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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-13 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION January 13, 2003 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 January 13, 2003 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, Steve Ingram, Dan Massarotti, Jan Wuorenma Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Also Present: Jim Wolcott, City Council Liaison Richard Polta, Resident 3. APPROVE MINUTES Upon a motion by Steve Ingram, and seconded by David Anderson, the December 9, 2002 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Timber Ridqe-Hidden Oaks Connection Ken Boyden stated he received a copy of the Public Safety Commission Minutes regarding the above roadway connection. The minutes reflect that a motion was made by Bruce Gengnagel, seconded by Bill Schmidt that the Public Safety Commission unanimously voted not to approve a regular road connection between the two developments. Boyden inquired of Council Member Wolcott whether this issue has been addressed by Council. Wolcott responded that it has been discussed by Planning and they voted for no connection between the two areas. Boyden stated he believed that Public Safety has recommended a regular road since laws cannot be enforced on a non-standard road. Wolcott added this item will be addressed by the City Council on Wednesday. Boyden feels the City should be concerned about setting precedents for other developers. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Signal Warrant and Justification Study for Jamaica Avenue Public Works Director Les Burshten stated there was a request from Councii Member Kohls for a study to be done due to a request she received from a resident regarding Public Works Commission January 13, 2003 — Page 2 the need for a signal installation at 80` Street and Jamaica. It was suggested that Public Works complete a traffic study along the corridor of Jamaica because of other traffic issues in the area of West Point Douglas and Highway 61. According to Tom Thompson of Bonestroo and Associates, a few of the intersections studied may meet warrants for a traffic signal, the most notable being 80 Street and Jamaica along with the ramps for Highway 61. Due to these findings, Council approval will be sought to request a justification study for MSA funding. If the Council approves the justification study, staff recommends allowing the engineering firm to present the study to MnDOT for a decision on whether they will participate in any cost sharing for the project. Burshten agreed the gpcn Street /Jamaica intersection is becoming an issue due to so many turning movements. The southbound ramp from Highway 61 to Jamaica is becoming a problem with backed up traffic all the way to the Highway 61, particularly during the evening hours. Boyden inquired whether work on the ramp would be a State project, to which Burshten responded that it would. Boyden agreed that adding another left turn lane from the ramp onto Jamaica may alleviate some of the backup. Burshten stated he would direct that decision to traffic engineers for a recommendation. Commission Member Dan Massarotti noted the intersection of Hillside and Jamaica was not included in the study. Burshten stated a traffic study wasn't completed in that area due to varying conditions from 80 Street and other areas noting the Hillside/Jamaica intersection would not likely meet warrants for a signal. Burshten stated he is not asking for recommendations at this point, only to clarify that staff feels proceeding with the justification study is worthwhile. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. N.P.D.E.S. UPDATE (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Burshten noted this study has required much time, effort and energy from a number of Public Works employees, primarily Ailan Larson and Monica Percic. Burshten added the request to complete the report was distributed to cities in November, 2002 and is a mandated, unfunded project that must be completed by March 10, 2003. Assistance may be requested from Bonestroo due to the technical nature of the project. Public Works Technician Allan Larson has been handling the Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are items that must to be done at the city level on an annual basis for the permit process. Larson added that the BMPs are divided into six different sections. 1. EDUCATION The first section involves keeping residents informed and in order for implementation, an education plan must be completed for 2003. In order to get an idea on what Public Works Commission January 13, 2003- Page 3 residents understand about stormwater, a survey will be included in billings. Additionally, websites and hotlines can be created to address questions from residents. IYs essential that City staff be educated on procedures to be followed, for example, upgrading City ordinances that reflect storm water improvements, erosion control, sediment control and ponding. 2. PUBLIC NOTICES. HEARINGS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS A public hearing must take place so residents have the opportunity for input on the report. In addition, an attempt will be made to generate a volunteer program to look at this issue and review what is already being done. Cottage Grove partners with Washington County for many programs including Hazardous Waste Days, Spring Clean Up and the monitoring of septic tanks in the rural areas. The City also works with the Metropolitan Council in pond monitoring. 3. STORM SEWER SYSTEMS/SANITARY SEWERS Larson stated it would be wise to be proactive and develop a stormwater sewer map, as well as develop new programs of water containment. 4. CONSTRUCTION SITES Ordinances regarding storm water runoff and construction site plan reviews can be put into place. In addition, when a site is opened up for grading, iYs suggested a contractor be given a time limit to complete the job. 5. WETLAND DETENTION, RAIN GARDEN INFILTRATION. UNDERGROUND SAND FILTER FILTRATION STABILIZATION SEEDING. POST CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMNET PLAN The above noted plans are a variety of ideas for consideration. 6. PARK AND OPEN SPACES. VARIED TRAINING PROGRAMS-fertilizer application, storm watersvstem, automobile) Expanded training programs can be considered, along with further information dealing with road salt application, chlorinated water management, hazardous household material management, used oil recycling, as well as parking lot and storm drain system cleaning. Commission Member Jan Wuorenma reiterated that this program is unfunded, however mandated and wondered whether the people that are promulgating this program are aware of the costs. Larson responded "probably noY', however, staff is attempting to bring stormwater management to the same level as other utilities such as water or sanitary sewer. Each city must tailor a program specifically for their community which is why each city must complete a self-assessment Wuorenma inquired since the program will cost money, who makes the call as far as whether or not we spend money here or somewhere else? Larson responded that this will likely end up at the Council level. He concluded by saying a full report should be nearly complete by the next PWC meeting. Council Member Wolcott inquired if the project will involve watersheds, to which Larson responded that the plan will address this issue. Public Works Commission January 13, 2003 — Page 4 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Outside Contract for Meter Readinq Burshten explained the City Council authorized the Water Department to look at the possibility of hiring an outside firm for meter reading. As a result, a contract has been secured with RMR, Inc. and a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15` in order to set up a time frame and schedule for this process to begin in February. Commission Member Steve Ingram inquired whether radio read-type meters will eventually be used entirely to which Burshten responded that radio read meters are being installed in new developments now and will eventually be installed city wide. Commission Member Roger Finnegan inquired whether there is a cost for converting all meters to the radio-read type. Burshten responded these meters are more costly, however, noted the price has reduced through the years. When meters were replaced approximately ten to twelve years ago, radio read meters were considered but at the time were cost-prohibitive. It should be noted that the new meters can be retrofit with existing meters and the changeover is being done in-house by Cottage Grove Utility employees. Commission Member Steve Ingram inquired if the purpose of this program is to change meters as they get oider to which Harry Taylor replied that the City is hiring out the meter reading in order to free up Water Utility staff anywhere from three to six days per month. This will allow more time to begin installation of radio read meters city-wide with a completion goal of three years, noting that Public Works has been working with the Finance Department on this matter as well. If the meters are fully installed in a three-year program, the meter reading contract can be eliminated. Inwood Water Tower Paintinq Burshten indicated staff is in the process of proceeding with the painting of the Inwood water tower, part of the capital improvement plan. A meeting was held today and the City will proceed to obtain bids to be presented to the City Council. This water tower was scheduled to be painted approximately three years ago, however the paint job will finally take place this spring. Additional Citv Well The City is in the process of moving ahead this year with the construction of an additional well likely to be located at the new water tower site in the West Draw area. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Council Member Wolcott reported that the City Council approved the following items: ❖ Hiring a City Engineer ❖ The 2003 Budget ❖ New manufacturing facility to be located on 95 Street New businesses recently opened include: •:• Applebees ❖ Caribou Coffee Public Works Commission January 13, 2003 — Page 5 Opening soon: ❖ Home Depot Upcoming project: ❖ Hardwood Road 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT No further discussion. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Open Forum Item: Elevations for Steel Bridqe on Grev Cloud Trail Mr. Dick Polta, 9600 Geneva Avenue, St. Paul Park, attended tonighYs meeting to discuss the steel bridge on Grey Cioud Trail. He stated he was responding to an item published in the Washington County Bulletin indicating that the bridge was going to be raised two or three feet. Wolcott indicated that the City is still dealing with FEMA on some flooding issues for that area, however, is unclear whether iYs been finalized. Burshten responded the funding is close to be finalized, however, does not include any work to be done on the bridge. Polta stated that if the bridge is raised by just three feet, and there's another flood similar to the 1965 flooding, the road will still be under water at that elevation. Mr. Polta distributed information he received off the internet regarding flood levels and he is of the opinion to not spend any money on raising the bridge only three feet and wanted to share this information with the commission. Chair Ken Boyden thanked Mr. Polta for taking the time to attend the meeting. 11. ADJOURNMENT Jan Wuorenma made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Randy Eckstein. Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby