Report from Public Works

The Public Works Committee met on May 17th, 2011 and discussed the following six cases.


Case #5.1 Consider Stormwater Utility Rate Change Request from Green Valley Greenhouse

Staff reviewed that Green Valley Greenhouse submitted a request to have their stormwater utility fees changed to $37.08 per year. 

This property is defined by the tax status and type of business operating on the site.  It is unique among the properties being charged a stormwater utility fee. 

Staff and the Committee agreed that the owner has put many things in place that the City has asked him to do to protect his property.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve a request to change the stormwater utility fees to $37.08 for Green Valley Greenhouse, retroactive to July 2009.


Case #5.2 Consider Installing Permanent Power for Happy Days Celebration

Staff reviewed that the Happy Days Committee rents portable generators to provide power for the stage show, food vendors and inflatable attractions.  Staff was asked to investigate installing underground power to the site. 

The estimate for the generators for 2011 is $3,500.  The estimate form Connexus is $8,300.  The estimate from Rapid Electric is $3,000. The City Permit fee is $500.  The total estimate to the site is $13,000.

Discussion took place regarding the type of service needed and possible locations and the Committee asked to see what the configuration would look like.

Staff offered to present the configuration at the June Council meeting when it is discussed and explained it would look much like what is at campgrounds for power.

Motion to recommend that the City Council consider approval of installing permanent power of either 400 amp service in one location, or 200 amp service in 2 locations, dependent on further research, on the east side.


Case #5.3 The Use of Social Media in Public Works

Staff reviewed in the report that it is the primary goal is to improve communication with our residents.

Staff and the Committee discussed the use of Facebook as a means to communicate public works operations as well as research by the Planning Intern of the Citizen Request Tracker which is used in other cities.

Motion to recommend that the City Council consider conducting research in an effort to begin using Facebook and Citizen Request Tracker as communication tools for the Public Works Department.


Case #5.4 Consider Options for Street Sweeping

Staff reviewed that during the strategic planning session this item was placed in the parking lot to discuss the contracting out of City services to decrease costs to the residents.

Staff reviewed various options with the Committee and recommended Option 2 which is to supplement City staff and equipment with contracted sweepers.  City of Plymouth subcontracts out all its work; refurbished pieces of equipment may prove to be feasible.

The Committee discussed that the City of Plymouth subcontracts out all its work; refurbished pieces of equipment may prove to be feasible.  It was proposed the City research the possibility of subcontracting out its work.

The consensus was  to research costs of subcontracting by discussing this option with the City of Plymouth, and look at the viability of using refurbished sweepers.


Case #5.5 Consider Priority Streetlight Installation Related to Various 2011 Improvement Projects

Staff presented the case and outlined all the requested proposals for streetlight installation, all of which relate to previously approved 2011 construction projects.  Each streetlight proposal was discussed with a few options for potential funding sources.

Chairperson McGlone inquired if this is all the lights the City perceives will be needed. 

City Engineer Himmer answered that some of the lights were a carryover from last year, which were delayed due to the pending construction projects, and the remainder were to provide coverage consistent with the City's priority street lighting policy.  Typically, the City receives several calls per year from residents requesting the installation of streetlights in and around their neighborhood; so it could not be stated with certainty that these would be the only requests for the year.

Discussion ensued regarding the City's street lighting policy and requirements.  He explained there is approximately $1 million in the lighting fund, which can only be used for lights.  Some of the funds are paid in by developers and some are used specifically for development lighting.  At the same time, some funds are being used for vandalism repair, energy and maintenance, etc.   Commissioner Tossey stated this is an item that should be brought to the Council, and he expressed his desire to see less taken from taxpayers.   Commissioner Elvig suggested a work session be scheduled to talk about the policy.  

Motion to recommend that the City Council direct staff to install all the streetlights referenced in this case, and to utilize the streetlight utility fund to pay for them.

Case #5.6 Review Mass Grading Concepts and Import Policy for The COR

Development Manager Lazan reviewed the staff report. He noted Steve Sabraska from Landform is present.

City Engineer Himmer pointed out there are still wetlands on the site, and that hurdle needs to be cleared.

Commissioner Elvig stated he is in favor of using the pond for grading and generating excess fill to better balance the site. He expressed concern with utilizing the planned access off of Sunwood Drive and proposed an access from the north may work better. He questioned what the next step is to formulate a policy.

Chairperson McGlone suggested a model policy be drafted. It was the consensus of the group that staff should draft a policy for accepting fill material within the COR to implement the preliminary grading plan and bring it back before the PW Committee before it is forwarded to the HRA for consideration.  Some of the items within the policy to focus on include free material, where should it be placed and how should it be placed (compacted vs. stockpiled), what types of material should be accepted, erosion control, and access.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.