Isanti council authorizes Icenia Hills street rehabilitation, approves modified no-parking and assessment plan

The Isanti City Council on Tuesday authorized the Icenia Hills Rehabilitation Project and approved the plans and bidding package after a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about sidewalks, driveway access and parking. The council voted 5-0 to proceed and to adopt a no-parking change limited to the north side of Dogwood Street and the north side of Birch Street.

The project covers Birch, Cedar, Dogwood, Nina and Marion streets and a nearby trail segment and proposes reclaiming the existing roadway, replacing failed curb and bringing some sidewalk panels into ADA compliance. City staff told the council the water, sanitary and storm utilities are in “very good condition” and will remain in place for the pavement work.

The project matters to nearby property owners because Isanti’s assessment policy would place 25% of the assessable street cost on property owners. City staff estimated the total project cost at $1,200,000, with the street improvement portion “just over $1,000,000.” Under the city’s estimate, assessable costs total about $266,000; staff said that spreads to roughly $23.02 per foot of “adjusted front footage” and averages about $2,000 per assessed parcel for the 29 parcels included on the roll. Final assessments, staff cautioned, will be set…