Report from Public Works meeting dated July 17, 2012

Motion by Councilmember McGlone, seconded by Chairperson Backous, to approve the agenda, as revised to consider Case 5.03 prior to Case 5.01 and reschedule Case 5.04 to a future meeting.

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on July 17, 2012 and discussed the following cases:

5.03: Review Overlay Project 11-05 (157th Lane East of Ramsey Boulevard)
 
In April of 2011 an overlay project was approved for 157th Ln east of Ramsey Blvd. After the project some of the residents had questions about the workmanship.

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed in the staff report that he agreed the center line is not the best but any repair options will create a project that does not look as well. He advised that the core samples taken are all within specifications and he thinks the road is structurally sound, noting it shows no signs of stress after being driven on for one year. He recommended leaving the road as is and monitoring it to see if anything happens.

Motion to recommend that the City Council accept Overlay Project 11-05, 157th Lane east of Ramsey Boulevard and let the warranty period expire, and direct staff to review the policy and propose alternate language.


5.01: Consider Traffic Control Change for Sunwood Drive / Sapphire Street Intersection

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed traffic and pedestrian safety continue to be a challenge at the intersection of Sunwood Drive and Sapphire Street.  The angle of Sunwood Drive at the intersection, close proximity of the buildings, on street parking, and increased pedestrian use make for some challenges when entering the intersection from the Sapphire Street.  Staff reviewed traffic counts that were taken for a 48 hour period.

Staff presented four options for Committee discussion.  Those option were: 1) Leave intersection as it is presently.  2) Restrict on street parking on Sunwood Drive. 3) Install stop signs on the east/west legs of Sunwood Drive creating an all stop condition. 4) Install a traffic signal.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve Option # 1, leave intersection as it is presently.


5.02: Tree Removal at 16490 Uranium Street

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed in the staff report that staff received a telephone call from the residents at 16490 164th Lane stating that the large cottonwood tree in front of their home had split in half and was now hung up in their oak tree.  Staff investigated the site and determined that the cottonwood tree was located in the ROW and therefore was the responsibility of the City to remove.   

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the use of Council Contingency Fund to contract with Olson Tree Service for tree removal and clean up at 16490 Uranium Street in an amount not to exceed $3,300.00.


5.04: Review Resident’s Concerns with the Sunfish Lake Boulevard / CR116 Project

This item was removed upon adoption of the agenda and will be rescheduled to a future meeting.


5.05: Consider Purchase of AVL System for Public Works Fleet

Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and advised the GPS can be added for $1,300, which would eliminate the data plan (average $11/truck/month) for the cellular telephones.

Motion to recommend to City Council to have staff test the AVL system from Precise MRM for 30 days on the sweeper, starting in October. Staff will then provide a report on what did and did not work, and whether its use resulted in staff efficiencies.

Staff/Input

Chairperson Backous asked about the broken the concrete in front of City Hall.

Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained it is due to the hot weather and that area will be ground down and repaired prior to winter.

Development Manager Lazan suggested cutting expansion joints to avoid this type of damage during hot weather.

The Public Works Committee agreed with the suggestion of Councilmember Elvig to direct staff look into that option and draft specifications/policy to assure it is handled correctly.

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.