Council continues hearing on Woodshire reconstruction; ordering postponed for lack of supermajority

At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Mankato City Council held a continued public hearing on Capital Improvement Project 11120, Woodshire Drive, to review staff findings and public comment on proposed street reconstruction, sewer realignment and water‑main replacement. City staff said the council could not order the improvement at the meeting because a supermajority of five members is required and only four members were present.

City staff described the project as including full street reconstruction, replacement of an aging cast‑iron water main that has required repeated repairs, and replacement and realignment of a 1950s sanitary sewer with new PVC that would drain in a different direction. “This segment … has a rating of 27, which is considered to be kind of in the problem or very poor condition,” Mr. Kiel said, citing the city’s pavement management score.

The staff report and pictures included in the feasibility materials also called for replacement of sidewalk ramps and driveway crossings to meet ADA requirements. Staff said there is not a separate assessment for the sidewalk; that cost would be wrapped into the overall project estimate. Staff further explained the city’s assessment practice: a preliminary assessment roll is prepared from standard frontage rates under the city’s assessment policy, and a special‑benefit appraisal will be completed before final assessments are set.

During discussion, council members debated proposed street widths. Staff proposed narrowing the roadway in parts from 32 feet to 28 feet to reduce impervious surface and stormwater runoff; council discussion also touched on an upper segment that some members said is currently 36 feet and would be reconstructed to the city standard of 32 feet. Councilman Glauvin asked about winter maintenance and parking with narrower lanes; Mr. Kiel said 32 feet is the city’s standard and is generally adequate even with parking on both sides in low‑volume neighborhoods.

Chris Sandquist, representing the Twin Valley Council of the Boy Scouts and speaking on behalf of that property owner, urged the council to remove the Twin Valley property from the assessment roll, arguing the proposed assessment share was disproportionate to the property’s benefit. Sandquist said he was concerned the section adjacent to the Boy Scouts had fewer visible failures than other segments and that the assessment method should tie to specific value gains. City staff and the city manager reiterated that the special‑benefit analysis would be completed and inform any future assessment considerations.

Because the council lacked the five votes necessary to order an improvement under state statute, the council closed the hearing and directed staff to return the matter at a future meeting with timing and the special‑benefit information. City Manager Arntz said staff would notify interested parties when the item is back on the agenda.

Next steps: staff will complete the special‑benefit appraisal and return to the council with the assessment details; the council may only order the improvement at a meeting with the required supermajority within the six‑month statutory window or a new hearing process will be required.