City outlines proposed 2026 mill-and-overlay project, estimated $1.04M cost and $418K in special assessments

City engineering staff released an informational video describing a proposed 2026 mill-and-overlay project covering several neighborhood streets, saying the work would be a less-invasive pavement treatment involving milling and replacing the top two inches of asphalt.

The presenter said the project is estimated to cost approximately $1,040,000 and that special assessments calculated on property front footage and area-wide levies are expected to generate about $418,000 of that total. "We have estimated that the project will cost approximately $1,040,000," the presenter said. "Assessments on this project are expected to generate approximately $418,000."

Officials identified the project area streets as constructed between 1992 and 2000 and noted the pavements are bituminous. Specific streets mentioned include 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd and 53rd Avenues North, 18th Street North, 21st Street North, and Crystal Creek Drive. The presenter said those streets have had no significant work since their original installation dates, aside from minor maintenance that may not be on record.

The presenter described the scope as a mill-and-overlay: "Mill and overlays are less invasive projects than rehabilitation and reconstructs and generally consist of 2 inches of pavement being milled off, hauled away, and replaced with 2 inches of new bituminous pavement," and said curb and gutter would generally remain with spot repairs where needed.

Sidewalk planning is unresolved in parts of the area. The presenter said there is currently no sidewalk on 51st through 53rd Avenues North and that a letter was mailed to affected residents asking whether they want sidewalks installed; those responses will help determine whether sidewalks are designed. The southern neighborhood was described as having drainage ditches, and the presenter said there is no current intention to implement sidewalks there.

City staff reported that the sanitary sewer, stormwater and water-main systems are in acceptable condition and that no major repairs are planned; the presenter noted the city televises sanitary mains periodically and repairs defects when identified. Property owners were asked to report any sump pump or irrigation lines in the boulevard so crews can mark and try to avoid them; the presenter said homeowners may be required to relocate lines if avoidance is not possible.

The video gave a tentative schedule: an anticipated start in May or June with final completion estimated near September, but noted work will be phased and the contractor's schedule and weather may alter the timeline. The presenter said the city may consider financial penalties if the contractor fails to complete the work within the allotted window.

For participation and follow-up, the presenter directed residents to the city's pavement management program web pages and the interactive five-year capital improvement plan map, and explained how to subscribe to engineering project notifications. The video listed contacts for the project manager, the office manager for special assessment questions, and the construction and infrastructure manager for driveway or sewer-repair requests.

The presentation did not record any formal vote or final adoption; it was an informational outreach to solicit resident feedback and describe planned funding and schedule.