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6.3. SR 05-12-2003 Howard R. Green Company May 7, 2003 File: 818860J-0564 Item ~ 6.3. The Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 RE: BOSTON STREET/CONCORD STREET IMPROVEMENTS ASSESSMENT HEARING Dear Council Members: On Wednesday, May 7, 2003, we opened bids for the Boston Street/Concord Street area improvements. There were a total of eight bids submitted. They ranged from a Iow of $353,613.90 to a high of $469,834.54. The Iow bid was submitted by W.B. Miller Inc. and is in line with the feasibility construction cost estimate of $345,000. The feasibility study proposed that the City would fund the portion of the street restoration necessary to reconstruct the existing streets in an urban fashion with concrete curb and gutter. The major components of the City's cost would be the concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer, and a small portion of the bituminous surfacing and aggregate base necessary for a slightly wider road. A further analysis of the Iow bid indicates that the City's portion of the project is approximately $99,500. The feasibility study estimated this amount to be $92,000. The slight increase is due to a higher bid for the storm sewer portion of the project. Subtracting the City's portion of the project from the total project cost leaves an amount remaining to be assessed of $362,111.67. This amount results in assessment rates to 21 property owners of approximately $17,250 versus the feasibility estimate of $17,500. The next step to move this project forward would be to determine the amount to be assessed and order of the preparation of the assessment roll, together with calling for an assessment hearing to be held on June 9, 2003. Attached are two resolutions for the City Council's consideration, which would authorize these two steps.. If you have any questions regarding this issue or this project in general, I will be in attendance at your May 12, 2003 City Council meeting. Sincerely, Howard R. Green Company -i-e~rer,~p. E.~~ TJM:sw Enclosures Ltr-050703-Council 1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 · 651/644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389 RESOLUTION 03- A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER A RESOLUTION DETERMINING ASSESSED COST OF IMPROVEMENT AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL IN THE MATTER OF BOSTON STREET AND CONCORD STREET IMPROVEMENT OF 2003 WHEREAS costs have been determined for the Boston Street and Concord Street improvement consisting of a contract price of $353,613.90, and expenses incurred or to be incurred by the City in the making of the improvement in the amount of $107,852.29, for a total cost of the improvement of $461,466.14. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River, Minnesota: Based upon the City Assessment Policies, it is determined that the portion of this improvement to be paid by the City and not assessed to benefited properties is $99,354.47. The portion of the cost to be assessed against benefited properties pursuant to the Elk River City Assessment Policies shall be $361,111.67. The assessments shall be payable in equal annual installments and shall extend over a period of 15 or 20 years, the first of the installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January, 2004, with interest at the rate of 5.5% per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. The City Administrator with the assistance of the Project Engineer shall forthwith calculate the proper amount to be specially assessed for such improvement against every assessable lot, piece, or parcel of land, without regard to cash valuation, as provided by law, and shall have available at the City Administrator's office a copy of the proposed assessment roll for public inspection. Upon completion of the proposed assessment roll, the City Administrator shall notify the Council and schedule a public hearing upon the proposed assessment, causing notice of the hearing by publication and mail to be made at least two weeks prior to the hearing. Passed and adopted this 12 day of May, 2003. ATTEST: Stephanie A. Klinzing, Mayor Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk O:\PROJ\818860j\0564\Res-050703-a 13.doc RESOLUTION 03- A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE DATE FOR THE ASSESSMENT HEARING FOR THE BOSTON STREET AND CONCORD STREET IMPROVEMENT OF 2003 WHEREAS by a resolution passed by the Council on May 12, 2003, the City Clerk was directed to prepare a proposed assessment of the cost of improving Boston Street and Concord Street area; and WHEREAS the Clerk has notified the Council that such proposed assessment will be completed and filed in the Clerk's office for public inspection by the appropriate time. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River, Minnesota: A hearing shall be held on the 9th day of June, 2003, in the City Hall at 6:30 p.m. to pass upon such proposed assessment and at such time and place all persons owning property affected by such improvement will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference to such assessment The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause a notice of the hearing on the proposed assessment to be published once in the official newspaper at least two weeks prior to the hearing, and shall state in the notice the total cost of the improvement. The City Clerk shall also cause mailed notice to be given to the owner of each parcel described in the assessment roll not less than two weeks prior to the hearings. The owner of any property so assessed may, at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the County Auditor, pay the whole of the assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City of Elk River, except that no interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from the adoption of the assessment. The owner of any property may at any time thereafter pay to the City of Elk River the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31st of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15th or interest will be charged through December 31st of the succeeding year. Passed and adopted this 12th day of May, 2003. ATTEST: Stephanie A. Klinzing, Mayor Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk O:\PROJ\818860j\0060\Res-050703-assess hearing.doc Howard R, Green Oompany May 7, 2003 File: 818860J-0060 The Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 RE: BOSTON STREET/CONCORD STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Dear Council Members: At a meeting last month, the City Council requested that I put together a summary of the various opportunities for public participation in the proposed Boston Street/Concord Street Improvement project. This was requested for the purpose of trying to determine the number of people in favor of the project and the number of people opposed to the project. I have reviewed our files on this project and have put together the following information: A. Petition for Improvements Attached is a copy of the original petition for public improvements signed by five residents along Boston Street. B. Informational Meeting, October 22, 2002 As the City Council will recall, the petition received to initiate this project was only from Boston Street. At the City Council's direction, an informational meeting was held with residents of Boston Street, Concord Street and properties along Mississippi Road to determine the interest of property owners of being included in this project. Attached are the informational meeting minutes and the sign-up sheet. It should be noted that I did receive a phone call from a resident along Concord Street that was unable to attend the informational meeting but was opposed to the project. It should also be noted that at the end of the meeting, we asked for a consensus of those present regarding their interest in the project. The property owners then took the opportunity to express their position in wdting on the sign-up sheet by indicating yes or no after their name. C. Public Hearing Public headng on this project was held on February 10, 2003. Attached are the minutes from that meeting. The meeting minutes indicate that there were seven people who spoke during the public hearing. The Mayor asked for a poll of the audience regarding their preference for the project. As the minutes indicate, seven were in favor and five were opposed. Ltr-O50703-Council 1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 · 651/644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389 City Council May 7, 2003 Page Two D. Citizen Email Attached is an email I received from a Mr. Kevin Novotny regarding a project. Also included is the response from me to Mr. Novotny. I have not heard anything further from Mr. Novotny. E. Project Walk Through On Monday, Apd114, 2003, we did a project walk through. At that time we had conversations with a number of residents along Boston Street, Concord Street, and Mississippi Road. There were no property owners that came out to express opposition to the project, although a few expressed concern over the amount of the proposed assessments. Most of the discussion with the residents was relative to construction issues and/or assessment issues. Hopefully this information will provide the City Council a sense of the neighborhood feelings towards this project prior to the assessment hearing. If you have any specific questions about this information, I will be in attendance at your May 12, 2003 City Council Meeting. Sincerely, Howard R. Green Company Ter~J~. a~~ TJM:sw Enclosures Ltr-050703-Council Howard R, Green Company PETITION, WAIVER AND AGREEMENT FOR INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE COSTS THEREFOR TO: City Council of the City of Elk River We the undersigned owner(s) of not less than 35 percent of the real property legally described on exhibit A attached hereto; or as follows: petition the City of Elk River as follows: To design and install on the Property the public improvements (Improvements) indicated below: Streets, as required by city, including grading, graveling and stabilizing, constructing and sodding ofberms, swales and boulevards, permanent street surfacing with bituminous material, installing concrete curbs, gutters and driveway approaches, and installing street lights and street signs as required by Elk River Municipal Utilities and the City Street Department (Street Improvements); Sidewalks and trails, as required by the City (Sidewalk Improvements); Storm sewers, as required by the City, including all necessary catch basins, ditches, inlets, retention areas and other appurtenances (Storm Sewer Improvements); Trunk water main and sanitary sewer facilities, as required by the City to provide water and sanitary sewer service to the Property (Trunk Improvements); Sanitary sewer laterals or extensions, as required by the City, including all necessary building services and other appurtenances (Sanitary Sewer Improvements); Watermain laterals or extensions, as required by the City, including all necessary building services, hydrants, valves and other appurtenances (Watermain Improvements); To assess the Property for the cost of installing the Improvements, including the Property's proportionate share of the cost of installing Trunk Improvements, if any, in an amount not to exceed: This amount represents the current estimated cost of the Improvements. The amount to be assessed may be increased only if: (a) A larger assessment amount is agreed to in a developer's agreement for the Property; or (b) Additional Improvements are installed or the costs of installing the indicated Improvements increases as a result of requests made by the Owner(s); or (c) The Owner(s) provide written approval of a larger amount to be assessed. o To apportion the assessments for the Improvements to the buildable lots of record within the Property as the city shall determine. To levy the assessments for the Improvements such that the assessments shall be paid over such period of time and at such rate of interest as the City shall determine. Owner(s) represent and warrant that they are the sole fee owner(s) of the Property. Owner(s) agree, in consideration of the City designing and installing the Improvements: That the City will not install the Improvements unless the Owner(s) agree to pay and/or be assessed for the City's costs of installing the Improvements. To provide the City with a proposed plan for development of the Property from which the city can design the Improvements. 2 To grant to the City, prior to the City ordering installation of the Improvements to proceed, such easements or other interests in the Property as the City shall determine necessary for the purpose of installing the Improvements, and such additional easements or property interests as the City shall determine necessary to extend City water and sanitary sewer service and other Improvements to adjacent and surrounding properties. To pay the amounts assessed to the Property for the Improvements as provided in this Petition and Agreement. o To provide the City with cash, a letter of credit, or some other security acceptable to the City, in its sole discretion, to protect the City in the event that development of the Property does not proceed. The amount of the security to be submitted with this petition shall be: $ , which is the City's estimated cost of a feasibility study for the Improvements. Additional security shall be provided prior to the preparation of plans and specifications for the Improvements, in an amount equal to the City's estimated costs for preparing the plans and specifications. Additional security in the amount of the estimated cost of installing the Improvements shall be provided before the City will order the Improvements installed. The security shall be forfeited, in an amount equal to the City's actual costs for the feasibility study and/or the plans and specifications, or for the construction of Improvements, in the event that a developer's agreement is not executed. Owner(s) specifically waive any objection to the City's design and installation of the Improvements, including any objection to the final design of the Improvements, any objection to the final location of the Improvements, any objection to the procedure pursuant to which the City orders the Improvements installed, and any objection to the City's failure to strictly follow the notice and other requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 with respect to ordering the Improvements installed. Owner(s) expressly waive objection to any irregularity with regard to the assessment of the Property for the Improvements, expressly waive any claim that the 3 amount assessed is excessive, expressly waive all rights of appeal, including any rights under Chapter 429, Minnesota Statutes, from the assessment by the City for the costs of installing the Improvements, and expressly agree: 1. to pay when due all assessments levied for the Improvements; 2. that the Improvements will increase the fair market value of the Property by an amount equal to or in excess of the amount to be assessed hereunder; 3. that such increase in fair market value is a special benefit to the Property; 4. that the amount to be assessed hereunder is reasonable, fair and equitable; and 5. that there are no other properties which should be assessed for the Improvements. Owner(s) understand and agree that the City may, in its sole discretion and for any reason: 1. 2. Decline to accept this Petition for installation of Improvements; Decline to order plans and specifications or proceed with all or a portion of the Improvements, following completion of a feasibility study; or Decline to proceed with all or any portion of the Improvements following the preparation of plans and specifications. This Petition, Waiver and Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed the original. Dated this -~ day of ,_~cA~fx~._ OWNER(S) (signature required) Date 3. 6/W Property _fOwner Print Owner Name Description 10. 11. 12. Date received by City: By: Its: Informational Meeting Minutes Boston Street & Concord Street October 22, 2002 - 6:00 P.M. Kristie Thompson from Howard R. Green welcomed those present to the neighborhood meeting regarding the proposed reconstruction and addition of utilities for Boston Street and Concord Street from Mississippi Road to Orono Road. (See sign in sheet for those in attendance.) Kristie explained that the purpose of the informational meeting was to gauge neighborhood interest in completing a feasibility study that would determine how the streets would be reconstructed and utilities extended. The feasibility study would also allow the City to determine costs associated with the improvements and how they would be assessed to property owners. It was explained that the majority of residents along Boston Street had signed a petition in favor of the feasibility study and that Council had directed staff to determine interest from residents along Concord Street since that was the last remaining street in the area that was not served with public utilities. It was explained that expressing interest in a feasibility study was not an automatic vote for the improvements but that the issue would be revisited once the study was complete. At this point, Kristie reviewed a general concept for how utilities would be extended and what the typical road section would consist of. A resident stated concern with transitioning to their driveway if barrier curb and gutter was added, which may require lowering the street grade. Kristie explained that the issue would be addressed if the project proceeded to design. The road would most likely require lowering so that yards drained to the street and proposed storm sewer. It was explained that if the project moves forward the issue would be looked at and a profile that resulted in the least impacts to driveway grades would be created. At this point several residents voiced their concern with installation of barrier curb and gutter. Residents wondered if removing the curb and gutter from the project would result in a lower assessment. It was stated that removing the curb and gutter would lower the construction amount but it would not be substantial compared to the overall cost. Residents still expressed interest in this option and Kristie asked those interested to note their opinion on the sign-in sheet. Concern was expressed by residents that concrete sidewalk would be installed. The residents were not in favor of including the sidewalk in the project. It was explained that at this time no sidewalk construction was proposed. A question was asked if the utilities could be extended within the boulevard area to avoid the cost of reconstructing the roadway. It was noted that the overall disruption would be relatively the same. Additional restoration of front yards would be necessary and the road would need to be removed where services were extended to residents across the street from the utilities. It was noted that the overall cost in trying to save sections of roadway would end up approximately the same as if the entire roadway were removed. A resident expressed concern that private utilities would be in the way of the improvements. Kristie noted that the private utilities were installed within the City's right-of-way and would be required to move at their own cost if a conflict were to arise with the City's improvements. It was stated that at this point the City was looking at assessing residents for the improvements on a per unit basis. The question was asked if a resident already had public sewer and water because their property was also adjacent to Orono Road if they would be assessed for the installation of utilities. Kristie stated that if the project progressed to the feasibility study, the City would look at assessing all residents for the street improvements and possibly assessing only those currently without utilities for the extension of the sanitary sewer and watermain. It was also stated that there would be additional costs associated with the project. These included a sewer and water hook-up fee, the cost of running services from the road fight-of-way to the home, abandoning the septic system and well, and a monthly charge for usage. Kristie noted that if the project were completed, residents would have two years from the time the utilities were available to hook-up or the City would automatically charge the property owner the hook-up fees and start charging a monthly user fee. Residents along Mississippi Road asked if it would be possible to extend utilities to serve their property in conjunction with the project. Kfistie noted that this could be included in the feasibility study if enough interest was expressed. Kristie asked for a consensus of those present regarding their interest in this project. Those present indicated their general acceptance of proceeding to the feasibility stage of the project. They were asked to indicate their interest on the sign-in sheet. A map noting the responses is attached. Kfistie stated this information would be provided to the City Council at an upcoming meeting. If it was determined by Council that a feasibility study would be undertaken, notice would be provided to the residents. The Kristie thanked those present for taking the time to discuss this project with staff. The meeting was adjourned. ~~~Howard R, Green Company :~nformotional Meeting. PRO,TECT NAME: OWNER: DATE OF MEET'J:N6: Boston Street / Concord Street, Street and Utility Zmprovements City of Elk River 6:00 p.m., Wednesday October 16th, 2002 Name (Print) Mailing Address/Zip Phone No. ........ ~ ~q ~- City Council Minutes February 10, 2003 Page 2 5. Admmistradon 5.1. 5.2. Harvest Evangelism, dba Love Elk River Transitional Housing Program Update Mayor IGinzing provided an update on the house owned by the city located near Woodland Trails Park which is being used as a transitional house. She indicated that there is a family living in the home and stated that the program is working very well. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the City will has purchased another house near the Library and will be requesting that the Council consider this house for transitional housing also. Elk River Area Arts Alli,nce Presenta6on Regarding 2003 ArtSoup Fesdval and Request for Budgeted City Contribution Tony Darkenwald, treasurer of Elk River Area Arts Alliance, provided an update on current programs and services. She thanked the Council for its ongoing support and requested the Council to release the $10,000 that was requested by the Arts Alliance for 2003. Councilrnember Dietz stated that he would prefer to release $5,000 now and wait to see what affect the legislature will have on the budget before releasing the next $5,000. Councilmembers Motin and Tveite concurred. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO RELEASE $5,000 TO THE ELK RIVER AREA ARTS ALLIANCE WITH THE PROVISION THAT THE REMAINING $5,000 BE CONSIDERED WHEN A DECISION IS MADE BY LEGISLATURE. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5,3. Update on Fecal Coliform Cont, mination at Lake Orono Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician, updated the Council on the fecal col/form contamination at Lake Orono. Rebecca provided a document provided by Liesch companies entitled "Preliminary Assessment Report of Fecal coliform Contamination at Lake Orono City Beach. 5.4. Consider Boston and Concord Street Improvements City Engineer Terry Maurer presented the feasibility study for the Boston Street and Concord Street Improvements. Terry reviewed the scope of the project. He noted that the total project cost is $459,500 and that there are 21 assessable units. He indicated that the estimated assessment cost is $17,500 per parcel. Terry Maurer talked about additional costs that the property owners would realize including sewer availability charge (SAC) of $1,500, and water availability charge (WAC) of $1,500 and costs associated with running Lines from the street to the home and connecting to house. The City Engineer mentioned that there were three situations where one house is located on two lots. He stated that if the property owner combines the lots, the property will be assessed for only one lot, but if the property owner does not combine the lots, the property would be assessed for two lots. A. Public Hearing Mayor Klmzing opened the public hearing. City Council Minutes February 10, 2003 Page 3 Mr. Gunderson, 18284 Concord Street - Raised concerns about the structure of the assessment specifically relating to cost break down per lot. Peter Nielson 18299 Concord - Stated that many of the residents thought the project should be broken down into two separate projects; Boston vs. Concord. He also indicated that he thought a more accurate cost would be provided before the project began moving ahead to tiffs point. He indicated that this is a hard time for people to consider a project of this amount. He indicated his opposition to the project. Kevin Novotny 18782 Concord - Indicated he was opposed to the project. Bob Stuefen, 12903 Mississippi Road - Indicated he was already hooked up to water and questioned if he would be assessed for sewer. Pam Daugherty, 18306 Concord Street NW - Questioned why the project was petitioned and indicated she was opposed to the project. Jack Longie, 12925 Mississippi Rd. - Questioned how long it would be before sewer and water is mandated in 'the area. Isabelle Sawyer Smith, 18252 Concord St. - Indicated that her septic is fa/ling and would want a guarantee that sewer and water would not be mandated by the City if she repaired her current system. She stated she is in favor of the project but not in favor of curb and gutter. Mayor Klinzing polled the audience regarding their preference for the project. She requested that there be only one vote per household. There were 7 votes in favor of the project and 5 votes against the project. Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. Councilmember Dietz questioned whether there were any other sewer and water projects that could be bid with this project so as to try to lower the cost of the project. Terry Maurer indicated that there were no projects at this time. Discussion was held regarding moving the project forward at this time by bidding out the project so a more £m-n price could be determined. Councilmember Motin indicated that he wouldn't mind delaying the project but that the project would eventually happen and those residents whose septic systems have failed prior to the project being done would end up paying to repair their existing system and again for the new project. Mayor Klinzing indicated that due to the number of failing septic systems in the area, it would be best to bid the project out at this time. Resolution Ordering the Improvement and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 03-10 ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE BOSTON STREET AND CONCORD STREET IMPROVEMENT OF 2003. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Maurer, F~m~ M~umr, Terry ~ht: M0hda¥, To: 'Kevin Novotny'; Maurer, Terry; ~ _rs~ci.qlk-dvpr.mn.us; ~n~a_ol.com; d~8ol.com; Sully: RE: e°St°n eeVCo.cord Mr. N'ovotny, At the publi(~ FlearJng for this project the Ci[-y council made it clear they ~o_uld proceed ~ith ttie. project to the.. j~0i'iit- o-f {;i~ffing'a I:iid-*and 5oldi_n~ -an' A~s~smefl.t- H~-atifig at wl~i_~h ti~ a fin*al i:li~i~i0fi and. d~Ci~i~ii ~il~l I~e ~ad~_~wfi~ef or h'bt tO h~o-~'f0?~bardT-Tfi~ ~a!k 'thT'.5_'~gh ~;h-ed_b'!~ 'f~._r.t~fi!~ht-~_~Hist .~._ ~t~l~ ]fi-the_ i~- f0_f ~hy.o.-rie-to ~[scu_'.~-a~d !0bE tit h-OW' ~Y part!c~prtir i{~ue ~_w.a~ ~ealt Wlth-,-if tlie- pr~oje~'~h~u!d ~Yb~eed,- .Th.~e.- isspe-0n thpCity c0unci! agenda is~auth0riz!_Ttig t~ebidding'Of th~-projec~ S~ ~:e_. ~a~!_ go baCk'tb'th~-.P~!b~!c at-an Asse~ment Hearing.with a'firm pn!t bid and cpnfinpe the 'di_s~pssion With the. City council arid public about whether the project should move forward or not. We exit_ct to o/~_n bids (if the CitY Council approves the we 6x_'Pe~t tb'!~bid thb A'~'s~t Hb~rifid ih'ea!-!y ~!ufie; - Ypu can certa!nly ca!!..me or any citY Staff member at any lime tp lind out the status of this project, i can be reached at ~63-441-2950. ~er~Maurer cF~ _Engineer From: Kevin Novo~y[mailto:kevin~novco.n~] Se~: Sunday, APril i3, 2003 8:'45 AlVl TO'-' tmaurer~hrgreen.com; ~O_d.elk-~r.mn.us; ~n~aol.com; dptveite~aolxom; ~clerk~ci.~ik-~mn.us; m~ers°nOci.~k-~mn.us - ' Su~ Bost3on ~C..onCOrd ~ Project We have yet another example of what the city wants, the city get.x Keeping th~ ?ho ~ in favor.of a given are well informed, and thosc Who oppose do n°t receive any inf°rmatio~L One WOuld think when c]trze~ are m'Tech~d by City council decisions which a~c ~o costly as this project, those involved would be U~ated fairly and given full disclosure on any steps taken reg~g the projccL However it seems thc citY had its mind made up far before we werc made aware of the project of putting in city water and Sewer. We received the letter notifying us Of the April 14, 2003, neighborhood Walk through regarding 'proposed, laili~y and slreet improvements; however, no where inthis letter ~ it indie, ate this is ~ on thc City council agenda.for approval the very same night. It's fortunate we just happened to see this on the cable channel. Why. since we are involved in this outrageously expensive project, not informed of this? On a secondary note, when will the city of Elk River make itself affordable for manufacturing businesses to move here to improve the tax base, rather than putting as many houses in as you can and use exlrao~ amounts of city services. With a higher tax base from manufacturing businesses, the residents of this citY would fred it more affordable to live in this city. 5/7/2003