Posted: 7/10/02

FL paving plan draws a crowd

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

Residents filled the Forest Lake City Council chambers Monday. The residents were there for a public meeting concerning paving projects proposed for this year.

Phil Gravel, city engineer with Bonestroo and Associates, presented paving plans to the residents.

The total project cost of $371,600 includes improvements to Jason Avenue North north of North Shore Trail; Janero Avenue North; Juno Avenue North north of Scandia Trail North; Imperial Avenue North north of Scandia Trail North and Scandia Trail North frontage road between Juno Avenue North and 210th Street North.

Gravel said the project is divided into separate areas with the Janero project totaling $51,900; the Jason project totaling $85,800; the Imperial project totaling $67,700 and the Juno project totaling $166,200.

The areas being considered for paving are located in the former township. These areas have been discussed as paving projects for several years.

Don Weisbrod, a resident on Jason Avenue North, questioned whether residents should be assessed for the entire cost.

ìThe town board agreed in principal to funding the total cost,î Weisbrod said. ìUnless the city is interested in participating in a like manner, weíre not for this project.î

However, City Administrator Chip Robinson said city participation is not an option.

ìJason Ave. was the first time a contribution ever was discussed,î Robinson said.

The township contribution was a recommendation by then township supervisor Richard Tschida. He suggested the township pitch in 10 percent of the total cost.

The idea never was officially approved.

Robinson said it is more fair for residents to pay for their own roads.

ìMy experience is it has always been the policy you pay today so you donít have to pay for somebody elseís road tomorrow,î Robinson said.

He added assessments would be put on residentís tax bills over a 10 year period at about eight percent. However, residents have the option to pay for the assessment early to avoid interest charges.

With residents voicing negativity toward the projects, Councilman John Tom Lynch said he couldnít see any of the projects going through.

Because the projects are small, Lynch said it needs to be an all-or-nothing deal. With a smaller project, the cost per house only would increase.

Since all of the homes were not represented at the public hearing, those who are in favor or in opposition to the improvement are encouraged to contact city hall to express their opinions.

The council did not make a decision on the project Monday night as a 4/5 vote is required. Councilwoman Judy Bull and Councilman Bruce Carlson were absent and the issue was tabled to the next council meeting.

Other business

In other business, the city council Monday night:

ï Approved preliminary plats for Evergreen Ridge second addition and Forest Meadows.

ï Approved the purchase of a security system for water treatment plants.

Meetings

The Forest Lake City Council regularly meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in city council chambers.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 22.

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