Most of the repair work will be done in next three years
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Property owners with deteriorating alleys will be able to share improvement costs under an ordinance endorsed from the Common Council on a divided April 6 vote.
In the ordinance amendment approved, 4-3, the City of Burlington has agreed to split the costs of more than 40 municipal alleys, with property owners responsible for 50% of expenses related to reconstruction and resurfacing.
Previously, the city assessed abutting property owners 100%, but officials have long neglected to perform work because of concerns about applying an equitable and reasonable economic solution for residents.
Megan Watkins, assistant city administrator, said the amended ordinance would improve dozens of alleys within the city and affects more than 300 assessable lots.
“The most deteriorated alleys will be repaired over the next three years, with nine alleys in 2022, nine alleys in 2023 and 10 alleys in 2024,” Watkins wrote in a memorandum. “The approved budget for the fiscal year 2022 is $375,000. Following the fiscal year 2024, the other alleys needing maintenance will be incorporated within the Capital Improvement Program.”
She said the city has 41 total alleys with 28 deemed in dire need of repair.
Meanwhile, with the ordinance amendment, the city would pay $187,500 with property owners shouldering the rest of the costs.
The Common Council, which began debating the issue last fall, previously approved an alleyway assessment policy with a 50/50 cost-share agreement at a March 15 meeting.
Aldermen engaged in another lengthy debate on the merits of changing the municipal code when considering the amendment at the April 6 meeting.
Fourth District Alderman Bill Smitz, a critic of the cost-share agreement, voted against the ordinance citing fiscal concerns and little benefit to the greater community.
Smitz, noting the 2022 budget contains $375,000 for alley improvements, asked city officials if this would be an annual project cost.
Peter Riggs, director of public works, said in response the city expects the annual alley improvement budget through at least 2024 will be about $375,000.
To read the full story see the April 14 edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
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