09/11/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e In response to a question from Mr. Green, Mr. Lyle said that if properttes:do not respond to the survey, those properties would be classified as a negative response or "no" vote. Responding to a question from Mr. Nicholson about mandatory sidewalk require- ments, Mr. Lyle indicated that because it is difficult to get property owners to approve street improvements in the first place, staff has not pursued requiring property owners to include sidewalks as a part of the improvement when they are not determined to be necessary. Mr. Nicholson voiced concern that the City's sidewalk policy is not equitable to all property owners. Persons who live on culs-de-sac, for instance, would not have to pay for sidewalks, while persons living on higher-volume arterial streets would be forced to pay for sidewalks that many other persons in the neighborhood use. Mr. Lyle reminded the council that the recommendations are for unimproved streets only. Under existing sidewalk policies, sidewalks are a condition of development in new subdivisions or when a bUilding permit is processed. Mr. Boles suggested that Mr. Nicholson flag this issue for discussion at the CCI work session that will review comprehensively the City's sidewalk policy. Mr. Boles suggested the council include an additional street option from which local residents might choose; an asphalt mat, rolled curb, and gutter street option. Recognizing that that standard of street may be more compati- ble with community values but would need to be replaced more often, property owners would have to agree to pay for street maintenance provided by the City e in perpetuity. Mayor Miller questioned the impact this type of street would have on the storm drainage system. Mr. Boles said that this type of street standard only fits the needs of approximately 10 percent of the unimproved streets in the City and argued that having unimproved streets poses an even larger storm water runoff problem. Mr. Lyle said that City staff is not in favor of allowing the proposed rolled curb and gutter street standard because the costs of constructing the street are comparable to a 20-foot-wide street, the increased cycle of street re- placement is burdensome, and the question of long-term maintenance being borne by the property owner poses major administrative problems. Mr. Gleason added that it creates problems for property owners who have to go through street replacement every ten years and who purchase a house with the expecta- tion that the City would pay for street maintenance. Mr. MacDonald said that he supports the addition of a rolled curb and gutter street standard. Constituents in his ward have also asked for greater flexi- bility in street standards for low-use streets with unique needs. Property owners who choose this standard should realize that the street standard would likely affect their property values. Mayor Miller said that he has received constituent feedback_on the_neeg to allow greater creativity and flexibility in street standards. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 11, 1991 'Page 5 _.