3. Riverview Greens Sidewalk ProposalREPORT TO:
City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7700 Fax(406)758-7758
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Sidewalk Replacement Request
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2001
BACKGROUND: Attached is a letter from the Riverview Greens Homeowners' Association. The letter request
that the City share in the cost of replacing several sections of sidewalks within their neighborhood (50/50).
The city currently requires homeowners to pay for 100% of the cost of sidewalk replacement unless they live within
one of our Urban Renewal Districts. At one time, several homeowners within the City would request to have their
sidewalks replaced, however, since the inception of the URDs those request have fallen off substantially. This
construction season we replaced two (2) individual's sidewalks (I was one of the two).
The unfortunate reality is that sidewalks, due to their location, are the City's liability. In past years, the judicial
system had a one inch rule that basically said if a sidewalk crack or lift created less than a one inch grade change the
individual that fell was typically held responsible. This no longer exists and the City can be successfully litigated
against for any trip and fall if there is a deficiency in the sidewalk. The average claim in Michigan was $12,000.
A 50/50 program to replace sidewalks could greatly reduce the City's liability while providing a quality path for
pedestrians to use. Within the current fiscal year budget, Jim Hansz and I have identified $20,000 in gas tax funds
that could be used for this purpose. If utilized, this could result in $40,000 in sidewalk replacement within this fiscal
year.
RECOMMENDATION: The Council direct the staff to develop a comprehensive sidewalk replacement program
that splits the cost 50/50 with the property owner
FISCAL EFFECTS: The Riverview Greens request would cost the City approx. $3,000. If the City chose to
develop a comprehensive 50/50 sidewalk program, the City could expend an additional $20,000 in this fiscal year.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the Council.
Respectfully submitted,
(�
Chris A. Kukulski
City Manager
Report compiled August 23, 2001
Page 1 of 1
RIVERVIEW GREENS HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
113 Riverview Greens
Kalispell, MT 59901
Keith Ori, President
Joan Johnston, SeeretarylTreasurer
7/25/01
Mr. Chris Kukulski
City Manager
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dear Chris:
The Riverview Greens Homeowner's Association would like to make a proposal to the City of
Kalispell to assist in the repair of the sidewalks in our subdivision. During our last homeowner's
association meeting, it was discussed that several sections of sidewalks, are in disrepair and are a
hazard to the many pedestrians that walk our neighborhood. Residents of Hillcrest, Buffalo
Stage, Fairway Boulevard, and Mission Village often walk this area and with the new bike path,
it has brought additional traffic into our neighborhood.
I inspected the sidewalks; and approximately 50 sections need replacement. This included some
curbs and drains that have sunk and present a very large drop off to the street. I have had some
contractors already bid this and I believe we are in the area of $6000. However, I also realize that
the city can get this done for much less.
Our proposal is to ask the City of Kalispell to split the cost of repair with us. We are very proud
of this neighborhood and our taxes are certainly some of the highest in the city. We would
appreciate the cooperation of the city in this matter and look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Keith Or ,President
Rivervi Greens Homeowners Assoc.