A decision to approve Resolution 2017-04 for street improvements to Garfield Ave from Centennial Pl to Quartzite St and then south of Quartzite St 800′ was tabled during the Dell Rapids City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, March 20th.  Several affected property owners spoke out on the resolution during the meeting.  The common theme among the affected property owners was that the assessed value of the project was too high without an increased value to their properties.

The total estimated cost of this project is $399,400, but the project could be broken up into two parts.  The estimated cost of street improvements of Garfield Ave from Centennial Pl to Quartzite St is $247,000.  The estimated cost of the street improvements from Quartzite St south an additional 800′ is $152,400.  The discussions on the resolution between the council and property owners lasted nearly two hours and two amended motions failed votes before the decision to table the item until next meeting was passed.

Councilman James Borchert made a motion to remove the 800′ portion of the project from the resolution and to exclude two property owners from assessment, but the amended motion failed by a vote of 2-4.  Councilman Mike Geraets made a motion to remove the 800′ portion of the project from the resolution, but to included all impacted property owners of the remaining portion of the project in the assessment, but Geraets’ amended motion also failed by a 2-4 vote.

The council ultimately decided to table the discussions until the next meeting, which will be held on Monday, April 3rd.