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WORST ROAD CONTINUED

Said Mayor O'Connor, however, "It's almost impossible to overkill communication. You got to go the extra mile and take the extra step. A couple more explanatory sentences would make this clear."

Councilmember Crowley wanted it also made clear to the residents that "we're not running off the deep end. We're very frugal."

Said Finance Manager Kelly Grinnell about enhanced clarity in the packet, "It will require more collaboration between Cara and me. We will work on that."

"We're seeing an evolution in how things are presented," said Councilmember Basa.

Added Cara, "There's been a lot of hard work that councils have done over the years to get to this point."

About the particular project before council that evening, she stated, "I don't have any idea if I'll be making a recommendation to make that connection link at Kochia. We would hold a neighborhood meeting in December with property owners that would be assessed. We go out for bids, accept bids, award contracts, with maybe final completion in 2015 with the second layer of asphalt."

Cara added, "Every project we've approved there's been a groundswell against it. But overall there's general support for an improved street."

"From my point of view, this is desperately needed," said Mayor O'Connor.

Council pointed to the large tracts of undeveloped land in the area of 78th and Kochia, including the former Tony and Sally Kerber property as well as the 20 acres owned by School District 112, and also the Michel farm. Replied Cara, "Development is not far off [on the Kerber property]. I wouldn't want this project, however, to incent a farmer to sell or develop."

Said Councilmember Pavelko, "I came here tonight against this project. I don't know how this ranks with other city projects and so I guess nothing's changed. I go along with Jim's comments."

In responding to questions, the city engineer replied that the street project would cost $1.9 million "on the high end," with 50% of that cost being assessed. There is $500,000 in the State Aid fund.

"I don't want to vote no on this," said Councilmember Crowley who asked for an additional two weeks to gather more information and become more comfortable with the process.

Stated Councilmember Basa, "This has been in our Capital Improvement Plan. This is no different than other projects. This is a plan that has been out there. My concern is in deviating from the plan. It takes the project off line for six months."

"I'm asking for two weeks, not six months," replied Councilmember Crowley.

"This has been out there from the word go," said Councilmember Basa, "even as we discussed the new City Hall and Public Works building."

At this point, Mayor O'Connor asked Councilmember Pavelko specifically, "Why wouldn't you want to improve the worst road in the city? We'd be tackling the worst road first, and paying for it through bonding as we did with other roads. It is included in the long range financial plan."

Added City Manager Don Uram, who has been with the City of Victoria for five years, "The plan has been in place for over five years."

Replied Councilmember Pavelko, "It's not that I don't trust Cara. Why is this one more important than all the other ones? All I have is Cara's word. I drive the road [78th Street] all the time. I want to know it's the highest priority. Just because it's in the Capital Improvement Plan doesn't mean it needs to have funding."

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