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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-14 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION October 14, 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 October 14, 2002 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. 2. ROLL CALL Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, Dan Massarotti, Steve Ingram, Jan Wuorenma Members Excused: David Anderson Also Present: Jim Wolcott, City Council Liaison Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Monica Percic, Public Works Management Analyst 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Jan Wuorenma, and seconded by Dan Massarotti, the September 9, 2002 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS None 5. NEW BUSINESS 'Note: No Technical Review Meeting was held this month A. Kingsborough Woods Curb Damage Due to Spill Public Works Director Burshten explained that due to unexpected rainfall on September 30, 2002, tack oil applied to streets in the Kingsborough Woods 2" Addition caused damage to curb and gutters in the area. In addition, some of the tack coating flowed into storm sewers. In an attempt to stop the mixture from flowing into other areas, the contractor (Tower Asphalt) began to sweep the tack which in turn caused portions of the curb to turn black. Public Works Commission October 14, 2002 — Page 2 Public Works notified the Pollution Control Agency on October 3, 2002 regarding the release of the tack coat mixture into the storm sewer. A P.C.A. representative investigated the incident and found the situation was not hazardous. Burshten concluded by saying the area was cleaned to the satisfaction of the City. New Manaqement Analvst for Public Works Division At this time, Burshten introduced Monica Percic, Public Works Management Analyst, to the commission members. Monica is sitting in on the meeting tonight as an observer and was welcomed by the Commission. B. City Banners Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor, reported the City's Marketin� Committee has been discussing the possibility of purchasing city banners for the 80 StreeUGateway Area. These banners will be placed on the existing light poles which have a built-in coupler. Various designs have been looked at, however, no decision has been made. At this point various options are being explored: . How much should be spent on banners? . How many banners should be purchased? Commission Member Dan Massarotti emphasized that the banner logo or design ultimately chosen be standardized to be easily recognized as a symbol for Cottage Grove. Taylor explained that the Marketing Committee is working on emphasizing the City's heritage and consistency of the City logo will be a priority. Jan Wuorenma commented that the Great Grove Get Together Committee has also discussed the possibility of city banners and inquired if budget monies have been set aside for a purchase of this type. Taylor responded that the mention of banners to publicize the Great Grove Get Together is what initiated the suggestion to look into this option. The banners ultimately chosen should also be high—quality and long lasting as well as reasonably priced. Chair Ken Boyden added the logo should be clear and concise emphasizing it should be easily read from a moving vehicle. There was a concern that the City may be experiencing budget concerns, whether a banner purchase would be prudent at this time and what the banner cost would be. Taylor replied that the banners would be priced at approximately $200.00 each, depending on the quantity ordered and added this topic will be discussed at the City Council meeting on October 16. C. City Sign Policy Burshten stated the sign policy was placed on tonighYs agenda due to recent sign placement recommendations addressed by the Public Safety Commission. In addition, a memo prepared by Les Wick of the Public Works Signs Division was distributed to Commission members with suggestions to alleviate the vast amount of signs in the City of Cottage Grove. It is being suggested at this time that a policy be adopted in order to standardize sign placement . At the present time, citizens may Public Works Commission October 14, 2002 — Page 3 come forward before the Public Safety Commission and request sign placement (handicapped child, deaf child, children at play, speed limit, etc.) Most sign placements are clearly defined in the Uniform Traffic Code Manual, however some sign placement requests fall into a"gray area" and the City is striving for policy consistency. Another factor to consider is that 80 Street is an MSA Road and is regulated by their policies. It is suggested that sign requests be placed before a review board where new sign requests can be evaluated and unnecessary signs may be removed. Boyden cautioned that one must be careful in writing policy that may leave some doors open — wording is critical. Taylor agreed, stating that Captain Craig Woolery of the Cottage Grove Police Department is also an advocate of streamlining a policy for sign placement. 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Update Burshten stated an Open House took place on October 10� at Public Works for residents involved with Phase 1 of the Pavement Management Project. The purpose of the event was to update homeowners on the progress of the project as well as invite them to ask questions. At this time construction is behind approximately two weeks due to the heavy rains, however, has gone well despite the wet weather. Main concerns of residents are: . Will the final lift be placed on the roadway? . Will boulevard restoration be completed? . Will streetlights be fully functioning soon? Because streetlights in some areas have been out for such a long period of time, some residents are not willing to pay their bili. It was also stated that any yard that was not seeded as of October 11 will be seeded in November. All paving and boulevard restoration will be complete this year and streetlights are expected to be functioning fully by October 30� Burshten concluded that generally speaking, he believes this is one of the best pavement management projects he has ever seen despite the extreme weather conditions encountered. B. Follow Up From Last Meeting — Forwarding Pertinent Information to Planning Commission. This item has been addressed as a result of this commission's concern regarding follow up on issues discussed and various motions carried during monthly PWC meetings. Taylor stated he included in the packet a sample of the motions made at the September meeting. These motions were then sent to Planning. Public Works Commission October 14, 2002 — Page 4 Taylor went on to explain that because of the long process, it may be over a month before approved minutes are distributed. A goal of PWC staff members will now be to include the most recent minutes that can be obtained from Planning (whether they are approved or unapproved) for placement in the PWC packets. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Hardwood Avenue Corridor Burshten indicated that a number of trees on the future Kohl's site will be moved to other areas of the City including parks and the flume (waterway that extends through the Industrial Park). Holdinq Pond Near Rainbow A wrought iron fence is being placed around the pond. Kinqston Park Areas around the goals have been re-sodded. Public Works Facilitv Final paving has been completed in the parking lot and salt shed area. Household Hazardous Waste Dav Washington County sponsored a Household Hazardous Waste drop off here at Public Works on Saturday, October 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon. Many residents took advantage of this opportunity to dispose of items -(214 cars were counted by staff). Public Works Open House - 2003 Plans are commencing for the Open House to take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2003. Burshten inquired if anyone would like to help they are welcome to do so. Solid Waste Policv A workshop will take place on October 28 at the Oakdale City Hall hosted by the Oakdale Environmental Management Commission dealing with recycling, solid waste and the environment in our area. Burshten invited Dan Massarotti to attend this meeting at which time Massarotti inquired of the status of Cottage Grove's Policy. He stated no additional meetings have been scheduled in quite some time regarding this issue and wished for an update. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE None. 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT No discussion. Public Works Commission October 14, 2002 — Page 5 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Sprinq Clean Up A question was brought up whether clean up days could perhaps take place twice per year - both spring and fall. It is felt that this may be too costly for the City, however, Burshten explained that more advertising should be done for residents informing them that many items brought to Spring Clean Up may be easily placed in their weekly trash pick-up. He noted that some residents bring one item to Clean Up Days and wait in line for 40 minutes to dispose of it. He also added that most items can be brought to the RDF Plant in Newport. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Jan Wuorenma, seconded by Steve Ingram. Motion was carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby