Report from Public Works Committe meeting dated June 18, 2013.
1.  Consider Stop Sign Request for 3-Way Stop at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue:  Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to not install the requested three-way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue due to low traffic volumes and above average sight distances at the intersection and direct the Police Department to increase enforcement for three months followed by three months of monitoring, such as the speed trailer.
2. Consider Improvements to Crosswalk at Armstrong Boulevard and 161st Avenue: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to direct staff to work with Anoka County to extend the pavement and culvert on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard to provide a paved surface for pedestrians to use and pay for flashing lights, and to place an educational article in the Ramsey Resident reminding drivers of the need to yield for pedestrians.
3. Consider Request to Construct Retaining Wall in Drainage & Utility Easement: Consensus of the Committee was to have staff review options for vacating 5-feet of easement and schedule this case for consideration at a future Public Works Committee meeting.
4. Review Condition of Dysprosium Street Boulevard and Future Maintenance Requirements: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committe to approve replacement of sod between the original project line and curb, to have the City water the sod for the first 30 days, to send a letter to residents asking for their help to maintain the sod and advising residents that new sod is exempt from the watering ban, and to use funding from the Street Maintenance Fund.
6. Consider Request for Use of Veterans Drive Right-of-Way Adjacent to 7700 Sunwood Drive for Outdoor Dog Area: Case of Residence at The COR: This case was considered prior to Case 5.05. This was presented as a separate case at the June 25, 2013 City Council meeting.
5. Review of Updated Costs for Reconstructing Andrie Street: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to direct staff to update the 2008 feasibility report to reflect the inclusion of on-road bicycle lanes in place of sidewalks. 

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on June 18th, 2013 and discussed the following six cases.

5.01: Consider Stop Sign Request for 3-Way Stop at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and resident petition requesting a three-way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue. He reviewed the guidelines followed for stop sign installation and existing conditions, noting the speed limit had been reduced to 30 mph based on resident request. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the speed trailer was used at this location today and tracked 319 vehicles with an average speed of 29.35 mph, one minimum speed of 11 mph, and one maximum speed of 46 mph. He presented staff’s recommendation to not install the requested three-way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue due to low traffic volumes and above average sight distances at the intersection.

Motion to recommend that the City Council not install the requested three-way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue due to low traffic volumes and above average sight distances at the intersection and direct the Police Department to increase enforcement for three months followed by three months of monitoring, such as the speed trailer.

5.02: Consider Improvements to Crosswalk at Armstrong Boulevard and 161st Avenue

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and recommendation to extend the crosswalk on the west side and connect it to 161st Avenue. He stated a resident in the area asked the City to install solar powered flashing lights to the crosswalk that could be activated by pedestrians to warn them that the crosswalk was being actively used. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated these systems are effective but cost $3,000 to $5,000 per location. In addition, this is a County maintained crosswalk so it would be their decision whether or not to invest in the lighting system.

Motion to recommend that the City Council direct staff to work with Anoka County to extend the pavement and culvert on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard to provide a paved surface for pedestrians to use and pay for flashing lights, and to place an educational article in the Ramsey Resident reminding drivers of the need to yield for pedestrians.

5.03: Consider Request to Construct Retaining Wall in Drainage & Utility Easement

City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and presented the request of property owners at 15069 Helium Street NW to construct a modular block retaining wall along their south side lot line within the public drainage and utility easement. The residents believe their side yard has settled over time, resulting in a steeper side slope that is more difficult to maintain and provides less support for their home’s foundation walls. City Engineer Westby described the current conditions that have resulted in soil erosion and ordinance prohibitions against constructing permanent structures (i.e., retaining walls) within such easements. He stated staff recommends the property owner’s request be denied and to establish new turf on the site that will take root to prevent erosion. It was noted similar requests in the past have always been denied.

The Consensus of the Committee was to have staff determine a cost and schedule this case for consideration at a future Public Works Committee meeting.

5.04: Review Condition of Dysprosium Street Boulevard and Future Maintenance Requirements

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and described the turf restoration that took place following the Dysprosium Street reconstruction. It was noted that while the sod was healthy in the spring of 2012, it started to decline over the summer months due to lack of rain and hot weather. The current price is $1.35 per square yard plus delivery costs (approximately $4,000); however, staff recommends replacement of sod between the curb and sidewalk only if an agreement can be reached with residents that they will maintain the sod once it is established.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve replacement of sod between the original project line and curb, to have the City water the sod for the first 30 days, to send a letter to residents asking for their help to maintain the sod and advising residents that new sod is exempt from the watering ban, and to use funding from the Street Maintenance Fund.

5.06: Consider Request for Use of Veterans Drive Right-of-Way Adjacent to 7700 Sunwood Drive for Outdoor Dog Area: Case of Residence at The COR

This case was considered prior to Case 5.05.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve use of a pet area on the south side of Veterans Drive for Residence at The COR subject to the owner making improvements, executing a Use and Maintenance Agreement, and securing the necessary right-of-way permit.

This case was brought to the June 25th, 2013 City Council meeting.

5.05: Review of Updated Costs for Reconstructing Andrie Street

City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report, past consideration that resulted in not furthering the Andrie Street reconstruction, and renewed interest on the part of numerous area residents to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane but not to construct sidewalks. He explained that since plans and specifications were completed for this project in 2008, it could be moved forward quickly should the City Council so desire, unless assessments are to be used to fund part of the improvement. If that is the City Council’s desire, the corresponding public process per State Statute 429 would need to be followed. It was noted that since 2008, a petition has not been received requesting improvements. City Engineer Westby presented three alternatives: Alternate 1 – Recommend the City Council direct staff to update the 2008 feasibility report based on the original 2008 street reconstruction design (excluding sidewalks); Alternate 2 – Recommend the City Council direct staff to revise the 2008 feasibility report to reflect the inclusion of on-road bicycle lanes, in place of sidewalks; or, Alternate 3 – Motion for other recommendation or to do nothing. He advised that the City’s MSA account has been depleted and other funds are earmarked for the Riverdale project. City Engineer Westby stated if the City Council supports Alternatives 1 or 2, no funding would be committed at this time and the funding analysis can then be completed prior to finalizing the feasibility report updates.

Motion to recommend that the City Council direct staff to update the 2008 feasibility report to reflect the inclusion of on-road bicycle lanes in place of sidewalks.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.