Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hwy244 Jpa topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dellwood tables Mahtomedi proposal to annex segment of Highway 244 right-of-way
Summary
The Dellwood City Council on Nov. 12 unanimously tabled Mahtomedi's request to enter a joint detachment/annexation for the segment of State Hwy 244 between Tamarack St. and Dwinnell Ave, citing resident notification and concerns over funding, sewer extensions and protective JPA language.
Mayor McGill and the Dellwood City Council on Nov. 12 unanimously tabled consideration of a joint powers agreement (JPA) requested by the City of Mahtomedi that would allow Mahtomedi to detach and annex the segment of State Highway 244’s right-of-way lying between Tamarack Street and Dwinnell Avenue.
City Planner Nate Sparks presented options and described the request as tied to Mahtomedi’s plan to construct substantial improvements to the ROW. Council members pressed for details about funding, protections for Dellwood property owners, and whether infrastructure such as sewer lines might be extended into Dellwood as a consequence of improvements.
John Sacchi answered council questions about Mahtomedi’s proposal and said construction could be built out in 2026 and 2027. Sacchi also said that while Mahtomedi estimates about $12 million in construction costs, there could be a shortfall and any such shortfall would be Mahtomedi’s responsibility under the terms discussed at the meeting. Councilmember Greg Boosalis expressed concern that work begin only after commitments are secured so that promised improvements are completed.
Attorney Richard Copeland told the council that, by law, Mahtomedi could not assess Dellwood properties for the cost of improvements Mahtomedi undertook; he also said various survey records of the ROW have been sought but remain inconclusive in places. Councilmember Scott St. Martin said he wants assurances that the city will not see partial construction or uncompleted work.
The council directed staff to draft and send a letter to Dellwood residents whose properties could be affected, explaining the consequences of a detachment and annexation and soliciting comment. Mayor McGill moved to table the matter to the December council meeting to allow for resident notice and further drafting of protective JPA language; the motion was seconded by Brady Ramsay and approved unanimously.
Next steps: staff will prepare the resident notice and proposed JPA protections; the council expects to revisit the matter in December.
