HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19990830Soecial Meetin~ Asoen City Council August 30, 1999
Mayor Pro Tem Paulson called the special meeting to order at 5:05 with
Councilmembers McCabe, Markalunas, and Hershey present.
John Worcester, city attorney, told Council in July 1977, Jeff Shoaf and
Mark Hesselschwerdt met with staff to learn the process to get the utilities in
the Smuggler area underground. Worcester told Council he explained the
state statute process. After the Cemetery Lane underground project, the city
said they will not entertain any new districts unless the residents show
support for the district. Staff asked Shoaf and Hesselschwerdt to get a
petition to show this support. In May 1998, a petition was turned in with
approximately 79 percent positive response.
Council adopted Resolution #37, Series of 1998, which put the utility
companies on notice that the city was considering creating an underground
improvement district. The city then hired Schmeuser, Gordon Meyer to be
the district engineer and appropriated $25,000 for them to design the system.
Council recently adopted Resolution #65, Series of 1999, establishing the
intent to form this district and set August 30, 1999, as a public hearing. At
the last Council meeting, Council adopted resolution #73 to approve a
contract with MA Concrete Construction, Inc. for work on the
undergrounding project contingent upon successful outcome of this public
hearing. Council also placed a question to bond for the underground district
on the November ballot also based on the successful outcome of this public
hearing.
Worcester told Council this public hearing is to hear objections to the
creation of the proposed improvements and whether there are any lots that
should be excluded or included. A notice of this meeting was published and
was sent to all property owners via certified mail. Worcester said his office
has received letters from Ernst Kappeli and Anne Byard in opposition to the
district. The engineer has handed out preliminary estimated cost for each
property and a cost including the finance charges. Worcester said the
property owners can then decide whether they want to be part of the bond
question.
Mayor Pro Tem Paulson opened the public hearing.
Patti Clapper, resident of Smuggler, said she is concerned about the validity
of the original petition as it was based on inaccurate information. Ms.
Clapper said she is also concerned about the area outlined for the
Soecial Meetin~ Asoen City Council August 30, 1999
underground district in exhibit A. Jackie Kasabach said the costs are
ridiculous. This is a working class neighborhood. The list of costs to
property owners does not seem to be correct. Ms. Kasabach pointed out
where there are two owners, both are charged $4,011 as is a single property
owner.
Bill Lipsey told Council he favors undergrounding. 80 percent of the
property owners signed the petitions, which is a strong mandate. Lipsey said
undergrounding increases the aesthetics and is a good investment. Dottie
Winagle said burying the lines will benefit very few people in the area; most
people do not have lines in front of their property. Lipsey said he feels this
project benefits the entire neighborhood. L.J. Erspamer asked for how long
this is amortized. Worcester said 10 years. Jeanne Jacobi said
undergrounding is more than a question of aesthetics. She had a fire last
year that was caused by a fallen wire. Ms. Jacobi said the costs for
undergrounding seem to be very high.
Ron Thompson, Schmeuser, Gordon Meyer, told Council when they bid this
project out, only one company bid. Craig, Holy Cross, said they estimate
this project would cost between $500 and $600,000. Amy Margerum, city
manager, recommended Council delay this project because there was only
one bid, because the property owners just received the financial information.
Ms. Margerum said this can be rebid to see if there is competition and the
total cost of the project can be lowered.
Angle Griffiths told Council she wants to be able to see where the trench
will be dug and how the landscaping will be repaired. Lipsey agreed this
project should be delayed to come up with a more realistic price. Craig said
the money for the Holy Cross part of the undergrounding project is available
in 1999 and he will have to discuss putting the funding office when looking
at all Holy Cross projects.
Ann Byard read from her letter outlining the objections and the unfortunate
experience when the city widened Gibson avenue. Ms. Byard said digging
her own trench would be her choice. Jim Mickey, 931 Gibson, said he feels
he was mislead when he signed the original petition. There are too many
confusing areas in this issue and it will be good to delay the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Paulson closed the public hearing.
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Soecial Meetin~ Asoen City Council August 30, 1999
Councilman McCabe said he does not see a reason to go forward until the
city can get more bids. Ms. Kasabach said before this gets to another public
hearing stage, property owners should know their cost. If the city wants
community support, there should be more information.
Councilman Hershey moved to adopt Ordinance #36, Series of 1999;
seconded by Councilman Markalunas. Roll call vote; Councilmembers
Markalunas, no; McCabe, no; Hershey, no; Mayor Pro Tem Paulson, no.
Motion NOT carried.
Councilman Markalunas moved to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.; seconded by
Councilman Hershey. All in favor, motion carried.
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
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