Public Works Committee approves temporary easement with Century Harbor condos, sets May 13 hearing for Lake Street assessments

The Public Works Committee voted to approve a temporary limited easement to allow equipment operations, excavation and grading for the Lake Street and Buie Street reconstruction project adjacent to Century Harbor Condominiums (parcel reference given in materials as 23-122). The committee’s chair said the project requires temporary access because the water main to be replaced lies at the edge of the existing 20-foot easement, rather than the roughly 30 feet the city would typically prefer.

The director of public works said the city will compensate condominium owners for landscaping removed during construction and will attempt to salvage fence panels where feasible, but that any salvage is a "good-faith" effort and not guaranteed. He described several construction logistics that influenced the request: precast stepping stones that can be moved, and large rectangular storm-lid castings that staff want replaced or bridged because they can fall into maintenance holes and require a crane to recover.

Why it matters: The temporary easement clears the way for water‑line replacement work that could otherwise be delayed by restricted access. Committee members pressed staff on costs and whether items such as fence salvage and turf restoration were covered by the contractor’s estimate; staff referred to precedent from recent projects on Parmenter Street and Pleasantview Road and said seeding/restoration is standard practice.

The committee moved and seconded the easement approval and, after no members opposed, the chair declared the ayes have it. The director said the approved easement will be forwarded to city finance and the full council because there is money involved.

At the same meeting the committee set the public hearing for the Lake Street and Dewey Court reconstruction assessments for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers. Staff had proposed an earlier date but said mandatory notice periods and member availability made May 13 the practical choice. The committee noted the hearing will be publicly noticed and available online.

Next steps: The easement will go to finance and the full council for any required funding approvals. The May 13 public hearing will allow affected property owners to comment on proposed assessments before the council considers final action.