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Council discussion stalls on Solbrack/Ann Street plan after retaining-wall concerns
Summary
Council debate over a proposed 20-foot nonconforming street on Ann Street focused on a newly identified need for retaining walls that would reduce the paved width to 18 feet; a motion to adopt Resolution 25-18 failed for lack of a second.
City Administrator Matt Hammer told the Colfax City Council that engineering work done for the Solbrack property shows retaining walls will be required on the steep turns from Orchard Street onto Ann Street, which would reduce the previously approved 20-foot width to 18 feet.
Hammer said he submitted fire-truck turning-radius information to SynTier Engineering but had not yet received confirmation that apparatus could safely navigate the revised alignment. "There is room on the proposed 20-foot street as the right-of-way is 40 feet," Hammer said, noting the change is driven by grade and corner geometry.
Councilmembers questioned whether the narrower roadway would permit future additions such as sidewalks, curbs and gutter systems. City Attorney Hannah Kimball characterized the Safe Street Ordinance as advisory in this context, saying the ordinance is "an encouragement, not a strict requirement, for extra modes of travel." Councilmembers asked for engineering verification of fire-truck access before any final action.
Councilmember Sevedge moved to approve Resolution 25-18 (Solbrack City Street), but the motion failed for lack of a second and the resolution was not adopted. Council discussion recorded concerns about long-term stewardship and emergency vehicle maneuverability, and staff said any future expansion by the Solbracks would require a traffic study and further council approval.
