Minnetrista council accepts feasibility report, sets Nov. 18 public hearing for 2025 street improvement project

The Minnetrista City Council on Oct. 21 received a feasibility report for the 2025 street improvement project covering Windridge Trail, Pine Circle and Trillium (Trillium Lane West/East and Trillium Way) and voted to schedule a public hearing on Nov. 18, 2024.

Consultant Emily Brown of WSP told the council the team recommends full‑depth reclamation (pulverizing existing pavement into the base layer, re‑compacting and paving) on the three areas because cores show debonding and base failures in places. "We're proposing full‑depth reclamation on each of these streets," Brown said, and walked the council through spot curb and gutter repairs, correcting low spots that pond water, and a one‑foot aggregate shoulder for Windridge.

Two Pine Circle options: Brown presented two approaches for Pine Circle’s cul‑de‑sac island — pave the island over for a fully paved surface (lower cost), or reconstruct the island to current city standards with curb and median nose (higher cost and likely requiring removal of near‑pavement trees). The choice affects assessments for Pine Circle residents.

Costs and assessments: Brown presented an estimated project total of about $1,460,000 when surface improvements and storm work are combined (sanitary sewer improvements were estimated at $32,000 and water main at $17,000, both to be paid 100% by the city). She said the city has historically assessed roughly 50% of surface project cost and that council previously directed a $10,000 per‑unit cap; under the feasibility report Windridge would meet the $10,000 cap, Pine Circle assessments would range roughly $8,100–$8,700 per unit depending on the island option, and Trillium assessments were estimated at about $9,700 per unit. The consultant said sanitary and water main work is excluded from the project assessment and paid entirely by the city.

Public questions and payment options: Bill Kennedy, Trillium Bay HOA president, asked how costs are allocated between areas and whether residents can pay off assessments early to avoid interest. Staff clarified assessments are calculated per parcel for each area and that property owners may pay in the first year; the city generally offers a 20‑year payment schedule and hardship deferrals are available for seniors, disabled persons and active National Guard or military reserve members.

Next steps and vote: The council discussed whether to keep Pine Circle’s center island and how to notify affected property owners; councilmembers agreed to include estimated assessment amounts and clarify that notices will be area‑specific. Councilmember Kathleen Rufkin moved to receive the feasibility report and call a public hearing for Nov. 18; Peter Vickery seconded. The council voted in favor and the motion passed by voice vote.

The public hearing and assessment hearing will be the next formal opportunities for residents to comment before plans, specifications and bids are finalized. Bids are anticipated to open in February 2025 with construction expected June–September 2025 (each area built within shorter windows of about one month to six weeks).