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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-10 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION February 10, 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 February 10, 2003 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 Nancy Hanzlik, City Engineer Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Also Present: Jim Wolcott, City Council Liaison 3. APPROVE MINUTES Upon a motion by Jan Wuorenma, and seconded by David Anderson, the January 13, 2003 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Recoqnition for Outqoinq PW Commission Members — Dan Massarotti and Steve In ram. Chair Ken Boyden explained that Dan and Steve would be formally recognized at the City Council meeting on March 5, 2003. He went on to state there are two applicants to fill vacant seats on this commission, however, they may not be able to attend tonighYs meeting due to other commitments. Boyden thanked both Mr. Ingram and Mr. Massarotti for their dedication to the commission and the group gave them a round of applause. Public Works Director Les Burshten joined Boyden in stating appreciation to Steve and Dan for their time commitment and input over the years. Boyden also mentioned that City Engineer Nancy Hanzlik is in attendance tonight to present information during the New Business portion of tonighYs meeting. Public Works Commission February 10, 2003 — Page 2 NEW BUSINESS A. TECHNICAL REVIEW 6.1 CASE ZA02-072 7 PP02-073 (continued from 9/23/02 & 12/23/02 meetings) Cheetah Properties, LLC has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from AG-1, Agricultural Preserve, to R-2.5, Residential, and PUD, Planned Unit Development, and a preliminary plat for a subdivision to be called Mississippi Dunes Estates, which would consist of 178 single-family homes and 139 townhomes. This proposed subdivision would be located on the west side of Hadley Avenue between 95� Street and 100th Street. Public Works Supervisor Harry Taylor explained that senior housing is no longer a part of the project. He also noted future development and roads have been addressed. 6.2 CASE SP02-092 Manley Brothers Construction, Inc. has applied for site plan approval of a townhome development that would consist of 139 units. This development would be located in the proposed Mississippi Dunes Estates subdivision, located on the northwest corner of Hadley Avenue and 100� Street. No further discussion. 6.3 CASE PP02-058 The City of Cottage Grove has applied to review the preliminary plat for Gateway North 1 Addition. Hanzlik explained that this involves a land exchange between the City and U.S. Bank. 6.4 CASES CUP03-004 and SP03-005 Steve Nielsen has applied for a site plan review of a 3,480 square foot retail building consisting of 2,280 square feet for a Subway restaurant and 1,200 square feet of rental space, and a conditional use permit to allow a drive-through restaurant at 8455 East Point Douglas Road South. Commission Member Dan Massarotti is concerned regarding the safety of the proposed site due to numerous roads coming into less than a block area, on a curve, with no traffic lights. Taylor explained that the roads in the area are private roads that were platted many years ago and agreed the area will be more challenging with increased traffic. 6.5 CASE ICUP03-006 Cub Foods has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow a temporary out- door greenhouse in its parking lot at 8690 East Point Douglas Road South. Public Works Commission February 10, 2003 — Page 3 Taylor explained this item has been before the commission during previous years and appears to be standard again this year. 7,1 CASE MP01-082 Aggregate Industries — North Central Region, Inc. has applied for their 2003 annual mining permit to continue mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island. This permit also is standard in accordance with previous years. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. N.P.D.E.S. UPDATE (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Nancy Hanzlik explained that there are actually three different applications for the City to file by March 10, 2003: ❖ Construction Permit ❖ Industrial Permit ❖ S.W.I.F.T. Program (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan). The permit entails the Best Management Practices developed in order for the City to enhance water quality and ultimately make streams fishable, swimmable and generally more attractive. There are six target areas to comply with, one of which is an industrial permit that must be filed for the City. Hanzlik explained cities may qualify for an exemption but this factor remains to be evaluated. Hanzlik went on to state that all three parts of the permit application are in the courts being challenged, however, the League of Minnesota Cities is recommending all municipalities file nevertheless. She added a lot of work has been put into the permit application and it will be submitted March 10 regardless of what is completed. The permits will be valid for five years, however, an annual report must be filed by cities each year. The initial submittal of the application does not require council approval. Thereafter, council approval and public involvement will be required for the annual report which will update the procedure each year. B. Signal Warrant Study Hanzlik explained the signal warrant study was divided into two parts: 1) Jamaica Avenue Signals 2) Highway 61 Signals A traffic study and warrant analysis have been completed. Hanzlik will contact the area manager at MnDOT to gather information on what is on their program and what their recommendation to us may be. A documentation will be completed showing pictures of traffic backed up onto Highway 61 which is a concern that will get MnDOT's attention. Public Works Commission February 10, 2003 — Page 4 Options for the Highway 61/Jamaica Avenue exit may include: ❖ dual left turn lanes ❖ widening or lengthening of the ramp ❖ ramp meters that run between 3:00 and 7:00 pm. The request for a traffic study at the intersection of 80 and Jamaica was requested by a council member. Burshten commented there are so many turn options in the area that iYs confusing for many drivers. Study will continue. C. Pavement Management Program Burshten explained that a meeting took place recently between the contractor (Danner, Inc.), Xcel Energy and City staff. This meeting was due to indecision regarding Xcel installing dual gas mains for the second phase of the reconstruction project. Burshten stated that the job was bid by the contractor with the understanding there would be duai mains. Without dual maining, Danner indicated the cost of the project would increase substantially. The City is now dealing with Xcel with the hope they will change their mind and continue with double maining as done in the first phase. Case continues. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE New Emplovee — Streets Department Les Burshten announced that a new employee, Mike Steeber, began work with the department this Monday. Fire Hvdrant Vandalism During this past weekend, four fire hydrants were opened by vandals resulting in the loss of approximately 1.5 million gallons of water. Public Works crews were called out to apply salt and sand to slippery streets. Burshten explained that this could have turned into a very dangerous situation, particularly at this time of the year where busy roadways could have been covered by a layer of ice. In addition, if hydrants are turned on without unscrewing the caps, they could be ruined. The Public Safety Department is offering a reward for information regarding suspects in this situation. Siqn Policv The City has been looking at different ways of implementing a sign policy. Nancy Hanzlik explained that few cities have a formal sign policy and iYs extremely difficult to generate a policy with a blanket criteria. The approach being followed is to focus on a policy for signs located within the public right-of-way, rather than target signs installed in monuments within private commercial developments. This type of signage is already covered by an ordinance. Public Works Commission February 10, 2003 — Page 5 Hanzlik went on to explain that the process has been divided into six general sign categories: 1. Regulatory 2. Warning 3. Directional 4. Construction 5. Special Purpose 6. Not permitted. Commission Chair Ken Boyden inquired what generated the need for the policy to which Hanzlik responded several staff memos requested a formal policy be drafted. A brief discussion took place regarding the need for consistent signage, particularly in school zones. Boyden stressed the importance of "forewarning" signs that would be helpful for motorists not familiar with the City of Cottage Grove, along with addressing the number of no parking signs in a given area. The group agreed that the policy must be generic. Boyden also stated he feels the sign requests (approval or denial) should be the responsibility of the Public Safety Commission. Hanzlik commented that sign policies in many cities are unwritten, possibly because iYs too difficult to address every issue. Many of them refer to the Uniform Traffic Code Manual, however, this document does not address all issues. If a city "oversigns", the signs become ineffective. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Xcel Enerqy — Power Outaqes Representatives from Xcel Energy recently appeared before the City Council and presented findings from a study regarding power outages in Cottage Grove. It was discovered the wrong crimping tool was being used in repairing a feeder line which resulted in more problems. In addition, "Cottage Grove #74" was tested which resulted in the discovery of a failure in the line. The repair is expected to be completed by May which should reduce the number of power outages. In addition, Xcel is looking at additional power sources and upgrading the system for the future, however, a definite target date was not given. Council Member Wolcott stated that the Council has requested Xcel to complete an upgrade of another main line sooner than the anticipated target year of 2005. Home DepoUNew Medical Clinic Wolcott explained the new store will open on Wednesday, February 12 A medical clinic housed in the former Allina Clinic will open February 20. Tree Trimminq Contact The contract was awarded to Blue Chip Tree Trimming Service Public Works Commission February 10, 2003 — Page 6 Industrial Park — New Business A packaging business (Schmidt Brothers), employing approximately 40 workers, will begin construction of their plant this spring. 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT Massarotti questioned Hanzlik regarding the definition of her position responsibilities within the City as compared to Bonestroo. She responded she will oversee work done by Bonestroo in addition to reviewing or authorizing them to proceed with particular projects. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Liqhted Street Sipns on Semaqhores Commission Member Steve Ingram commented he was in Ramsey, Minnesota recently and noted they have lighted street signs on top of their traffic semaphores. He thought this was a great idea and would like the City to pursue this thought since more and more signals are being installed. New Commission Member Commission Chair Ken Boyden introduced Mr. David Thiede to the group. Dave is one of the individuals Ken interviewed for possible membership on the Public Works Commission. 11. ADJOURNMENT Steve Ingram made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dan Massarotti. Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby