Clearwater homeowners who were affected by the Northeast Area Street and Utility Improvement project are getting a chance to have their driveways modified.
When the project began last summer, a few property owners had their curbs installed as “knock-downs”. But many have had an issue with their vehicles rubbing on the bottom because of the angle of the apron curb.
The issue was brought before the council a number of times earlier this year, and the council talked about finding a resolution, including the cost to modify any driveways if property owners wanted them changed.
At Monday’s city council meeting, Engineer Kevin Bittner of Bolton & Menk said he met with the contractor and had potentially resolved the issue.
“The decision was made to offer the knockdown driveway options to all residents,” said Bittner. “Over the last two to three weeks, we distributed 100 door-to-door notices to offer residents the opportunity to elect that option.”
Bittner said cost was the big issue, and the proposal was for the city, the engineer and te contractor to share the cost with no assessments to homeowners.
He said if the city had requested the knockdown curbs in the original contract, it would have cost the city an additional $18,000 to $20,000.
“What I’m proposing to the council is that would be the citys share of the contribution,” he said. “Bolton & Menk and the contractor will work out the details of the additional cost - so we can get this project done.”
Bittner said of 100 notices sent out, he had gotten 42 responses. But he wanted the council to set a deadline when property owners could respond.
Councilman Chris Ritzer said he was concerned people would still request the change later, claiming they never got a notice.
“How long do we want to sit up here and listen to people come in and say their driveway isn’t the same as their neighbors?” he asked.
Councilman Rollie Lange suggested going through the list of property owners again.
“I think if you make another sweep, you’ll pick up more people who didn’t see the notice,” he said.
Bittner said he could mail notices to anyone who hadn’t responded so they could sign off. No response assumes they are not interested in making a change to their driveways, he said. Those notices were expected to be sent out Tuesday or Wednesday.
Rugby Lease
The council approved a lease agreement allowing the St. Cloud Rugby Club to use the soccer/football field at Eldorado Park for five years at a cost of $1,000 per year.
Other Business
In other action the council:
• Approved a wage step increase for Jack Helget in public works to $9.74 per hour for seasonal mowing;
• Approved a wage step increase for Mike Flynn from $12.81 to $14.35 per hour for seasonal snow removal;
• Approved a temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the Clearwater Lions for Aug. 5 & 6 (Heritage Days) and Aug. 28 (St. Luke’s Fall Festival.)
