Report from Public Works

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on July 19, 2010 and discussed the following five cases.

Case #5.1 Consider Storm water Solutions for Woodland Green Pond

Public Works Director Olson reviewed in the staff report that the residents, Jason and Ruth Obermaier, 5220 156th Lane NW have contacted the City about water standing in their back yard.

The consensus of the Committee is to move forward with relocating the septic field or hooking up to sewer and in the meantime work with the homeowner to extend the easement back as far as we can.

Case #5.2: Sidewalk Snowplowing Policy

The purpose of this case was to get direction on whether residents should be responsible for the winter maintenance of their own sidewalks. Clearing snow from residential sidewalks would be the responsibility of the homeowner. The city would maintain all trails and sidewalks adjacent to MSA roads, as well as sidewalks designated by the school district in their walking program.

There was discussion about when creating a policy, which a development has to be 75 percent, filled before we start enforcing the sidewalk policy. Further discussion related to the transition policy was to stop the service first and inform residents they are responsible for shoveling their sidewalk. Stopping the service will create some neighborhood peer pressure for all residents to shovel their walks, and then phase in enforcement/citations maybe two to three years down the line as needed.

Consensus of the Committee is for townhome developments to maintain their own sidewalks.


Case #5.3: RFP for Parking Ramp and Parking Lot Snow Removal at the Municipal Center

Public Works Street Supervisor Riemer reviewed in his report that with the reduction of staff and the future need for 24 hour residential parking in the ramp, staff feels they will not be able to provide the level of service needed and is asking to contract a service for the length of two years.

Motion to recommend City Council authorize staff to do RFP's for contracted snow removal services for municipal parking ramp and parking lot at the municipal center.

Case #5.4: Review Dirt Road Elimination Policy

Staff reviewed that there are still about 1.5 miles of dirt roads and wanted to make the Committee aware that those roads are out there and is asking if there is any priority.

Staff is asking to eliminate dirt roads when development opportunities present themselves.

Consensus of Committee is to continue in this direction.

Case #5.5: Update on Anoka County Access Spacing Guidelines that Determine Locations for Hard Channelization

Public Works Director Olson wanted to update the Committee and ultimately the Council on two changes that Anoka County staff has agreed to look into. The first is allowing a 3/4 access as a conditional access and reintroducing the land use categories into the access spacing guidelines.

This was for informational purposes only.