Report from Public Works

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on October 18, 2011 and discussed the following six cases:

Case 5.1:  Consider Vacation of Right-of-Way at 14241 Fluorine Street NW

Staff presented the resident’s request to vacate a portion of the right-of-way to provide reasonable use of his front yard. If approved, the issue of who pays for the cost can be determined.

Dion McDevitt, 14241 Fluorine Street NW, stated his new garage meets all setbacks and code requirements but the City wants the road to come almost up to his garage, which will eliminate his front yard.

Motion to recommend that the City Council undertake a formal right-of-way vacation process and schedule a public hearing with the City initiating and paying the required fees/escrows.

Case 5.2: Consider Proposal from Metro Area Repeater Association to Install Skywarn Facilities on Water Tower#2

Staff reviewed in the staff report that Metro Area Repeater Association (MARA) has requested to place their facilities within water tower #2, located on Sunwood Drive. This equipment would be used as a public servie by Skywarner spotters and amateur radio operators.

Motion  to postpone consideration of the request by Metro Area Repeater Association to install Skywarn facilities on Water Tower #2 to allow time for MARA to provide the names of other municipalities that have allowed this type of equipment on its water towers, costs that would be involved, and agreeing to cover all costs for installation, inspection, and maintenance.

Case 5.3: Contracted Street Sweeping

Staff presented three options if the City contracts spring street sweeping.  It was recommended Option 3, a combination of the first two options with contracted forces sweeping curb/stormwater areas and City staff sweeping ditched areas, estimating 200 hours or $16,000.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve Option 3, authorize staff to seek RFPs for 2012 spring street sweeping, and include an add alternate for disposal of road debris.

Case 5.4:  Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy

Public Works Director Olson reviewed in the staff report that effective Novemember 15th members that do not meet the League of Minnesota Cities criteria will see coverage that includes a minimum mandatory deductible of $1,000 for each sanitary sewer backup.  That amount will increase to $2,500 for sanitary sewer backup claims after November 15, 2011. 

Attached to this report is the criteria to avoid the higher mandatory minimum deductible cities must have.

Motion to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to formalize the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy.

Case 5.5: Consider Change Order for City Improvement Project #11-09; Alpine Drive Overlay

Staff  reviewed the staff report and is asking for recommendation to approve a change order for subgrade preparation in the amount of $12,000. 

Staff  explained this project went from a mill and overlay, where there was no need for subgrade preparation, to a full depth reclamation that requires subgrade preparation. One group was working on the plans and bid form while the other group was working on the specifications and a disconnect occurred for including this one item.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve a change order for Improvement Project #11-09, Alpine Drive Overlay, for subgrade preparation in the amount of $12,000.

Case 5.6:  Consider Guard Rail Enhancements for the Parking Ramp

This was placed on the regular City Council agenda dated October 25, 2011.

Committee/Staff Input

6.1 Update on Resident Concern at 5220 156th Lane NW

Public Works Director Olson provided an update on the resolution negotiated with Jason and Ruth Obermaier relating to the relocation of the sanitary septic system at 5220 156th Lane NW to the west side of the property. He advised there will be significant tree impact and the irrigation system will need to be repaired/replaced. Public Works Director Olson stated staff felt this was a reasonable solution and estimates are about $5,500 for irrigation and turf restoration plus $11,000-15,000 for the septic system. He advised two quotes were received for the septic system relocation and staff asked for direction as to the Contractors. The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to direct staff to proceed with the Contractor of the property owner's choice as long as they are assuming all liability.

 

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.