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Home My WebLink About2006-12-11 MINUTESREQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCI� AGENDA MEETING ITEM # , m 0 DATE 1/17/07 PREPARED BY: Public Works Les Burshten C7F21GINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR ��.�,��,��. COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST: Accept and place on file the minutes of the December 11, 2006 meeting of the Public Works Commission. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the December 11, 2006 minutes of the Public Works Commission. BUDGET IMP�ICATION: $ $ BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDWG SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION DATE ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY � PUBLIC WORKS 1/8/07 ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ REVIEWED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ APPROVED ❑ ❑ � ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMOlLETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERWG RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: � OTHER: Approved minutes of Public Works Commission meeting on December 11, 2006 ADMIN�STRATORS COMMENTS `'` h ,--- r ' g , � d � /' City Administrator Date �.��,��.�� COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: �APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER , • • � ' '� . � � . � � �- _ �_ �� Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Cottage Grove Public Works Facility, 8635 West Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair David Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. ROL� CA�L. David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Robert Dornsbach, Roger Finnegan, Gary Kjellberg, Mackenzie Keliy Excused: Wiiliam Royce Absent: Mallory Kelly Staff Present: Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Howard Blin, Community Development Director Aiso Present: Mark Grossklaus, City Councit Member Howard Blin, Community Development Director Dennis and Kathryn Koehnen, 7755 74� Street South Glen Jorgensen, 7756 74 Street South 3. APPROVE MINUTES Upon a motion by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Gary Kjellberg, the November 13, 2006 minutes were unanimously approved. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS 5. OLD BUSINESS (Moved up on the Agenda) A. Hinton Speed Study City Engineer Jennifer Levitt explained the original recommendation for the speed limit on Hinton Avenue between 70 and 80 Street was set at 40 mph by MnDOT on March 17, 2006. Area residents expressed a number of concerns at the Public Safety Commission meeting and as a result, a letter was sent to the Minnesota Department of Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 2 Transbortation requesting � sneed limit modification of 35 mph. Issue� r�ferenced in the letter include: • Narrow driving configuration on Hinton Avenue • Sidewalks and traiis adjacent to the roadway • Proximity to the school zone • Visibility from various intersections Based upon those reasons, the Department of Transportation agreed with the request and granted that Hinton Avenue between 70 and 80� Street be posted at 35 mph. Levitt added this recommendation does not include any revised lane configuration, striping, trails or sidewalks at this time. Commission Member Gary Kjellberg commented he is in total support of the installation of a sidewalk on Hinton from ?6 to 70 Street for safety reasons. Resident Kathryn Koehnen responded that the City only owns just 3 feet of the property needed for the sidewalks and the rest is privately owned. Kjellberg explained he feels 30 mph is too slow for Hinton Avenue. Levitt indicated that the City will take a comprehensive overview of the trails and sidewalks in the next pavement management district to potentially find other configurations instead of having to acquire right-of-ways. Mr. Glen Jorgenson indicated he did not want a sidewalk 20 feet from his bedroom window and added the City would need to acquire his property for a sidewalk. He, nor the Koehnens, are willing to sell the property needed. Mr. Dennis Koehnen commented that he is very much opposed to the sidewalk issue and stated they have attended numerous meetings regarding the speed limit on Ninton Avenue. He stated if the speed is increased to 35 mph, motorists wiil soon drive 40 or 45 mph, many of which are driving those speeds currentiy. Commission Member Ken Boyden asked when it was discovered the City didn't own enough easement for the sidewalk. He added the speed limit issue comes up every couple of years, however, he was unaware the City didn't have enough easement. Jennifer Levitt reiterated why this issue is back before us. When the County reconstructed Hinton Avenue, this section of road was going to be re-evaluated for speed from 70 Street to the Cottage Grove border. The speed limit evaluation was a County request, not something initiated by the City of Cottage Grove. Commission Chair David Anderson inquired of the residents how many students are walking on the property to the rear of their homes. The Koehnens and Mr. Jorgenson responded, "None." They stated in the past their children walked across the street to the sidewalk and then to school. They commented raising the speed limit makes no sense and will make crossing the street even more difficult with faster traffic. Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 3 Anderson commented that he's personally not in favor of installing the sidewalk. He added you can put a sidewalk in the best place in the worid and kids may not use it simply because tney've developed other patterns or habits. He suggested the speed remain at 30 mph and agreed that the higher the speed limit, the faster motorists will drive. He concluded that enforcement ultimately controls speed, not signs. �evitt wanted to point out that when the Department of Transportation completed this study, the recommended speed limit was based on a median speed of 38 mph. Mrs. Kathryn Koehnen asked if any steps will be taken regarding the restriping of the lanes. She understands they are 11 feet wide which is under the recommended width of 12 feet. If the speed limit is going to be raised even five miles per hour, thought should be given to restriping. Boyden said this issue has come up numerous times during his involvement with the City and it was never clear who actually wants the speed limit increased. If motorists are going over the speed limit, why is this being condoned? He feeis this is a Public Safety issue, not for Public Works to decide. He suggested radar be used to control the speed on Hinton Avenue. Kjellberg stated the Public Works Commission originally supported the 40 mph speed limit provided sidewalks were installed. He added 30 mph seems rather siow for this stretch of roadway. If sidewalks are not part of the proposal, he wouldn't support an increase of the speed limit. The Koehnens and Mr. Jorgensen agreed that iYs difficult to turn onto Hinton now with the speed limit at 30 mph and cautioned the higher speed limit will make the situation worse. Anderson recommended that the speed limit on Hinton Avenue remain at 30 mph between 70� and 80 Streets. He added the City should not consider installing a sidewalk further on the eastern side of Hinton Avenue from 76 Street to 70 Street. Kjellberg also stated he wishes the motion to indicate to Council the reason why the 30 mph limit should remain is a safety issue because of the lack of sidewalks. He only supports an increased speed limit if sidewalks are in place. IN VIEW OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS, THIS COMMISSION RECOMMENDS A 30 MPH SPEED I.IMIT ON HINTON AVENUE BETWEEN 70 AND 80 STREETS DUE TO THE FACT NO SIDEWALKS ARE PROPOSED FOR THE EA sT 31DE OF HINTON AVENUE. MOTION MADE BY DAVID ANDEI2SON, SECONDED BY GARY KJELLBERG. MOTIOtJ WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Appointment to Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Community Development Director Howard Blin indicated he was here tonight on a recruiting mission and is looking for a representative from this commission to sit on a Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 4 steering committee to revise the comprehensive plan. The City currently has a comprehensive plan that was approved in the year 2000. He explained that typically every 8 to 10 years the City is required by state law to review this comprehensive plan which is then submitted to the Met Council for approval. He went on to say the key element to the plan is the land use element both for existing development but more importantiy for future development. The other element thaYs currentiy lacking is a staging plan that indicates what areas of the City are going to develop when, not necessarily what year, but in sequence. We're already committed to the East Ravine, but once that is fully developed in 15 to 20 years, where does the City go at that time? In the end, it is hoped to have a transportation plan which projects traffic volumes for perhaps 20 years out. This wiil enable the City to project out based on development patterns as to where the major road volumes will be. From there, we will determine which intersections or roadways need improvement and prioritize them at that point. Blin indicated the City Vision 21 Plan was completed in 1998 which is a goal statement and quite weBl done. There is good information in that report that can help guide this process which will likely take about a year and a half. The City has been mandated to submit a final version of the plan to the Met Council by the end of 2008. The Steering Committee will consist of the entire Planning Commission along with one member from each of the following commissions: Public Works, Public Safety, Historic Preservation, Human Rights and Parks. The committee will likely meet every other month on the first Monday. Bt is hoped the Committee can begin meeting in February 2007. Commission Member Gary Kjellberg stated he would like to be considered for the comrnittee. MOTIOiV MADE BY DAVID ANDERSON, SECONDED BY ROBERT DORNSBACH APPOINTING GARY KJELLBERG TO SERVE ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE. Motion was unanimously carried. B. Washington County Intersection Control Ranking Jennifer expiained this report is to inform members of the work done by Washington County regarding intersections. As an example, concerns have been expressed regarding the 70" Street and Hinton Avenue intersection and Levitt wished to keep members informed of the rankings and where our two highest intersections are on the list. She noted the highest ranking intersections in our city are: • 70 Street (County Road 22) and Hinton Avenue (County Rod 13) • 70�" Street (County Road 22) and Hardwood Avenue. Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 5 C. Camel's Hump Park Update Jennifer explained a variety of information for the Camel's Hump Park developmenf was included in this month's packet. Now that Oak Cove has been approved, it enables the City an opportunity to install the parking lot and trail system. Staff has reviewed various options and configurations for the parking lot. A schematic of the project was prepared by the landscape architect, including an area known as a council ring, however, it was noted that due to its proximity to a private residence, it was decided by staff that the council ring was probably too intensive of a use on a bluff line. Staff is now recommending the construction of a main overlook including the installation of a bench and to look at conditional landscaping to provide screening for the nearby residence. It was also decided to forego lighting of the trail as the City does not want to encourage people to be there after dark. �evitt added the Parks Commission will also be reviewing these plans tonight at their meeting and will look at some of the issues with trail connection and interpretive signs. We hope to focus on interpretive natures of the site both from its geology to birds of prey along with different plants found in the area. The main focus tonight is to obtain feedback from this commission in regard to the maintenance of the area. Commission Member Ken Boyden inquired about access to the park. Levitt responded that access would be off of Burr Oak (located at the top of the hill). He also suggested that the park could be gated at night to discourage night usage. Levitt stated the only concern with that is that the parking Iot will be used as a cui-de-sac feature and if gated, we lose the turnaround ability. Commission Member Gary Kjeliberg asked if irrigation wiil be considered for the area. He is concerned about the maintenance of the plant life in the park. �evitt responded they are considering the utilization of no-maintenance features such as decorative rock since water isn't readily available. Kjellberg also cautioned that if turf is installed, mower accessibility should be considered. D. Review of Utilities — Grange Business Area Jennifer explained staff is reviewing the various scenarios for the improved water system, along with the status of utilities in order to adequately serve the area. Elevated Water Tank Inspection Report Levitt indicated the report states interior and exterior painting must be done, specifically since the interior contains lead-based paint. It is recommended the tower be repainted in addition to other repairs to ensure the site is OSHA compliant. Structuraily, the tower is in good repair. Staff is reviewing whether this tank should be taken down and rebuilt in the Industrial Park and what various alternatives and scenarios exist. At this point in time, looking at the value of the land and the cost to Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 6 tear the tower down, it is staff's recommendation that the City should proceed with the Grange Tower modefications and keep the tank. Kjellberg ques#ianed whether this is the most econornical option keeping in rrzind this is just a 150,000 gallon tank. Taylor responded that if this tank comes down, the City is looking at spending aimost $2 million dollars on a replacement tank. Additionally, there are two antenna users on the existing tower so income is being generated. Taylor added the Industrial Park hasn't taken off yet with any heavy water users and we don't want to overbuild the system. Staff's recommendation is to wait and see as it will likely be 5-10 years out at any rate. Levitt added land has been dedicated to the City for a future water tower site. To date, water is stubbed to that location. Staff is proposing that we connect to that pipe underneath the railroad and extend a 16" water main out to West Pt. Douglas. By running that water line, we essentially buy ourselves a little more flexibility in the routing of our water. If we start to see a lot of use in the Industrial Park and redevelopment happens quickiy, we could trigger that pipe construction much faster than a tank and that would buy us the time that we would need. Levitt strongly advocates not putting that pipe in until we are ready to reconstruct West Point Douglas in approximately five years. Kjellberg questioned whether the water pressure will be adequate for the proposed Presbyterian Homes. Taylor responded that the current system is adequate for fire suppression but Presbyterian Homes wiil have to internaliy pump their water because of the four stories planned for the structure. The City could not provide them with the water pressure required for that fourth floor. Commission Chair David Anderson inquired if the commercial area immediately around the Grange Tower develops, will that speed up the plans for piping or can the system handle the immediate growth? Taylor responded tnere are different pressure zones so we are probabiy going to recommend a pipe coming across the highway over by the Clear Channel property which would tie into that rather quickly. The key for us is to know in advance who is coming. Jennifer responded that if the areas were developed, the City would require that piping be installed and these costs would be incurred by the developer. Harry Taylor went on to explain that the water system gets very complicated in the area because of the three different zones that all work together. Jennifer also noted that if the South Ridge development comes in, there's a sanitary sewer issue with the lift station. Pumps currently in place are not operating very efficiently and do not pump adequately enough to keep up with the potential fiow. The City is proposing that South Point Ridge make modifications to the lift station by replacing the pumps so we can pump more effectively and meet future demand. Levitt indicated the other problem encountered was wet well capacity. For example, if a power failure occurred, the City must have the ability to store sewage before pumping and due to the proximity of other utilities from gas lines and storm pipes, we don't have the ability or the land to install a larger wet well. Pubiic Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 7 Anderson inquired whether this lift station service would be a cost that would go back to the developer. Jennifer responded that the lift station would serve more than the development and the amount paid by the developer could be negotiated with the remainder covered by the Sevver Maintenance budget. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE • Bids were received for Well #9 and granted to E.H. Renner & Sons, the lowest of four bids received • Snowplows are ail set to go • Storm pond work is being completed at various sites including Indian Boulevard across from Cottage Grove Junior High • The Parks Department had the outside rinks all set to go, and then this warm weather arrived.... • The Water Utility Department has been doing an excellent job instailing the new exterior radio readers. IYs hoped they will be completely installed by next spring. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Councii Member Mark Grossklaus reported: • The Walden Woods Project was denied • On December 13, the election for Karla Bigham's Council seat will take place with 13 candidates applying for the position Grossklaus also commented that he lives near the Highlands Pond and he's heard many good comments about the upgrades. A recently noticed benefit was the fact that skaters were using the pond. This may be a concept to incorporate in the north on Pine Tree Pond. He also noted major expenses may have to be kept at a minimum for 2007 due to the lack of building permits as a result of the housing trend going downward. The East Ravine may not develop as quickly as earlier anticipated. S. ENGINEER'S REPORT Roundabouts Jennifer commented a handout is being distributed indicating where the different roundabouts are being planned throughout the state of Minnesota due to a request from the commission. She also stated an open house regarding the new roundabout will take place here at Public Works on Tuesday, January 30 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Various stations will be set up in the lunch room so the public can view videos, familiarize themselves with the pians and ask questions. Public Works Commission December 11, 2006 — Page 8 Safe Routes to School Jennifer noted that at the next meeting the commission will see a resolution for support for the Safe Routes to School grant. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Chair David Anderson stated he had a resident call him today regarding an issue with obtaining necessary permits. Anderson explained this resident is putting an addition on his home, had gone to the Building Department and asked for the necessary permits. It was thought all was OK and then someone from Public Works stopped to tell the resident a permit was needed in order for equipment to go over the curb. Anderson suggested the departments communicate a little better so that if a resident goes to City Hall to get a permit, aIl the necessary permits will be granted. Jennifer explained that there was no indication the resident was intending on having equipment dropped off in the street as the method for construction was not listed in the plans. Planning didn't have any way of anticipating this, nor did Public Works. Levitt said part of the problem was that the resident obtained the permit rather than the contractor and was not aware of the construction process to be used. She concluded that because each contractor must be licensed to work in the City, part of the application process should include the listing of all required permits. East Point Douqlas/Cub/MerchanYs Bank Road Confiquration Jennifer noted it was the recommendation of staff to hold off on this issue because there had been talk about commercial development at Highway 61 and Keats which could change the look of the Target area. This project is in a holding pattern at the moment and staff does not wish to make a hasty decision that could change a few years down the road. 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. 12. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Gary Kjellberg. Motion was unanimously carried. Respectfully submitted, t a-tri.a:a� Storby