Report from Public Works Meeting Dated January 17, 2012

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on January 17, 2012 and discussed the following seven cases.

Case 5.1 Election of Chairperson and Vice Chair of the Public Works Committee

Motioned that the City Council select Councilmember Backous as Chair and Councilmember Elvig as Vice Chair of the Public Works Committee for 2012.

Case 5.2 Consider Stormwater Utility Rate Change for 14600 Nowthen Boulevard

Staff reviewed in the report that the property owner at 14600 Nowthen Boulevard came to the Mayor's Town Hall meeting and asked about changing the stormwater utility rate. Staff reviewed that when the fee was established the property was being used as a commercial application and the rate was set accordingly. Currently, it is being used as storage and staff is recommending changing the stormwater utility rate from commercial to residential.

Motion to recommend to City Council to approve the Stormwater Utility Rate change from commercial to one residential unit for 14600 Nowthen Boulevard NW.

Case 5.3 Consider Lighting Retrofit for Parking Ramp Project

Staff reviewed in the  report that attached to the case are a number of options to consider, one is to perpetuate the decision that was made in 2005 to continue with the metal halide lamps. The second is switch out the metal halide lights in the new ramp with fluorescent key 5 lamps and the third option is to move forward with retrofitting the existing parking facility as well as changing the design to include new lights that are fluorescent.

Motion to recommend to City Council to stay with the 100 watt metal halide light fixtures that we already have.

Case 5.4 Consider Guard Rail Enhancements for the Parking Ramp

This is being presented as a separate case on the February 14th regular City Council agenda.

Case 5.5 Consider Crosswalk Signage Options along Sunwood Drive in the COR

Staff  reviewed in the report that with the recent opening of the VA and The Falls Café there has been quite a few pedestrians that like to cross Sunwood Drive at Sapphire Street. It was presented that we currently have an enforceable crosswalk in that location, which meets state standards. It was discussed that a short term quick solution to draw extra attention to this crosswalk would be to place an in-ground pedestrian crossing sign, similar to what is on Alpine Drive today between Nowthen Boulevard and TH 47. Staff is proposing a couple of low cost solutions to install an in-ground pedestrian crossing sign at the intersection of Sunwood and Sapphire, which could be removed in the winter for plowing activities, and purchasing a few kid alert safety signs, which could be moved throughout the COR (and City).

Motion to recommend to City Council to move forward with staff’s recommendation to purchase and install the kid alert safety signs and in-street pedestrian crossing signage within the COR, in an amount not to exceed $1,000.

Case #5.6 2011 Review of Engineering Consulting Services

Staff presented in the report the line items of the consulting dollars that were spent for consulting services in 2011 which totaled $31,500.00.

No action taken, informational purposes only.

Case #5.7 Consider Request for Moving Mailboxes on Dysprosium Street

Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer Olson reported that he heard back from the Postmaster and the Postmaster ultimately decided that the mail carrier is not willing to change his route.

There was discussion regarding the garbage cans and recycle bins being placed close to or in the paved travel lanes and parking areas.  It was also discussed that the residents are stopping in the drive lanes to pick up their mail.

Motion to recommend to City Council that staff send an informational letter out to each resident outlining the request and decision on the potential mailbox relocation, as well as describing the concern related to placement of obstructions in the right-of-way (garbage cans and recycle bins).

Committee/Staff Input

The consensus of the Committee is to change the meeting start time from 5:30 to 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of every month.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.