Report from Public Works Committee meeting of September 15, 2015
1. Consider Request to Reconstruct Stormwater Treatment Improvements at Sunfish Lake: Consensus was reached to direct staff to calculate the size of pond needed, and the cost of wetland mitigation and bring this item back to this Committee for discussion.
2. Consider Recommending City Council Approval of Master Partnership Contract with Minnesota Department of Transportation for TH47 Pedestrian Crossing Improvements: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council approve the Mn/DOT Master Partnership Contract as proposed.

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on September 15, 2015 and discussed the following two cases:
1. Consider Request to Reconstruct Stormwater Treatment Improvements at Sunfish Lake: City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and noted the property owners are present at the meeting.  He explained the original purpose of the swale was to keep the solid waste from entering the wetland.  The intent of the easement was to allow the City to maintain the swale as needed over time.  He noted the swale has not needed maintenance by the City since it was put in.  He explained one of the more cost effective resolutions is to construct a settling basin with overflow that would allow the sediment to settle over time.  He said he is not sure that this will be a permanent solution but it would reduce some of the water in the swale for the long term.  The cost will be between $15,000 and $45,000.  The price difference is dependent on the size of the basin, wetland mitigation credits, and on the turf restoration method.  He pointed out this is a system that was constructed and is operating as intended.  The property owners have requested the City complete the work of constructing a settling basin, and pay for the construction, since the swale cannot be maintained by the property owner and their property is compromised.   He mentioned that the basin may need occasional cleaning over the next 50 years; however, it likely wouldn't need it more than a few times. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee Consensus to direct staff to calculate the size of pond needed, and the cost of wetland mitigation and bring this item back to this Committee for discussion.
2. Consider Recommending City Council Approval of Master Partnership Contract with Minnesota Department of Transportation for TH47 Pedestrian Crossing Improvements: City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report.  He noted the City Attorney had no major issues with it.  There are some grammatical issues and small issues but the changes would not affect the meaning at all.
Staff is meeting Mn/DOT on Thursday to clarify the costs.  Public Works has already indicated there will be enough manpower to complete this project this fall.  Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee that the City Council approve the Mn/DOT Master Partnership Contract as proposed.


 

 

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.