Report from Public Works meeting dated February 21, 2012

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on February 21, 2012 and discussed the following five cases:

Case #1 Discuss Trail Easement at 15620 Krypton Street NW

Staff reviewed that an individual is considering purchasing the property at 15620 Krypton Street NW.  The main topic of conversation is an existing bituminous trail that extends down the east property line and into the property’s backyard.  After reviewing property files, it was discovered the trail has an intended dual purpose of maintenance access to the City’s sanitary sewer system and a pedestrian connection.  The prospective buyer is asking the Public Works Committee to relocate the trail out of the middle of their backyard and into the intended easement area along the eastern property line.  

City Administrator Ulrich stated staff would write a letter of intent for the Dvoraks to take to closing.  The Committee requested they receive a copy of the letter of intent.

Motion to recommend the City Council to leave the trail as it is until a trail easement is signed along the lot line to create a recreational trail which is either shared with the neighboring property or singular on this property. To include that the trail easement would be dedicated and acceptable to the City Engineer for recreational trail purposes.

Case #2: Discuss Investigations Related to 2011 Flooding Concerns 

Staff reviewed in the report that significant rainfall in 2011 lead to elevated groundwater levels which caused localized flooding and resident complaints. Some of the issues have been resolved, but there are some issues that still need resolution. During the planning of the CIP, flooding corrections were anticipated and additional funding was added from the Storm Water Utility Fund to address these matters.  Staff is looking for feedback from the Public Works Committee and City Council prior to prioritizing the improvements and developing a program for potential corrective actions.

Mathew Maul, 5590 148th Lane NW, stated his concern is with the standing water, the smell and the bugs in his backyard. He stated he was unable to use his backyard because of the flooding and asked if there is a way for the water to be drained. 

Bob Gorr, Rum River Golf Course Trustee, stated he is one of three trustees for the golf course. He stated the trustees feel they should receive more than $8,500. He stated Tom Anderson is spear heading the insurance claim with the City and League of Minnesota Cities for the golf course. He stated the project is big and there is a lot to talk about. He asked for a date when the issue could be resolved.

Jason Obermaier, 5220 156th Lane, stated he received an email from the City and wanted to hear what will happen in the future with the pond behind his house. He stated there are some trees down and there is debris in the pond’s outlet. He stated the City resolved the flooding on his property last year.

City Engineer Himmer suggested Mr. Obermaier use the link in the email that was sent to him to review Section 5.
 
It was the consensus of staff and the Committee the cases that are the highest priority will be brought to the Public Works Committee, two at a time, and staff will follow-up with the abatement coordinator about debris and brush in backyards along 148th Avenue.

Case #3: Consider Entrance into a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement - MnWARN

Staff reviewed the Minnesota Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MnWARN) a statewide mutual aid system comprised of cities and municipalities prepared to supply response to utility emergencies. 

Staff reported  participation is voluntary and membership is free. MnWARN does not cost the City unless the City is called upon and then staff time and equipment would be paid at standard FEMA rates. There is a clause that the City will not sue if there is damaged to equipment or staff gets hurt.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement/MnWARN naming the City Administrator as the Authorizing Official.

Case #4: Review City of Ramsey Snowplowing Policy and Possible Cost Reductions 

Staff reviewed in the report that the current policy is to plow when the snow is over two inches and makes a judgment call for snow falls under two inches. Full plowing operation requires 18 staff members. Staff presented three options for the Public Works Committee to review.

Staff is recommending Option # 3 to continue to allow the Pubic Works Department to use their best judgment on deciding what course of action is best to improve safety and winter driving conditions for the traveling public. Decisions would be based on snow type, amount, time of year, current temperature and expected weather conditions after the snow ends and past experience.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve Option 3, to continue to allow the Public Works Department to use its best judgment on deciding what course of action is best to improve safety and winter driving conditions for the traveling public based on snow type, amount, time of year, current temperature, and expected weather conditions after the snow ends, and past experience.

Case #5: Consider 2012 Street Maintenance Program

This is being presented as a separate case on tonights agenda.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.