Laserfiche WebLink
Discussion: Councilmember Bullock inquired as to what projects did not make the cut for grant <br /> application. Engineer Papke noted that the city will always be replacing water mains, so the <br /> goal was to find 3 streets that fit into the capital improvement projects category and try to keep <br /> them in an affordable project range. The application for these streets was based on age, as the <br /> water mains were installed in 1917. He added that they should score well, being 100 years old. <br /> Chairman Rader asked if the city typically has a good success rate with these grant applications. <br /> Mr. Papke stated that the city has received a grant, a loan, or both every year that he's been with <br /> the city, noting that the projects are being scored against all the other communities in Northeast <br /> Ohio. The city received a loan for its 2022 watermain projects. <br /> On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2021-41 was <br /> recommended for approval by the full Council. <br /> ORDINANCE 31-2021 -AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives <br /> the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council to amend Section <br /> 903.10, Duty to repair and maintain sidewalks,tree lawns and driveway aprons of the <br /> Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood, to cap the cost of required repairs to <br /> sidewalks at $1,000 for certain qualified property owners that participate in the Sidewalk <br /> Program. (1st read and referred to PWS 9/7/21; 2nd reading 9/20/21) <br /> Councilmember Shachner outlined his proposed ordinance capping the cost of required sidewalk <br /> repairs. He stated that the legislation adds a section to 903.10 to put a cap on out of-pocket cost <br /> from a homeowner if he/she participates in the city's program. This would apply to owner <br /> occupied homes with no more than three units. Mr. Shachner analyzed costs of sidewalk repair <br /> from 2017-2020 and broke down the numbers and logic that he used to arrive at$1,000 being a <br /> reasonable number to cap cost. He added that having good sidewalks is a benefit for the public <br /> at-large and that he's in favor of how the city sidewalk program is being proactive. He <br /> complemented the program's approach that involves an estimate a year ahead of payment, which <br /> helps predictability for residents. <br /> Chairman Rader iterated his long-held position that sidewalks are public property and that the <br /> city should consider paying for them through the general fund rather than a public/private <br /> partnership. He asked how much the program costs per year. Director Ducu stated that the <br /> program started at$400,000 per year, rising to $650,000, then to $800,000 in 2018. He noted by <br /> today's standards, $100,000 covers about 4 blocks. On average, a home has 12-15 slabs in front <br /> of it and 20 if its lakefront property. Covid delayed the sidewalk program's operations, as the <br /> city did not want to send correction notices during the pandemic. The program's 2020 and 2021 <br /> years are still outstanding on payment, along with delinquents. He suggested the starting date for <br /> the legislation be January 2025. He also questioned what the $1,000 cap might look like in 5 <br /> years, considering incremental increases in concrete and labor. He outlined the 3-step inspection <br /> process, the labor it requires, and the deferred billing process the following year after installation <br /> which is designed to allow extra time for residents. <br /> Chairman Rader briefly recapped the 2 tracks proposed for the sidewalk program and asked <br /> about the 2025 start for the next cycle of the program. Director Ducu indicated that the city <br />