HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/25/91CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 25, 1991
5:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor McKinley, Buck, Brown, Budak, Fox,
Dell, Angel and Wright.
The Agenda, as proposed, was approved.
Mayor McKinley stated that the purpose of the meeting was to
discuss the proposed use of the local option sales tax and
its implementation. Together with the Sales Tax Advisory
Committee and city staff, a plan for the purposed
utilization of the sales tax was presented. Both
Councilpersons Brown and Dell were members of the Citizens
Committee and provided input into the proposed plan. The
Mayor explained that the F.Y. 1991 program will consist of
oiling approximately twelve miles of previously oiled
streets and the asphalt overlay of several streets which
will require preparation including milling and patching.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, presented details of the plan.
The City is estimating to receive $1.5 million for use
during F.Y. 1991. Subsequent funding will be approximately
$5 million per year. A chart of estimated earnings by each
of the six (6) contiguous cities was presented. Funds are
distributed to the cities based on per capita and property
tax distribution. Larry P. Burger, Clerk/Auditor,
recommended that the city proceed with a program totalling
$1.5 million for the current year. Any expenditures during
the year will be reimbursed directly with local option sales
and services tax when received.
A pavement life cycle chart was reviewed. Basically, the
chart indicated that it becomes more costly for the city to
renovate streets as they age and deteriorate. Depending on
the degree of deterioration, the type of repair that is most
cost efficient can be determined.
John Meyer, Public Works Director, stated that together with
Street Superintendent Richard Grimm, staff has carefully
reviewed the best allocation of existing manpower and
equipment resources for the implementation of the local
option sales tax management plan. It was his recommendation
that the city engage in a full scale oiling program with
current city crews. Based upon estimates received from
several contractors, the city is able to perform this work
less expensively than contracting. Basically the city has
low overhead, pays no taxes, and does not depreciate out
equipment. It was Mr. Meyer's recommendation that we
proceed with the purchase of a mixer/pulverizer and roller
using anticipated sales tax receipts. Further, it was his
recommendation that materials for the oiling program be
purchased with the tax. All labor associated with the
oiling program will be funded outside the option tax fund.
No additional staff will be hired to undertake the oiling
program. Mayor McKinley stated that the oiling program
would have its largest impact in low and moderate income
areas. A proposed list of streets to be included in this
year's oiling program was reviewed. Each of the streets
selected had been previously oiled on an assessment basis
and/or is costly to maintain. Councilperson Angel asked
that streets in her ward be included in the oiling program
since she had no streets in Ward 3 included in the
reconstruction or overlay and only two streets in the oiling
program. Mayor McKinley asked that any changes to the
proposed list be brought to staff members since this is only
a preliminary list and is subject to change.
City Council Work Session
March 25, 1991
Page 2
Eric Thorson reviewed the proposed streets for inclusion in
the asphalt overlay program during the 1991 construction
season. Suggested streets include Idaho from Dubuque Road
to Independence Avenue, Newell Street from East 4th Street
to Beech Street, and Ridgeway Avenue from Ansborough Avenue
to San Marnan Drive. After review by city staff, a portion
of Newell Street between Peek and Beech Street has been
identified as in need of reconstruction rather than overlay
since the street is beyond an overlay program. Other
streets were considered for inclusion in this year's asphalt
overlay program including Riehl Street. Further review
determined it to be in need of reconstruction.
The council listed many streets in need of reconstruction or
overlay, pointing to the large need in the city for street
repair monies. Don Temeyer, Planning and Development
Director, stated that the pavement management system which
will be up and running by approximately July 1st and will
identify priority streets based on their age, condition,
traffic load, etc. The system is designed to be a tool and
assist the council in determining those streets that should
be included in future street repair programs. The system
in no way takes away from the policy makers the decisions
they must make in determining which streets should be
repaired.
John Meyer provided a description and detail of the machine
that is being requested to be purchased to assist in the
oiling program.
After discussion, the council authorized staff to proceed
with the proposed overlay program including Idaho Street,
Newell Street and Ridgeway Avenue, except that portion of
Newell Street between Peek and Beech Streets. (This section
will be reconstructed.) Eric Thorson informed the committee
of the Engineering Department's role as it relates to the
street improvements funded with local option sales tax. He
proposes the use of three design and management teams
consisting of an associate engineer (team leader), a
technician and drafts person. The assistant city engineer
will supervise each of the three teams. Anticipated
additional personnel includes three full time technicians
and two part time engineering or tech students in the summer
and four technicians in the fall. Additional equipment
purchases would include an auto cad station, a road calc
station, survey equipment, and five vehicles. Mr. Thorson
also stated that the council must decide which streets
should be included in next year's reconstruction program so
that crews can begin working on the plans and
specifications. The Mayor reiterated that none of the cost
of additional staff would be paid for by local option sales
tax. Currently the Engineering Department prepares the
plans and specifications for the city's $1.5 million
reconstruction program and save considerable engineering
fees. With the additional anticipated funds in the five
future years of approximately $5 million per year,
additional staff is necessary and in the long run will save
dollars that can be put in to the actual repair of streets.
Larry P. Burger, City Clerk/Auditor, stated that the city's
payroll system will allow each individual's time to be
costed to either the local option sales tax fund or the home
fund of the individual. In addition, the local option sales
tax receipts and expenditures will be closely monitored and
at any time, a complete overview of the funds, expenditures
and revenues can be delineated. The committee and council
can regularly be advised of the account's balance.
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City Council Worx Session
March 25, 1991
Page 3
Jim Lawrence, a member of the Sales Tax Advisory Committee,
stated that the presentation made by city staff this evening
include many of the questions that the committee had as they
began to investigate implementation of the street
reconstruction program. He indicated his agreement with the
proposed plan and that of the committee.
With no further business before the Work Session, the
meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor