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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-14 MINUTES11 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at Cottage Grove Public Works, 8635 West Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm. • 449 Chair David Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Robert Dornsbach, Gary Kjellberg, William Royce Excused: Roger Finnegan Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Also Present: Mark Grossklaus, City Council Member Gary Kjellberg wished to make a correction to Page 7 of the March 12, 2007 minutes. With construction on the roundabouts to be started shortly, Kjellberg suggested the company transporting vehicles bypass the construction area via 110 Street East to Highway 61. With this correction and upon a motion by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Ken Boyden, the March 12, 2007 minutes were unanimously approved. Aa]5 i 10 F I• 4.1 A. Reappointment Robert Dornsbach, Gary Kjellberg B. Appointment of Commission Chair Vice Chair and Secretary Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 2 David Anderson was nominated as Chair of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Ken Boyden and unanimously carried. Robert Dornsbach was nominated as Vice Chair of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by David Anderson, seconded by Ken Boyden and unanimously carried. Roger Finnegan was nominated as Secretary of the Public Works Commission. Motion was made by Ken Boyden, seconded by Gary Kjellberg and unanimously carried. A. Technical Review 6.1 Jerrod Winter Porch — Case V07 -027 Jerrod Winter, 8162 Homestead Court South, has applied for a variance from Title 11- 9C-5, Development Standards in the R -3, Single Family Residential District, to allow construction of a front porch 21 feet from the front property line when 30 feet is required. 6.2 TNT Fireworks at Cub — Case ICUP07 -025 TNT Fireworks has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow temporary outdoor sales of fireworks in the parking lot at Cub Foods, 8690 East Pt. Douglas Road South. 6.3 Fireworks at Rainbow Foods — Case ICUP07 -028 Renaissance Fireworks has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow temporary outdoor sales of fireworks in the parking lot at Rainbow Foods, 7282 East Point Douglas Road South. 6.4 Michael's Pointe Subdivision — Cases ZA -7 -029 and PP07 -030 WAI Continuum has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning of property west of Jamaica Avenue and north of The Preserve of Cottage Grove from AG -1, Agricultural Preservation, and R -1, Rural Residential, to R -2A, Residential District. WAI Continuum also applied for a preliminary plat to be called Michael's Pointe, which would consist of 15 lots for single family homes of which three are formed by combining with outlots from The Preserve at Cottage Grove and several outlots. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 3 City Engineer Jennifer Levitt stated a request will be made to the developer to change Lot #1. The lot runs the full length of Shepherd's Wood Pond and extends to the rear of the properties of an adjacent development, The Preserve at Cottage Grove. Lot #8 will also be eliminated due to wetland setbacks and encroachment on the 75 -foot buffer strip on Jamaica which was established for the East Ravine Development Area. Levitt also indicated that Outlots D and C are actually a land -swap between the Preserve at Cottage Grove and Michael's Pointe to enable the creation of two platted lots. This item is scheduled to move forward to the Planning Commission on May 21 then to the City Council on July 20 for approval. Levitt also explained that a clarification is being made with the Watershed District since Shepherd's Wood Pond is a protected class of water a bituminous trail can be installed along the shoreline of the pond. Additionally, emergency access will be provided off Jamaica Avenue directly into the cul -de -sac. Commission Member Ken Boyden inquired about street widths in the development. Levitt responded street width is 28 feet face -of -curb to face -of -curb. Dornsbach asked why the streets were narrowed from the 32 -ft width. Levitt responded 28 -ft. wide streets were a design element approved and authorized by the City Council for the East Ravine Neighborhood. Dornsbach asked whether the 28 -ft. street width standard will remain for all new developments. Levitt replied this standard is what Council has approved to date, however she noted that Everwood and Oak Cove Ridges will have 32 -ft. wide streets face -of -curb to face -of -curb. Commission Chair David Anderson inquired whether a barricade of some sort can be placed at the end of the trail to prevent bikers from making a self -made path around the pond. Anderson went on to comment that since this is a protected wetland, damage may be caused once an access is made adding preventative measures should be taken now to curtail problems rather than later. B. All City Traffic Study Burshten stated a traffic study was recently completed to evaluate stop signs and traffic flow in the Thompson Grove area. There's been some discussion whether the rest of the City should be included in a similar study. Historically, stop sign requests were brought before Public Safety and Public Works took care of the installation. There is now a sign ordinance that indicates Public Works initially reviews the request and if necessary, Public Safety is consulted. The next pavement management project will be in 2008 and it's been suggested that the traffic study be completed in that pavement management district concentrating on just one area of the City at a time. Input is being sought from this Commission regarding this recommendation. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 4 Boyden thought this may be a good time to reevaluate signs installed many years ago that may no longer apply Burshten agreed and stated despite lively discussions regarding the Thompson Grove study, he doesn't believe the City has received any complaints once the changes were incorporated and put in place. Commission Chair Anderson stated it would make sense to implement the study in the pavement management area. Boyden added when he was in Public Safety there were many requests for "Children at Play" signs along with stop signs which may have been emotional requests and stated decisions for signs must be made on flow of traffic. Dornsbach agreed stating motorists are likely to speed on through streets, stop sign or not. Commission Member Gary Kjellberg hoped the study would include evaluation of whether a sign is needed and also the removal of existing signs that are now unnecessary. He added sign placement should follow State Statute guidelines. MOTION BY GARY KJELLBERG, SECONDED BY KEN BOYDEN, THAT A CITY TRAFFIC STUDY BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT AREA IN 2008 AND THEREAFTER COMPLETED IN EACH SEALCOAT AREA. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. C. Stop Sign Vandalism Update Burshten explained a quick update was included in the packet regarding the situation of graffiti placed on numerous stop signs throughout the City. Suspects have been apprehended. Since the graffiti cannot be removed, the signs must be replaced. New signs have been ordered. D. Trash Hauler Licensing Public Works Director Les Burshten noted that for the past 2 -3 years there have been a number of complaints /concerns from residents regarding the condition of the corridor of Highway 61 in the springtime. With fences on both sides, there is a large amount of trash. Due to budget cuts, MnDOT has been unable to address this issue and state staff persons are willing to attend a council meeting to explain this situation. Because the roadside trash along Highway 61 is a reflection on the City of Cottage Grove, City staff have been out to pick up trash on a couple of occasions. Burshten also mentioned we have received calls wondering why the City is spending dollars on this job because the highway is the property of the State of Minnesota. It's been suggested in order to fund trash removal, the City look at increasing trash hauler fees. It was noted some of the highway trash is likely thrown out of cars, however, many of the items found appear to have obviously fallen from trash trucks. Burshten went on to state a study is being completed on what fees other cities are charging trash haulers. He added before any decisions are made regarding this charge, we'll once again discuss this issue at a future meeting. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 5 Boyden commented he has not observed trash falling off trucks but noted he has observed haulers that don't service Cottage Grove driving on Highway 61. Trucks with construction material have been observed as well. Boyden expressed concern that local haulers may be getting blamed for something they didn't do. Kjellberg mentioned as things stand right now, he is against the increase in trash hauler fees for the following reasons: 1. The fee increase is not fair to local haulers who may be taking the blame for trash falling from trucks owned by outside companies which is not right. 2. If a fee increase is implemented, the charges will be passed down to customers. Kjellberg also commented that contrary to popular belief, he doesn't feel Public Works should be out on Highway 61 picking up trash and stated City streets should be focused on rather than the highway. He doesn't believe highway trash pickup should be a responsibility of the City and feels the State should be contacted to see what can be done. Commission Member Robert Dornsbach commented trash pickup may not be the City's responsibility but the work must still be done for an improved City appearance. Kjellberg stated that ultimately it will cost more to clean up the trash because of the increased fees. People are already paying taxes to the State and MnDOT crews should be taking care of this. Why pay more? Dornsbach agreed that hauler fees should not be increased. Commission Chair David Anderson commented in a perfect world the State would be taking care of the clean up but are unable to do so because resources are stressed and budgets are being cut. He also commented when people enter into the City of Cottage Grove noticing the trash, it's likely they won't realize trash pickup is the State's responsibility. Boyden suggested perhaps the Sentence to Serve people be assigned to pick up the trash. Burshten agreed and stated that these folks have assisted in the past with these projects and noted that they are, in fact, coming this week to help with brush and tree cutting. He also mentioned that many cities and counties also request these crews and they aren't always available to work when they are needed. The State has first priority for Sentence to Serve crews. If the City utilizes their help in picking up trash, the crews may not be available for holding pond work. Availability is limited. Another issue is a work date must be chosen in advance. No matter what the weather may be, crews still come out. If Plan "A" doesn't work, you have to have a Plan "B ". If it's raining or foggy, crews can't work out near the highway. Burshten also stated crews from the Youth Service Bureau have helped with the trash pickup. Kjellberg suggested placing an article in the local paper asking for volunteers to help with the clean -up project. Burshten said this process would have to be worked on with the State since it's their property and there are rules and regulations to follow. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 6 Commission members wished to have more facts before a decision is made regarding a potential increase in trash hauler fees. • r - None. I•JI11111111:11[cllki Levitt stated members may have noted a new format for the Engineer's Report. The report not only includes current construction projects but items in design and others in concept. 103 Street Bridge Levitt stated she will be making a presentation on the 103 Street and BNSF Bridge. There will be road closures for the first two weeks of June and thereafter, the road will be closed Monday through Thursday from approximately lam to 5pm. The road will be open during weekends with a permanent closure after Labor Day for approximately 3' /z weeks. Kjellberg inquired whether the bridge will be modified or built exactly the way it is now. Levitt responded that due to the constructability of the bridge, the tiers are actually set behind the current existing tiers so an additional width of approximately 12 feet will be gained face -of -tier to face -of -tier. There will be no difference in height which will still prohibit fire trucks from driving under the bridge. VFW Septic System Levitt noted the VFW has a failing septic system and the Council will be approving a feasibility report authorizing staff to obtain quotes for the work to extend sanitary and water service to the facility. Lehigh /Manning Intersection Commission Member William Royce asked about the status of the Lehigh /Manning intersection. Levitt replied the City has received cooperative agreement dollars from MnDOT and they are looking at bringing in Lehigh at a 90 degree angle to Manning. First, some right -of -way must be purchased. Royce went on to indicate a discussion took place with the Planning Commission years ago that the area would be developed with Lehigh and Manning to be relocated. Levitt stated MnDOT completed a corridor study of Manning and Highway 95 and it was essentially between Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Afton and Denmark — all the locations we would essentially intersect to. Lehigh was not allowed to access which is why MnDOT has provided dollars for the improvement which would include a bypass and a turn lane. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 7 East Point Douglas Road Burshen stated private contractors have been working on East Point Douglas Road and the project has turned out to be larger than anticipated. The road is separating and it was determined the large cracks could not be repaired with cracksealing but ultimately required milling of the area. Originally it was thought approximately 1,465 feet would be repaired, however repairs may be made to 1,600 -1,700 feet of roadway. • Cracksealing will begin in 2 -3 weeks throughout town, primarily in the sealcoat area. • Mowing of City property is being completed as much as possible. With the recent rain, things are growing pretty fast and it's difficult to keep up. • City property weed spraying is also being done • Spring Clean Up was held May 5 th and was a very successful event totaling approximately 1,300 cars utilizing the various hazardous waste /trash /appliance drop -off areas at Public Works. City Council Member Mark Grossklaus reported: • Valley Paving will be upgrading the City streets • The new sheet of ice at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena should open in October of 2008. • The McHattie Farms subdivision was approved • • ,, ITT E Commission Member Gar Kjellberg stated the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee met on April 2" . He commented a slide show was presented by staff illustrating land uses in the community. Various areas of the City were discussed including the East Ravine, the Southeast District, Pine Coulee and River Oaks. There was also a discussion about possibly extending 80 Street to Manning. Another potential area for commercial development is the intersection of Highway 95 and Highway 61. The next meeting is scheduled for June and meetings are planned for every other month throughout the summer, including a meeting with the City Council. Public Works Commission May 14, 2007 — Page 8 11. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS City Website Kjellberg indicated the 2007 PWC minutes have been posted on the website. Roundabout Kjellberg asked if any discussion has taken place about the businesses south of the roundabout area regarding an alternate traffic pattern. Levitt res�onded a meeting took place last Tuesday discussing an alternate route of 100 Street down to Miller /County Road 19. She added some modifications will be made to the intersection at the 3M gate to enable trucks to make that turn. Correspondence has been sent to businesses and trucking operations. At this point staff has only met with the industrial park businesses with intent to meet with the commercial businesses once a detailed construction schedule becomes available. Commission Member Ken Boyden asked if Public Safety has been consulted regarding concerns of emergency response time going through the roundabout area during its construction. Will the road be open in order for emergency vehicles to pass through? Levitt responded the area will be open at all times. Once a contractor is on board and a schedule is in place, officers will be brought up to date during roll call. Boyden also commented he had a question a few months ago regarding roundabouts in other cities that are directly linked to a freeway system. He also noticed lines of vehicles exiting Highway 61 towards Target and Holiday are often 6 -8 cars deep. He is concerned with continuous traffic on the roundabout and what may transpire during busy rush hour traffic. Levitt responded this issue has been looked at and a detailed memo will be distributed to the Commission outlining how these scenarios will be addressed. Kjellberg asked if the need arises, will the exit ramps to Jamaica be closed? Levitt responded that MnDOT will not allow this and added traffic signals and message boards will be installed to alleviate problems. Licensed Trash Haulers Kjellberg has noticed a variety of trash haulers in the City and inquired whether or not they are properly licensed. Burshten responded there are a number of commercial haulers licensed in the City. • Li Motion to adjourn was made by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by David Anderson. Motion was unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patr6cCw Starb y