Council previews $7.4 million Clearwater Road sewer, water and road improvement project; neighborhood meeting set

City staff presented a preview of the 2026 Clearwater Road, North Windale, and Redwood Circle utility and roadway improvements, asking council for feedback ahead of a neighborhood meeting planned for June 24.

Scope: the combined project would extend municipal sewer and water to neighborhoods lacking service, install 8‑inch sewer and water mains and hydrants, construct a lift station near Welton Road with a force main along Clear Water Road, and reconstruct associated road and trail segments. Staff noted trail reconstruction where sewer work requires excavation and highlighted ADA implications for trail segments.

Cost and assessments: staff presented a total all‑in project cost of just over $7.4 million and walked council through assessment examples and tables included in the feasibility report. A representative ballpark assessment figure cited in the packet was about $21,000 per typical improved parcel, with some variations (Brentwood Circle parcels shown as about $14,300 where water assessments do not apply). Staff explained that some assessments are shown as deferred and that the city’s prior policy sets assessment caps and inflation indexing for certain projects.

Annexation and special cases: staff flagged one parcel at the north end of Lindell Road that currently lies outside city limits; because the city cannot assess properties outside its corporate limits, staff proposed approaching the owner about annexation if council wants that parcel included in assessments or future connection requirements. Feasibility reports included one immediate assessment and three deferred assessments for that parcel as a planning assumption.

Schedule and next steps: staff said materials would be presented at a utility commission meeting and the neighborhood meeting on June 24, followed by a public improvement hearing and final adoption on the July council agenda and ordering in August unless scope or width decisions (24 ft vs 26 ft) adjust the schedule. Staff emphasized that assessment amounts can be modified during the feasibility and hearing process.

Council questions focused on whether the trail must be reconstructed now (ADA transition requirements can make trail work necessary when performing significant street work) and whether other city priorities should shift. Staff noted the project timeline and outreach plan, including a project website and mailed notices to affected residents.

Next steps: staff to proceed with outreach (neighborhood meeting June 24 and utility commission review), refine feasibility reports as needed to reflect any width or scope changes, and return for formal hearings and adoption later this summer.