5.6.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 05/10/2011
- By:
- MaryJo Warner, Engineering/Public Works
Title:
Report from Public Works
Background:
The Public Works Committee met on April 19th, 2011 and discussed the following five cases:
Case #5.1 Consider Site Plan for Parking Lot Amendments for Ramsey Office Plaza
This was presented as a separate case at the April 26th, 2011 regular City Council meeting.
Case #5.2 Review Sidewalk Plowing Policy
Street Supervisor Riemer explained as part of the 2011 Strategic Action Plan for public works was to review the sidewalk plowing policy and to establish a policy on who will be responsible for maintenance.
Some of the key points the Committee discussed was if the City will do some portion of snow clearing, but the question is whether the city crew does it, is contracted out, or the residents do it. The City needs to define what it will take responsibility for.
The consensus of the Committee was to be that the townhome associations should continue to be responsible for their snow clearing; including the potential to add public sidewalks that they cover with snow during their private snow clearing efforts. The City should continue with school zone areas. The City should also clear trails and sidewalks adjacent to State Aid roads or interconnecting different neighborhoods. Sidewalks in residential areas should be handled by the residents. Staff will draft a plan and bring it back for consideration.
Case #5.3 Summary of Snow Removal Activities for 2010-2011 Season
Street Supervisor Riemer reviewed in his staff report the scope of the snow removal operations and that 84.7 inches of snow was removed this season. With the first full scale plow event being November 13th, 2010 and the last was March 23rd, 2011. He also reviewed the total mailbox and sod damage that was reported.
The Committee commended public works for having gone only 3% over budget considering the major snow events of the season. Since most of the big events were on holidays and weekends, and overtime had to be used for clearing the snow, this small overage in the budget is commendable.
No action taken, for information purpose only.
Case #5.4 Consider Storm Sewer Outlet Revisions Related to City Project #08-33, Ute Street Improvements
City Engineer reviewed in the staff report that after the substantial completion of this project a concern was expressed by a resident requesting revision to the the new storm sewer outlet.
Resident Arnold Peltzer, 4863 179th Lane, was present and stated the structure should be extended 12 feet out, and it should be narrower so it doesn’t take up the entire easement. He noted when this project began, he thought it would look like any other project in the area. He commented it is unsightly and unsafe.
This will be a separate case on the regular City Council agenda, and the City Attorney will be present to aid in the discussion. Staff added the contractor performed the work they were asked to do, and any changes would be paid by the City.
Case #5.5 Consider Amendments to the City's Topsoil Ordinance
Staff reviewed that there has been much discussion lately related to the overall cost of developing in the City and a review is underway to evaluate where the City of Ramsey stands in relation to surrounding communities with respect to development fees. One of the items identified by some builders was topsoil.
City Engineer Himmer reviewed that Staff did attempt to determine the potential cost savings on a typical family home between the current standard and without, however the numbers were inconclusive.
Motion to recommend that the City Council amend the topsoil ordinance in City Code to reduce the thickness requirement from 6 inches to 4 inches, but the material should remain as the MnDOT premium topsoil borrow specification currently in Code.
Committee/Staff Input
City Engineer Himmer gave an update on Potential Pond Cleaning Project Near155th Lane NW Armstrong Boulevard
Resident Pam Chismar, 8070 155th Lane NW, was present to discuss her concern related to a stormwater pond located in her backyard and that the surface water level of that pond has been dropping over the years.
The Committee explained it is discussing this issue with State Senators to get the issue addressed. This problem is in other suburbs as well.
Public Works Director Olson stated he does not want to lose track of this issue. It is a large, difficult issue because there are so many other jurisdictions involved. He indicated the City should continue to be involved and try to assist however it can in a regional perspective. He noted it will be on a future Council agenda.
Case #5.1 Consider Site Plan for Parking Lot Amendments for Ramsey Office Plaza
This was presented as a separate case at the April 26th, 2011 regular City Council meeting.
Case #5.2 Review Sidewalk Plowing Policy
Street Supervisor Riemer explained as part of the 2011 Strategic Action Plan for public works was to review the sidewalk plowing policy and to establish a policy on who will be responsible for maintenance.
Some of the key points the Committee discussed was if the City will do some portion of snow clearing, but the question is whether the city crew does it, is contracted out, or the residents do it. The City needs to define what it will take responsibility for.
The consensus of the Committee was to be that the townhome associations should continue to be responsible for their snow clearing; including the potential to add public sidewalks that they cover with snow during their private snow clearing efforts. The City should continue with school zone areas. The City should also clear trails and sidewalks adjacent to State Aid roads or interconnecting different neighborhoods. Sidewalks in residential areas should be handled by the residents. Staff will draft a plan and bring it back for consideration.
Case #5.3 Summary of Snow Removal Activities for 2010-2011 Season
Street Supervisor Riemer reviewed in his staff report the scope of the snow removal operations and that 84.7 inches of snow was removed this season. With the first full scale plow event being November 13th, 2010 and the last was March 23rd, 2011. He also reviewed the total mailbox and sod damage that was reported.
The Committee commended public works for having gone only 3% over budget considering the major snow events of the season. Since most of the big events were on holidays and weekends, and overtime had to be used for clearing the snow, this small overage in the budget is commendable.
No action taken, for information purpose only.
Case #5.4 Consider Storm Sewer Outlet Revisions Related to City Project #08-33, Ute Street Improvements
City Engineer reviewed in the staff report that after the substantial completion of this project a concern was expressed by a resident requesting revision to the the new storm sewer outlet.
Resident Arnold Peltzer, 4863 179th Lane, was present and stated the structure should be extended 12 feet out, and it should be narrower so it doesn’t take up the entire easement. He noted when this project began, he thought it would look like any other project in the area. He commented it is unsightly and unsafe.
This will be a separate case on the regular City Council agenda, and the City Attorney will be present to aid in the discussion. Staff added the contractor performed the work they were asked to do, and any changes would be paid by the City.
Case #5.5 Consider Amendments to the City's Topsoil Ordinance
Staff reviewed that there has been much discussion lately related to the overall cost of developing in the City and a review is underway to evaluate where the City of Ramsey stands in relation to surrounding communities with respect to development fees. One of the items identified by some builders was topsoil.
City Engineer Himmer reviewed that Staff did attempt to determine the potential cost savings on a typical family home between the current standard and without, however the numbers were inconclusive.
Motion to recommend that the City Council amend the topsoil ordinance in City Code to reduce the thickness requirement from 6 inches to 4 inches, but the material should remain as the MnDOT premium topsoil borrow specification currently in Code.
Committee/Staff Input
City Engineer Himmer gave an update on Potential Pond Cleaning Project Near
Resident Pam Chismar, 8070 155th Lane NW, was present to discuss her concern related to a stormwater pond located in her backyard and that the surface water level of that pond has been dropping over the years.
The Committee explained it is discussing this issue with State Senators to get the issue addressed. This problem is in other suburbs as well.
Public Works Director Olson stated he does not want to lose track of this issue. It is a large, difficult issue because there are so many other jurisdictions involved. He indicated the City should continue to be involved and try to assist however it can in a regional perspective. He noted it will be on a future Council agenda.
Recommendation:
Staff Recommends Ratifying the Recommendations of the Public Works Committee.
Council Action:
Ratify the Recommendations of the Public Works Committee.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Riemer | adietl | 05/04/2011 11:35 AM |
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 05/04/2011 02:15 PM |
- Form Started By:
- MaryJo Warner
- Started On:
- 04/29/2011 01:36 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/04/2011