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Home My WebLink About2002-06-10 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION J u n e 10, 2002 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Public Works Garage, 8635 West Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on June 10, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, Dan Massarotti Members Excused: Jan Wuorenma Members Absent: Steve Ingram Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Gary Orloff, Streets Foreman 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Randy Eckstein, seconded by Dan Massarotti, the May 13, 2002 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Snow Fence on Hearthside Trail Commission Member Dan Massarotti commented the fence was still up on Hearthside and indicated he had heard there was some sort of legal action involved. Director Les Burshten responded there is a lawsuit pending due to an injury sustained at that location. The fence will be removed once modifications are made to the area. Public Works Commission June 10, 2002 — Page 2 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review. 6.1 CASE RS02-048 Harry C. Wolf has applied for a simple lot division to subdivide a 12.49-acre parcel into two parcels of 9.49 acres at 6150 Lamar Avenue South. Public Works Technician Allan Larson reported this is a lot split request in which the owner is requesting the land be divided into two parcels. Staff is concerned with recent flooding of a drainage swale from Woodbury just past the first lot located closest to the road. A culvert is being recommended so water can readily flow through the area. 6.2 CASES ZA01-058. PP01-059, and SP01-060 (continued from 4/22/021 Thompson Land Development has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from R-2.5, Residential, and R-5, Medium Density Residential, to PUD, Planned Unit Development; and a preliminary plat and site plan review with variance of a multi- family residential development consisting of 300 dwelling units to be located on the northwest corner of 70� Street and Hinton Avenue. Larson noted some changes have been made to the original plan stating there will less crowding of homes along with improved grading to the area. Massarotti inquired whether multiple housing units will create more traffic problems to which Larson responded the twin homes likely will increase traffic, however, less units are being constructed than originally proposed. Commission Member Randy Eckstein noted the entrance and exits to the development are in an awkward location and wondered if Washington County will deal with that issue. Larson responded that an island will be installed to control traffic. Boyden indicated he was concerned that there was only one exit in and out of the development and suggested this problem be addressed further. 6.3 CASE PP02-041 Pulte Homes has applied for a preliminary plat for Timber Ridge 3` Addition, which would consist of 115 lots for single family homes, to be located south of the Timber Ridge subdivision and east of the Hidden Oaks subdivision. Larson commented that upgrades and modifications have been made to the original plan, including an improved walking trail system and driveway to serve the development. Public Works Commission June 10, 2002 — Page 3 6.4 CASE V02-049 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a variance to the city's sign ordinance. (Title 9-8-8), Off-Premises Advertising Signs, and Title 9-8-5F, Prohibited Signs) to allow an off-site sign for the Gateway Center. The sign would be located on the southeast corner of 80` Street and East Point Douglas Road, near Hollywood Video. B. New Street Construction Process/Curb Damage in New Developments. Burshten explained that a draft memo was prepared by Tom Thompson of Bonestroo regarding curb damage in new developments which has been discussed by this Commission in the past. A bituminous curb has been constructed in Timber Ridge to alleviate potential damage. Burshten also commented that the curb design has been changed and concrete strength of the curb has been upgraded. Contractors have been contacted and made aware of this issue. Ultimately, curb damage expenses are passed on to homeowners as construction prices are increased to cover these costs. Commission Member Randy Eckstein explained that the ultimate goal of alleviating curb damage is to protect the homeowner and save dollars in the long run. He added some options to prevent damage have already been initiated. Massarotti stressed the importance of street width in new developments meeting city standards with roadways being wide enough to allow sufficient plowing and good access for emergency vehicles. Harry Taylor encouraged the commission members to look at the curb damage first hand to be made aware of this problem. At this time it was suggested that a tour of new construction areas be arranged for the next meeting. 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Update Taylor reported construction is going very well. Some curb and blacktop has been completed. Drainage issues are being addressed on Glenbrook Avenue. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Burshten introduced Gary Orloff as the new Streets Foreman. He went on to say that Gary is here tonight to present a quick update on the sealcoating project to begin soon. Orloff explained that sealcoating is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17� starting with the Highlands addition. Sealcoating will cover the area from 70 to 80� Street between Keats and Jamaica Avenues. 80� Street will be sealcoated all the way to Public Works Commission June 10, 2002 — Page 4 Kimbro Avenue along with East Point Douglas Road. Burshten commented that Gary has done a great job in his new foreman position. Maqs It was suggested that a large map be placed on the wall to assist the Commission in identifying various sites in the City, especially new developments. Public Works Staff Along with the promotion of Gary Orloff to Streets Foreman, Jim Fohrman has been promoted to Lead Worker in the Parks Division. Andy Bushey, a new mechanic in the shop, started a week ago. Burshten explained that a large amount of applications have been received for openings in the Parks Department. Interviews will likely take place during the ne� couple of weeks. When Gary Orloff was promoted to Streets Foreman, an opening occurred for a Lead Worker in the Streets Division which will be filled shortly. Applications have also been received for the Public Works Management Analyst vacancy. Great Grove Get Toqether Burshten reported the event took place last weekend and went very well. Parks Division employees did a great job working with the Great Grove Event Committee. Public Works Oqen House The Open House on May 23rd was very successful with somewhere between 550 and 800 people visiting the Public Works facility. Special thanks to Dan Massarotti and Steve Ingram for helping with the activities. 103` Street Railroad Bridqe Repairs will be made to the bridge on June 19�' at which time the road will be closed for one day. Notification of the road closure will be made with the Police Department, Mississippi Dunes and the Transportation Office since summer school is taking place. Citv Pool The Pool is up and running. It should be noted the Water Department has done a great job with the pool maintenance. Budqet Process Les stated staff has worked hard at putting their budgets together. A meeting will take place tomorrow with additional city staff for budget discussions. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE No discussion. 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT No further discussion. Public Works Commission June 10, 2002 - Page 5 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None 11. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Randy Eckstein, seconded by Dan Massarotti. Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby