Council approves final assessments for Argenta Trail, 50th Street and Bacardi Avenue projects

The Inver Grove Heights City Council on Oct. 13 adopted final special assessments for three pavement management projects — Argenta Trail (project 202309E), 50th Street (202509E) and Bacardi Avenue/88th Street (202509GS) — after staff presentations and no public testimony.

Brian Conley, the city’s public works director, explained how the city calculates assessments and presented project‑level results. He said the three projects include two full reconstructions (Argenta Trail and Bacardi Avenue) and one full‑depth reclamation (50th Street) and described the assessment framework: partial reconstruction is typically assessed at 55% and full reconstruction at 35% under the city’s policy. Conley explained that assessments reflect total city costs (excluding partner jurisdictions) and noted the city is able to accept digital payments and full payment is due by Nov. 15 for assessed properties.

Argenta Trail: Conley said the project encountered unanticipated subgrade problems and utility connection issues that raised city costs. Of roughly $143,000 in extra costs, approximately $36,500 was assessable; per‑parcel assessment ranges for the four single‑family residences were presented (about $13,426–$36,634), and the mobile‑home community will receive a lump‑sum street assessment of $192,254. After no public comments, council closed the hearing and voted to adopt the final assessment roll for project 202309E.

50th Street: Assistant City Engineer David Ray summarized the reclamation project, which benefited 22 parcels under an area assessment. Ray said the total project cost came in at about $2.15 million and that the assessment rate for street/storm improvements was 55%. Council closed the hearing and adopted the final assessment roll for project 202509E.

Bacardi Avenue / 88th Street: City engineer Paul Marklewicz said staff obtained a benefit appraisal and set a capped assessment of $107,500 for single‑family properties; the city absorbed remaining costs (city share shown at $536,373 for a total project cost of $643,873). Council closed the hearing and adopted the final assessment roll for project 202509GS.

Council and staff also reviewed payment logistics: full payments may be made to Dakota County during the assessment term (interest accrual begins Jan. 1, 2026), hardship deferral requests are available to qualified homestead property owners and must be filed within 30 days of the assessment hearing (Nov. 12 in this case), and unpaid assessments will be certified to Dakota County for collection with an admin process described by staff.

Each project vote passed on voice vote; staff will mail assessment statements to affected property owners and process any hardship deferrals or appeals per state statute.