Street; and Aztec Street north to Enchanted
Drive; and Enchanted Drive north to Alladin Acres; and directing the City Engineer
to prepare Final Plans and Specifications... (...WHEREAS a Resolution by the City
Council adopted the 5th Day of June, 1979, accepted a feasibility report and set a date
for a public hearing...; ...AND WHEREAS testimony and petitions presented at the
public hearing indicated desirous opinion of the improvement of the project...;
...NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, City of Rndover, to hereby
order the improvement of bituminous street for the previously mentioned streets...;
...BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council that 161st be built with the least
expensive method)
Discussion: Councilman Lachinski included 161st in the project with the idea that
what we are doing at this point is ordering the detailed plans and specifications;
and if we can't come to some general agreement by the Council that it should be
included at that point, it should be dropped. The Engineer suggested that 161st be
done at the least cost (either rural or urban section). There may be other areas
where it may be cost effective to do one or the other design; the detailed design
would point that out.
MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Orttel, to close the public portion of the hearing.
Motlon carried unanimously.
AMENDMENT TO MOTION (ordering the improvement) by Peach, that 161st Avenue east of
Tullp be exempted from the project. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Discussion: The portion of Enchanted Drive included in this motion is up to Alladin
Acres and only that portion in Section 17. Councilman Peach felt there was not a
majority of people in favor of 161st Avenue east of Tulip. If that portion is
excluded, he felt there was a majority favoring the project; but he couldn't vote in
favor of the motion as it stands. He is aware that there are plats On the north and
south side of 161st east of Tulip, but his tabulations indicate they are against the
project. Mr. Skeim is the fee owner of some of the property on the north, but he
wouldn't comment on this project until the proceedings on his rezoning request are
decided.
Ms. Palmquest is the owner of the farm that the Strawberry Commons is being proposed.
If that project (referring to Strawberry Commons) goes through, then she would be in
favor of doing that portion of 161st east of Tulip. If it doesn't go through,
then she would vote against the improvement.
VOTE ON MOTION ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT: YES-Lachinski, Orttel, Windschitl; NO-
Jacobson, Peach. Motion carried ona 3/2 vote; however, a 4/5 vote is required to
order the project inasmuch as the petition had not been declared and publicized as
adequate. Motion failed.
MOTION by Peach; to introduce the identical motion as presented by Councilman Lachinski
excluding 161st Avenue NW east of Tulip Street. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Forrest cern~ - asked the feasibility of making the portion of 161st an extension of
County Road 0 to have the benefit of making it a county road. (Mayor Windschitl
stated we will talk to Paul Ruud, Anoka County Highway Engineer, to see if he would
be agreeable to doing something like that. Councilman Orttel noted this road does
not meet the criteria for County State Aid roads, and that it was his contention that
the proposed route from Forest Lake to Elk River is no longer being considered.)
Public Hearing - Street Improvements in Section 17
July 9, 1979 - Minutes
Page 10
Dave Tjaden, 3963 Enchanted Drive - asked if the people along Enchanted Drive going
towards Dakota Drlve were contacted about tonight's meeting, and has there been any
indication from those people. (Mayor Windschitl stated those people were notified.)
Further Council discussion: Councilman Peach didn't have any trouble approving the
area north of 161st on Xenia and Vintage, but didn't see anybody on 161st east of
Tulip in favor of the project and felt this is assessing the people on 161st to
benefit the rest of the people. He felt that was the improper way to do it. Counc il-
man Orttel couldn't see approving a commercial development that is going to haul
traffic from Seventh over without putting in a street to haul it on. We also know of
the plats on both sides of the area of 161st in question, of which 500 feet of that in
Pine Hills is city park. The Clerk showed Councilman Jacobson her tally for those
streets north of 161st in the project. Mayor Windschitl stated the question om161st
gets to be are you going to end up with all the people that are in the platted areas
coming back in here for a public hearing or are you going to assess the developer
right now.
MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, to reinstate the prior motion made by
Councilman Lachinski on the improvement of the project. (See Resolution RS2-9)
Discussion: Mr. Bennett stated it costs a lot of money and expressed disappointment
in his neighbors over the entire situation.
VOTE ON MOTI ON: YES-Jacobson, Lachinski, Orttel, Windschitl; NO-Peach
Motion carried.
Mayor Windschitl explained the procedures followed in proceeding with the project.
The Council still has the option of rescinding the project should the bids come
in too high. Discussion was generally over the assessment policy and possibly giving
consideration for the larger lots. Show of hands indicated the majority of people
exited from the area via 161st Avenue. There was also some concern expressed that
the people on Tulip would be benefiting from the tarred roads but would not have to
pay for it.
Mrs. Bennett - expressed fear that there would be a casualty on the corner of 161st and
Tulip shortly after the blacktop is put in due to excessive speed. She indicated that
drivers do not stop for the signs that are installed there now. It is also a blind
corner. (Mayor Windschitl indicated the safety problem, the question of large lots,
and the design of the road on 161st can be addressed when the final plans and
specifications are drawn up.)
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Jacobson, that we close the Public Hearing on the
Improvements in Section 17 and Section 18. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing closed at 11:11 p.m.
_', Respectfully sUb7~
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Marce la A. Peach C
Recording Secretary ,\", \
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