White Bear Lake council sets Aug. 25 hearing on 2026 street assessments

White Bear Lake property owners affected by the city’s 2026 pavement rehabilitation project are scheduled for a formal assessment hearing at the City Council’s 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The hearing concerns proposed assessments for properties the city identifies as benefiting from the work. It is not, by itself, a final assessment roll; the amounts remain subject to council action after the hearing.

Project cost and proposed funding

City records estimate the total project cost at $1,728,000, including construction, contingencies, engineering, legal and related costs. The proposed financing includes $269,500 in special assessments to benefiting properties and $1,458,500 in city-issued debt.

The $269,500 figure is a proposed assessment share, not a final levy. Individual obligations may differ by property, and the council’s action could change the amounts described in the preliminary documents.

Streets included in the project

The project area covers specific segments of five local routes:

• Banning Avenue from Lake Avenue to Second Street;
• Cook Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street;
• Second Street from Banning Avenue to Lake Avenue;
• Third Street from Cook Avenue to Stewart Avenue; and
• the alley from Second Street to its south end.

The city’s feasibility report describes pavement rehabilitation that may include mill-and-overlay work or total pavement replacement, depending on existing conditions. Related work includes sanitary sewer, storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalks and ADA-related improvements where applicable. Bid documents also include quantities for drainage structures, water-service or water-main exposure, lighting, driveways and underground electrical work.

What the hearing means for property owners

The city’s March 24 council agenda says proposed assessment information and a draft assessment roll were provided to property owners with the hearing notice. City project plans and specifications are available for review through the Engineering Department at City Hall upon request.

The Aug. 25 assessment hearing is separate from the council’s July 28 action setting the hearing date. Property owners should review the city’s final agenda and hearing materials for the confirmed participation instructions and any documents governing the hearing.

Construction context

City documents place construction in the 2026 season, with the February feasibility report listing May 4 as the beginning of construction and Sept. 30 as the projected substantial-completion date. The March council agenda describes the broader anticipated construction period as April through September. That schedule is supporting context; the immediate issue for affected owners is the proposed financial allocation the council may consider after the assessment hearing.

The Aug. 25 City Council meeting is listed for 7 p.m. at White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61. The city’s meeting calendar and final hearing materials should be checked before the meeting for any changes to the location, participation or access details.

Sources

• White Bear Lake City Council Agenda, March 24, 2026