Report from Public Works Committee
1. Review Storm water Pond Maintenance and Aquatic Vegetation Conditions:  Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council makes no change in the storm water pond maintenance practices and requests the EPB view the City's ponds and vegetation and assist in educating the public on what can be done by the residents.
2. Consider Drainage Concerns at 5220 - 156th Lane NW: This case was moved from Staff Input to Case #2. Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to update the modeling, and to conduct a feasibility study for constructing a French drain, and to determine whether there are borings and remove dead trees safely, and to discuss a long term solution for the next few years.
3. Provide Recommendation on Elk River's Cost-Share Proposal for Reconstructing Jarvis Street in 2015:  Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend to City Council to accept the City of Elk River's proposal, and discuss with the City of Elk River to begin repayments in 2016. 
4. Provide Recommendation for Metropolitan Council Regional Transportation Policy Plan: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend to the City Council that the draft response to the Transportation Policy Plan provide greater emphasis on the following categories: 1. Additional investment to Highway 10;  2. Additional investment to Highway 47;  3. Long range planning for a future Mississippi River crossing to the City of Dayton.
COMMITTEE / STAFF INPUT
1. Consider Drainage Concerns at 5220 - 156th Lane NW: This item was was moved to Committee Case #2.
2. Request for No Parking Zone on 150th Lane Across From Ramsey Elementary: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council not restrict road parking on 150^th Lane at this time, and work with the Police Department as needed.
3. Review draft Special Assessment Policy for City Improvement Projects: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to direct staff to revise the draft Policy for further consideration at the October Public Works Committee meeting. This item is also being discussed at the October 14, 2014 City Council Work Session.
4. Update on Road Construction for Brookfield 4th Addition: No action taken; for informational purposes.

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on September 16, 2014 and discussed the following cases:

1. Review Storm water Pond Maintenance and Aquatic Vegetation Conditions: Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and pointed out several storm water ponds in the City with aquatic vegetation and algae.  He noted that algae and vegetation is quite common, and showed an image of pond conditions at Emerald Pond Park that a resident asked the Committee to see.  The City's existing policy does not include vegetation management.  He explained storm water vegetation management is difficult given nutrient loading from land uses, and there can be significant cost implications. He further noted the individual bringing up this issue asked whether the City could add herbicides that are designated for water.  He said if the Committee thought this should be investigated, this question should be brought up to the Environmental Policy Board and the DNR.  The DNR only permits herbicides regulated by the EPA for use in water bodies in vegetation.  It is never permitted for aesthetics.  There are many considerations in using this type of herbicide such as applying it in the proper window of growing conditions, and timing the application so that the wind, or rain does not wash the treatment away, and the costs are higher than just the chemical, as a Certified Pesticide Applicator may have to apply the treatment. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council makes no change in the storm water pond maintenance practices and requests the EPB view the City's ponds and vegetation and assist in educating the public on what can be done by the residents.

2. Consider Drainage Concerns at 5220-156th Lane:  City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and noted that the standards of drainage ponds may not have been in place when this development was built.  The current standards call for mandatory ponding on site for every new development.  He confirmed in this case, the water does encroach on the resident's yard; it does not always stay contained in the storm water retention pond.  Flooding occurs outside the easement area.  He indicated there is other flooding in the area.  He suggested staff review the drainage system and determine if there is adequate storm water retention capacity.  He offered for staff to review and update the model.  Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to update the modeling, and to conduct a feasibility study for constructing a French drain, and to determine whether there are borings and remove dead trees safely, and to discuss a long term solution for the next few years.

3.  Provide Recommendation on Elk River's Cost-Share Proposal for Reconstructing Jarvis Street in 2015: City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and pointed out this is an MSA route.  He noted MSA routes need to connect to each other. The design is built to MSA standards.  He said the City of Elk River is proposing to put in concrete curb and gutter.  The city of Ramsey plans to have the trail running along the road.  The City of Elk River is proposing to continue the trail through Elk River.  The addition of storm sewer will add about $88,000 to the proposal on the City of Ramsey's behalf.  It does prolong the life of the road, so it would be a good addition.  He pointed out the timing of this project is good, since this would be done in time to be used as an alternate route during construction of adjacent areas in the 2015 and 2016 CIPs. He stated there are grants available; however, the application must be turned in several years in advance.  This project was not on the schedule to complete, and having it moved up left no time to apply for grants. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend to City Council to accept the City of Elk River's proposal, and discuss with the City of Elk River to begin repayments in 2016. 

4. Provide Recommendation for Metropolitan Council Regional Transportation Policy Plan:  City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and noted this is a multi-modal policy and all forms of transportation will be considered, ultimately.  He said staff would like confirmation from the Committee that they should focus on the following three items.  1.  Additional investment to Highway 10; 2. Additional investment to Highway 47; 3. Long range planning for a future Mississippi River crossing to the City of Dayton. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend to the City Council that the draft response to the Transportation Policy Plan provide greater emphasis on the following categories: 1.  Additional investment to Highway 10;  2.  Additional investment to Highway 47 ; 3.  Long range planning for a future Mississippi River crossing to the City of Dayton.

Committee / Staff Input

1. Request for No Parking Zone on 150th Lane Across From Ramsey Elementary:  Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and indicated that the City is working with the Police Department during the busy times. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council not restrict road parking on 150^th Lane at this time, and work with the Police Department as needed.

2. Review draft Special Assessment Policy for City Improvement Projects: City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and noted the areas of the Special Assessment Policy that need to be considered and possibly revised. One of the more difficult measurements in considering an assessment method is the front footage.  This item will require further discussion.  He asked if the Committee would like to consider utility assessments now or later; or whether this policy should focus on streets.  He noted there are City Charter complications in considering these assessments. The Committee discussed assessment percentages for road upgrades, new construction, reconstruction, reclamation, mill and inlay, edge mill and overlay, and crack seal/seal coat.    It was agreed to suggest to Council to assess new 25% on reconstruction and reclamation, and overlays.  Crack seal and seal coat should be equal to the maintenance expense.The consensus was to set the interest rate at 2%, and set the term for 10 years for street improvement.  City Administrator Ulrich pointed out a standard amount should be set, however each project can deviate from the standard as necessary. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend City Council direct staff to revise the draft Policy for further consideration at the October Public Works Committee meeting.  This is also being discussed at the October 14, 2014 City Council Work Session. 
3. Update on Road Construction for Brookfield 4th Addition:  Staff explained the work in progress.  Soft spots will be cut out and repaved, and inspected again in the spring of 2015.  Not action taken; for informational purposes. 


 











 



 
 

Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.