Monona — The City Council on Dec. 1 adopted a preliminary resolution declaring intent to exercise special-assessment powers under Wisconsin statute §66.0703 for proposed reconstruction of Arrowhead Drive.

Public works staff said the assessment district runs from Vokes Lane to Wildhaven Avenue and includes 14 parcels. Staff said the customary split under the city’s approach is to assess 60% of reconstruction costs to the benefiting parcels and have the city cover the remaining 40%. An assessment report with exact apportionments will be prepared and presented to council in January, and a public hearing on the assessments will be scheduled at that time.

Staff said letters with preliminary estimated assessment costs were mailed to the affected property owners on Nov. 21 and the public notice will run in the local paper.

During the meeting, staff noted Arrowhead Drive lacks curb and gutter and that the project would apply reconstruction standards (a finished width of about 30 feet for the roadway). Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about timing, parcel counts, and the mechanism to request relief or negotiation in TIF cases; staff explained that TIF negotiations and development agreements can address fee or dedication tradeoffs in particular projects.

The resolution at this meeting was a first reading of the preliminary assessment process; staff will provide a complete assessment report and hold a public hearing in January before any final assessment action.