Around 10 residents spoke during a public hearing for an East Adams Street improvement project at the Washington City Council meeting Tuesday.

This was the second time this month that the project was discussed, as a public hearing was mistakenly put on the January 4th meeting agenda for the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost instead of a public hearing on a resolution for necessity which is required to be held first. Work is proposed to pave East Adams from South 9th to South 15th Avenue, install new storm water sewer main and drainage structures, and install sidewalks. Most residents’ questions were about the necessity of sidewalks and the added assessment that property owners would have to pay after the project is completed. The city reiterated that the project is anticipated to be completed about a year and a half from now, and that interest-free payments can be made toward the assessment within 30 days after the council approves the project as completed. Otherwise they can pay the assessment for up to 10 years with interest accrued annually. The council was unable to give a clear answer on the reason for the interest, but Mayor Jaron Rosien shared that the rate is to be determined by the council, “And I think what’s good news is bringing to council concerns about that interest rate because I believe where council has some decision making power is making sure that’s reasonable and I think the assessment continues but there is some movement maybe on an interest rate and exactly where that interest rate lands so it’s not a burden on property owners.”

Engineer Jack Pope mentioned that residents are paying a little less than 10% of the total project cost. The council approved the resolution of necessity for the project, and set a public hearing for February 15th at 6 p.m. on the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost during which residents can continue to bring concerns about the work.