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Home My WebLink About2007-01-08 MINUTES• � ' ' � . � � . � , � , �i . . . 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, January 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair David Anderson calied the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. '• �• . . _ David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Robert Dornsbach, Roger Finnegan, Gary Kjellberg, William Royce Absent: Mackenzie Kelly, Mallory Kelly Staff Present: Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervrsor Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Brian Voelker, ManagementAnalyst Also Present: Mark Grossklaus, City Council Member _..:• it � Upon a motion by Gary Kjellberg, seconded by Robert Dornsbach, the December 11, 2006 minutes were unanimously approved. C�e17�7ii[�7.k\�_�r7��1�7_\i��i�'� 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review 6.1 Linder's Greenhouses — Case ICUP07-001 Linder's Greenhouses, Inc. has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow a temporary greenhouse in the Rainbow Foods parking lot, 7282 East Pt. Douglas Road. Public Works Commission January 8, 2007 – Page 2 6.2 Apqregate Industries – Case MP07-003 Aggregate Industries has applied for their 2007 mining permit to continue their mining operations on �ower Grey Cloud Island. 6.3 Cinqular Wireless Antenna – Cases CUP07-004 and V07-005 Cingular Wireless LLC has applied for a conditional use permit to allow an antenna on property north of 70 Street (County Road 22) and west of Highway 95 (Manning Avenue) and a variance to Title 11-4-07D(4)(d), Setback Requirements. B. Goals and Accomplishments. Public Works Management Analyst Brian Voelker explained that each year City departments and commissions set goals for the upcoming year. He stated a memo was sent along with this month's packet indicating accomplishments for the past two years along with possible goals for 2007. Members were asked to indicate any additions or deletions to these Iists. City Engineer Jennifer Levitt added that Commission Member Gary Kjellberg will be serving on the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee and suggested this goal be added to those of 2007. C. Safe Routes to School Grant Brian Voelker stated the City is applying for Safe Routes to School grants for two areas: the 79 Street sidewalk (from Hemingway to Hinton) and the 65 Street bituminous trail (from Hinton to Cottage Grove Elementary). Commission Member Ken Boyden inquired about the width of the sidewalks to which Levitt responded they would be the typical 6' width. Boyden questioned why the schooi district would not install the sidewalk. Levitt replied that when it comes to school routes, iYs stated in the City ordinance that the City maintain routes specifically to schools. Boyden expressed concern that with the construction of the sidewalk and trails, adequate space be available for snow storage after plowing. Taylor explained that 65 Street is now a county road and the City can work with Washington County in ensuring adequate plowing and snow storage steps are taken. Taylor added the same two employees maintain snow removal on paths and also stated school routes are priority when plowing. Commission Member Gary Kjellberg had a question regarding the area south of 65 Street, called "the wetlands" where water accumulates, particularly after heavy rains. Jennifer Levitt responded any time that happens there are various criteria that establish a wetland and one of them is the soil. When the water sits there for an extended period of time, the soils would then give the indication that water has been present and has been saturated. Specifically, the soils and the vegetation would trigger it to be a wetland. In this case, wetlands credits would be purchased to build up a side slope for trail installation. Public Works Commission January 8, 2007 - Page 3 Kjeliberg inquired if the water was piped from the area. Levitt responded the water is routed through the pond on the Kemp property then down to the pond at 70 and Hardwood. MOTION MADE BY DAVID ANDERSON, SECONDED BY ROBERT DORNSBACH TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE TO APPLY FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT FOR THE 79 STREET SIDEWALK (HEMINGWAY TO HINTON). MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. MOTION MADE BY GARY KJELLBERG, SECONDED BY ROBERT DORNSBACH TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE TO APPLY FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOO� GRANT FOR THE 65 STREET BITUMINOUS TRAIL (HINTON TO COTTAGE GROVE E�EMENTARY�. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRfED. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Roundabout Open House — January 30, 2007 (6:00-8:00) Public Works Facility Jennifer Levitt explained this event will be a great opportunity for individuals to view information firsthand regarding the roundabout. Various stations will be set up inciuding simulations. Additionally, engineers will be on hand to answer questions regarding this project. Gary Kjellberg stated one of the biggest concerns regarding the project is the large volume of vehicles exiting Highway 61 at rush hour. How will it work for vehicles to enter the roundabout with the steady stream of vehicles? Levitt responded she's hoping the simulation will help in answering those questions more clearly. Kjellberg stated the from the roundabout video clips he has seen, none have dealt with a traffic volume this large. Boyden asked how many of the planned roundabouts for the state are tied in direct conjunction with a freeway? Levitt responded that the roundabout in Medford may be similar, however, stated she would obtain further information. Boyden also stated he's concerned about heavier traffic in the area of the stoplights at East Point Douglas/Jamaica, and 90 StreeUJamaica. With the continuous flow of vehicles, traffic backup may be a problem with vehicles experiencing difficulty entering the roundabout. Commission Chair David Anderson asked what happens when the traffic backs up on the roundabout? Commission Member Wiiliam Royce asked if anyone nad ever come up with the idea of placing a sign at the bottom of the ramp indicating: "No Left turns between 4:00 and 6:00 pm". He noticed thaYs where most of the traffic is when he comes home, indicating many cars are lined up all the way onto the highway. A sign would be cheaper than a roundabout. Public Works Commission January 8, 2007 — Page 4 Boyden commented another option would be to place an additional third lane on the southbound lane for right turn only and two lanes for turning Ieft or going straight. Anderson stated that option may not have been feasib9e due ±o a ROW issue wifh MnDOT 6. OLD BUSINESS None. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Harry Taylor reported: • A water main break occurred on January 1 at approximately 3:OOam. • Damaged or diseased boulevard trees are being removed. • Work will begin on Pine Tree Pond (just west of St. Rita's Church) on 80� Street. • The Parks Department will once again be working on the rinks • Fleet Maintenance has just completed their annual internal inventory of parts and supplies • The compost site will no longer be operated by NRG. Various options are being considered with other companies as well as other possible Iocations for the site. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE City Council Member Mark Grossklaus reported Fred Luden began his term as a City Council Member on January 3` Grossklaus also indicated he was once again appointed as the Council Liaison for the Public Works Commission. He also indicated the Speed Study for Hinton Avenue was approved for 35 mph. 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ii�e\�1lfilq:7.li�il��i Motion to adjourn was made by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Gary Kjellberg. Motion was unanimousiy carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm. Respectfully submitted, 1�atvi.ci.a Stav'by