Report from Public Works Committee dated September 17, 2013.
1.Consider Allowing the Use of High Density Polyethylene Pipe for Water Service Line: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council amend City Code Section 58-113(a) to allow the use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence.
Committee/Staff Input
1. Signal Timing on Highway 10 Corridor:  Informational; no action required.
2. 2013 Public Works Department Operations and Staffing Survey Results: Informational: no action required.

 

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on September 17, 2013 and discussed the following cases:
1: Consider Allowing the Use of High Density Polyethylene Pipe for Water Service Line: Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and recommendation the City Council amend City Code Section 58-113(a) to allow the use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence.  He reviewed the benefits of using HDPE including lower cost, less likelihood of theft, and ease of splicing.  He indicated HDPE has a longer life than cooper and involves no health risks.  Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained that cooper will still be used from the main to the curb stop for ease of locating. Motion to recommend Council amend City Code Section 58-113(a) to allow the use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence.

Committee/Staff Input
1. Signal Timing on Highway 10 Corridor
Public Works Superintendent Riemer provided a traffic simulation of Highway 10 and its intersections at Ramsey Boulevard NW, Armstrong Boulevard NW, Sunfish Lake Boulevard, Main Street, Fairoak Avenue, and Thurston Avenue that was developed based on traffic counts.  He reviewed the staff report and response of Kevin Schwartz of Mn/DOT indicating a limited number of cars are allowed to enter the Highway corridor from intersecting roads because the corridor is over capacity and any changes to the timing at one signal effects the traffic volumes on the whole corridor. Informational; no action required.
2. 2013 Public Works Department Operations and Staffing Survey Results
Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and presented survey results of neighboring communities relating to Public Works staffing levels.  He stated Ramsey is operating at the top with efficiencies and staff is not currently working over-time hours. Informational; no action required.


 

Staff recommends ratifying the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.