Council orders plans for South Brainerd resurfacing project; proposes assessments averaging $16.57 per front foot

Brainerd City Council on Feb. 3 held a public hearing and adopted a resolution to order plans and specifications for the South Brainerd (February) resurfacing project, moving the project into the design-and-bid phase.

City consultants presented the feasibility study and cost estimate. The resurfacing portion is estimated at $575,470; separately the city would replace 10 aging fire hydrants and add gate valves at an estimated $234,101; hydrant work would be paid from utility funds and not assessed to property owners. Under the city’s assessment policy, staff applied Minnesota Statute 429 and proposed assessing 50% of the resurfacing cost to benefiting properties on a front‑foot basis. With a project frontage total of roughly 17,363 feet, the consultant calculated an assessment rate of about $16.57 per front foot. Using typical lot widths in the area, staff estimated the average residential assessment would be about $1,700 per household.

Project scope described by the consultant includes milling and 2-inch overlay between curbs on some streets, full-depth removal and pavement replacement on other streets, spot curb-and-gutter repairs, two storm sewer casting repairs and concrete valley gutters at selected intersections to improve drainage. The presentation noted a 10% contingency within the current estimates and an assumed contractor mobilization allowance in line with similar local projects.

During the public hearing homeowner John Forrest of 159 Pineview Drive raised an equity concern about cul‑de‑sac frontage: his lot’s irregular shape means his computed frontage in the preliminary roll leads to an estimated assessment substantially higher than neighboring owners who receive similar service. Council discussed whether the assessment policy treats cul‑de‑sac frontage fairly and directed Safety & Public Works to review current assessment policy for cul‑de‑sac treatment before the final assessment hearing. The final assessment rates and the assessment roll will be determined after construction bids and actual costs are known; the estimate is preliminary.

By approving the resolution the council authorized staff to prepare full plans and specifications and move toward bidding; staff indicated a planned construction window beginning in summer with completion targeted by early July and a final assessment hearing after construction.

Ending: Property owners will receive a preliminary assessment worksheet in the feasibility study; council directed staff to return with final assessment figures following bidding and to review cul‑de‑sac assessment methodology in the meantime.