Council approves preliminary special-assessment steps for Sandhill and Mayapple Drive projects

The City of Janesville on April 14 advanced two right-of-way and utility-extension projects by adopting preliminary resolutions to enable special assessments for the work.

Sandhill Drive: City engineer Brad Rentz described a 2,830-foot extension of Sandhill Drive from Deerfield Drive to Wright Road to provide access and utilities to adjacent undeveloped parcels on the north side of the city. The project would install sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, sidewalks along the south side and a multi-use trail extension on the north side; sanitary and water laterals would be stubbed to strategic locations for future connections. Rentz said the project was included in the capital-improvement plan; a traffic-impact analysis and a public information meeting were completed and bids were opened April 2. Two undeveloped parcels (referred to in the staff report as Parcel 7 and Parcel 8) account for the largest frontage; Rentz said those two parcels would not be eligible for the five-year installment payment option under council policy.

The council adopted the preliminary resolution (file resolution 2025-2329) unanimously and scheduled a final public hearing and final resolution for April 28; at that hearing staff will present a final assessment report with itemized costs and the recommended assessment amounts. Rentz said construction is expected in summer–fall 2025 and that bidders were allowed scheduling flexibility to reduce cost.

Mayapple Drive: Rentz described a shorter extension—about an 80-lineal-foot segment—to serve parcels fronting Mayapple Drive (including the properties identified earlier in the meeting for rezoning). The work would include sanitary sewer, water main and a temporary turnaround (hammerhead) at the west end. The council adopted the preliminary resolution (file resolution 2025-20301) unanimously and directed staff to finish designs and solicit bids; the final assessment hearing will be scheduled after design and bids are complete so the council can consider final assessment totals and award contracts.

Rentz said special-assessment costs are allocated under Council Policy 63 and payment options are set by Council Policy 95: (1) pay upon receipt of invoice after construction; (2) place assessment on the tax roll for payment in the first tax year after construction; or (3) pay in five annual installments with interest (when eligible). The council directed staff to proceed as outlined and to notify property owners with the statutorily required notice before final action.