Report from Public Works

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on Monday, August 15, 2011 and discussed the following three cases:

Case 5.1  Review Standard Cointract Language Related to Construction Projects

Staff reviewed the highlighted contract language related to construction projects and explained how these conditions would assist the City in ensuring projects would be executed and completed in a timely and quality manner.

It was the consensus of the Committee to agree with the recommendations from staff regarding the close out of construction projects with minor outstanding items, and the Council can determine whether it is acceptable for outstanding items to be covered by the warranty bond for the project.

Motion to recommend City Council include a 3% construction contingency, up to $15,000, on all projects with City Administrator approval. This would give staff the ability to effectively manage projects to account for unforeseen conditions and necessary project revisions.

Case 5.2  Update on Recent Storm and Flooding Complaints

Staff reviewed the properties that have submitted storm and flood complaints. Staff is proposing to prepare plans and specifications, receive quotes, and address the immediate actions identified in the report, such as repairing or replacing a culvert.

The Committee discussed the high levels of rain and the number of 100-year events that have taken place this year; noting the system within the City has performed well under the conditions.

Motion  to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to prepare the necessary plans and specifications, and receive quotes, to address the immediate corrective actions identified in staff’s summary.

Case 5.3  Discuss Grading Permit Requirements

Staff reviewed that the City  currently does not have a grading permit and advised that staff has been drafting requirements which could be used.

The Committee discussed the adoption of the State Building Code and whether all sections of that Code were adopted; staff believed that the section regarding grading permits had not been adopted with the Code.

Staff  suggested that a grading permit be treated similar to an interim permit, in regard to the fee schedule and confirmed that an erosion control plan would be required with a grading plan.

It was the consensus of the Committee to verify if the grading portion of the State Building Code had already been adopted and recommend that an administrative grading permit process be developed.

Committee/Staff Input

Public Works Director Olson reviewed a response received from Anoka County regarding the issue of access on Sunfish Lake Boulevard; noting that the County would not participate in the study.

City Engineer Himmer provided an update regarding the County Road 5 overlay and the request for night work, noting that the Council would review the request the following week. He also provided an update regarding WMO regulations which would also be reviewed the following week by the Council.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.