Title
Approving revisions to the opt out policy for RSVP projects.
Body
WHEREAS: The Mayor recommended, and the Saint Paul City Council approved Council Resolution 96-251, which recognized that the City does not want to force property owners to pay assessments for a project they do not want; and
WHEREAS: Resolution 96-251 outlined a process that allowed for the cancellation of entire project areas or removal of individual street blocks from a project area by moving it to the end of the RSVP program; and
WHEREAS: Public Works has completed approximately two thirds of the 88 RSVP areas by the end of 2012 which means moving a project to the end of RSVP doesn't make sense; and
WHEREAS: The purpose of the RSVP program is to reconstruct streets that have never been formally constructed or have reached the end of their useful life. It has been long evidenced that there is a significant positive effect on the revitalization of neighborhoods and the effect of the revitalization is greater when all streets within a designated project area are paved and lighted; and
WHEREAS: Other benefits include: Cost effective construction, completion of sewer, water main, replacement of lead water services gas system improvements and reduction in street maintenance; and
WHEREAS: Opting out on a block by block basis - reduces the positive effects on the neighborhood, increases costs to citizens citywide in the form of increased maintenance costs as well as higher capital costs when finally reconstructed, causes damage to streets that have previously been constructed, increases calls from residents who purchase homes on blocks that have not been constructed and assessment rates which will be much higher 15 years from now;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Rescind Resolution 96-251 which means the City will no longer allow opting out on a block by block basis because of increased costs and loss of overall neighborhood benefits.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City will allow residents to opt out on a project wide basis moving the project to the end of the RSVP priority list.
BE IT RESOLVED: Opting out on a project wide basis must be approved by the City Engineer and will no longer require City Council and District Council approval.