Report from Public Works meeting dated March 20, 2012.

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on March 20, 2012 and discussed the following four cases:

Case #1: Consider Storm Sewer Improvements on Sodium Street – A Continuation of Discussions Related to 2011 Flooding Concerns

Staff described the proposed solution to address drainage concerns in the neighborhood, and on the property located at 16756 Sodium Street.

Motion to recommend that the City Council include the proposed drainage enhancement near 16756 Sodium Street (installing a culvert under Sodium Street, regrading the west ditch of Sodium Street, constructing a berm to keep the water in the ditch, and replacing the existing driveway culvert. The ditch would be graded to drain to the south and a culvert would be installed near the south property line to drain the water to the west.) in the 2012 construction season, and perform the work before implementing the street maintenance program (sealcoating).

Case #2: Consider Storm Sewer Improvements on 163rd Lane – A Continuation of Discussions Related to 2011 Flooding Concerns

Staff reviewed the report and described the proposed project to address drainage on 163rd Lane.  Staff  indicated the City has no easement for the outlet pipe for the property of impact and the estimated project cost is $80,000. Staff is requesting input, noting only $75,000 had been budgeted. If supported, the project may be instituted in the fall and staff would contact the property owner to explain this project and address the crushed culvert. 

Motion by Council member Elvig, seconded by Council member McGlone, to recommend that the City Council direct staff to implement the proposed drainage enhancement, and to include this work with the previously approved storm sewer projects for completion in 2012.

Case #3: Consider Revisions to the City’s Minnesota State Aid (MSA) Street System

Staff is recommending to adjust and reconfigure some Minnesota State Aid (MSA) street designations to better align with stated transportation goals and planned development activities.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the staff proposed MSA street system revisions, and adopt the required (attached) Resolution #12-04-XXX  that formally requests the revision from the State Commissioner of Transportation.

Case #4: Consider Project Scope for Phase 2 of the Alpine Drive Overlay Project

Staff requested input on the trail and alternate treatments. Each of the three trail segments, existing conditions, potential impacts, and estimated costs, were discussed, noting there are also grant opportunities.

Motion to recommend that the City Council eliminate the alternative road base technologies on this project, but rather include that investigation and analysis with the future Riverdale Drive/MRT project, and to include Segment 1 as an add alternate within the scope of the 2012 Alpine Drive overlay.

Staff Input

Public Works Director Olson indicated staff is evaluating the Sunwood Drive realignment project and working with the Police and Fire Departments to decide whether it should be constructed under traffic or closed during construction.

City Engineer Himmer explained if closed, three to four weeks could be removed from the schedule and there would be a savings of approximately $100,000 in material costs since temporary bypass lanes would not be necessary.  Other benefits of a road closure would include liability reduction, traffic staging, and mobilization, totaling approximately another $50,000 in savings. City Engineer Himmer advised the Committee that Anoka County said they will entertain this option if there is no objection by the City relating to public safety and the business community. Staff recommends permanently closing Armstrong Boulevard, between existing Sunwood Drive and Bunker Lake Boulevard, for a portion of the construction project since it involves a limited area, there are not many businesses that would be impacted, and a detour could be used to access those properties. If approved, staff will draft a letter to Anoka County and the business community, then develop a project staging plan that includes a closure.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.