Committee approves preliminary special assessments; 20 Eighth Avenue removed from list and slated for overlay in 2026

The Infrastructure and Facilities Committee voted to approve a preliminary resolution to levy special assessments for the street construction projects planned for 2026 and to move the assessment process forward to public hearings.

Alan (staff member) told the committee that the projects proposed for special assessment hearings were those already approved in prior committee meetings and included several streets in the preliminary budget. He said that 20 Eighth Avenue had been removed from the assessment list and instead was proposed in the 2026 budget for a mill-and-overlay only.

Several members questioned that approach and asked what it would take to fund a full rebuild. Alder Larson said he was surprised and upset that 20 Eighth Avenue was not being rebuilt: “I just feel kinda hoodwinked on the whole situation. I’m sure the neighbors do too.”

Eric (staff member) described the overlay as a temporary fix, saying the mill-and-overlay is anticipated to last “maybe 5 to 7 years” and warned that heavy rain or saturated soils could cause recurring damage where underlying water issues exist. He said a full rebuild cost estimate of about $1,800,000 was presented to the Finance Committee and City Council but the project was pulled from that package because of debt service concerns; any full reconstruction would require a separate resolution and additional funding.

Alan said engineering work for a full rebuild is largely complete — “we have a topo and we have it pretty much three-quarters designed” — and could proceed if funding were identified.

The committee approved the preliminary special assessments motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff said they will bring specific street lists back to the committee in January–February for final scope decisions and that $600,000 is currently budgeted for asphalt overlay work.