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Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
1.
Introduction / Call Roll
Chair Vanderwall called the
meeting to order at approximately 6:30 p.m.; and Assistant Public Works Director/Engineer
Culver called the roll.
Members
Present: Chair Vanderwall; and Members Steve Gjerdingen; Jim
DeBenedet; and Joan Felice
Members
Excused: Member Dwayne Stenlund
Staff
Present: Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Marcus Culver;
and Environmental Specialist Ryan Johnson
2.
Public Comments
None.
3.
Approval of January 28, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Member DeBenedet moved, Member
Felice seconded, approval of the January 28, 2014, meeting as amended.
Corrections:
·
Page 6, Line 249 (Gjerdingen)
Typographical correction “hole”
·
Page 10, Line 402 (Vanderwall)
Correct to read: “Chair
Vanderwall suggested that, if Mr. Culver could sole [pedestrian]
crossing[s] for County Road B…”
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Motion carried.
4.
Communication Items
Chair Vanderwall read a statement
prepared by staff apologizing for and acknowledging a recent violation of the
Open Meeting Law when a quorum (3 members) of the Public Works, Environment,
and Transportation Commission members attended a meeting on November 20, 2013,
which had not been noticed as a public meeting. Chair Vanderwall assured the
public that this was inadvertent, and in acknowledging the violation, staff
committed to avoiding any such repeat occurrences in the future.
While acknowledging that this was
unfortunate, Member DeBenedet noted that no action had been taken during the
meeting, and that it was held only for informational purposes.
Assistant Public Works Director
Marc Culver provided a report from last night’s City Council meeting at which
Public Works Director updated the City Council on staff’s response to a
considerable number of private water service freeze-ups, with more
anticipated as frost is now approximately seven feet (7’) deep. Discussion
at the City Council level included costs borne to residents from those
freeze-ups and for thawing the lines, with the City crews not always
successful in getting them thawed due to their limited pressured hot water
flushing equipment and staff; with fewer than 50% or fewer successful. Mr.
Culver reported that most of the problem areas are long-side services with
the line installed on the opposite side of the road; often with the service
line beyond seventy feet (70’) before it connects with the water main; and
usually under paved driveways or roadways with little snow cover. Mr. Culver
advised that, in cases where the City had been unsuccessful in opening the
lines, they had provided private contractor information to homeowners,
typically welders who electrically charged the line to thaw it; with only a
few welders found with machines large enough to accomplish that. However,
Mr. Culver noted that there was risk in performing that type of thaw,
creating potential liability issues.
Mr. Culver advised that the City
Council took action to reconfirm that service lines were privately owned and
the responsibility of homeowners for costs up to the main, including the cost
to thaw those lines. The City Council further confirmed that City staff, as
available, would attempt to assist homeowners with the pressurized hot water
flushing equipment, but anything beyond that point would not be undertaken by
the City other than to provide a list of contractors that were known to have
welding equipment available and who may be willing to assist them; with the
homeowner responsible to coordinate with the welder and pay for those
services.
Mr. Culver provided a map showing
the areas with freeze-ups, most in the southeast area of the City, with some
historically problem areas where the roadway had been lowered after the
initial water service had been installed, and many having already made
arrangements to keep a steady stream of water running to avoid freeze-ups.
However, Mr. Culver noted that there a number of new freeze-ups beyond those
previously known, but in the same relative vicinity. While this apparent
anomaly and pattern is still under investigation, Mr. Culver opined that
staff thought it may be happening in areas with a combination of sandy soils
where the frost went deeper and/or areas with shallower service lines.
Mr. Culver noted that there were
devices available to install in toilets or basement sinks that would trigger
water running continuously when those water temperatures reached a certain
point.
Mr. Culver advised that staff was
in the process of communicating to residents with patterns of freeze-ups by
letter to alert them to run their water if water temperatures are running
under 35 degrees; with authorization for a $20 credit on applicable water
bills if they are running water during this unusual situation. However, Mr.
Culver noted the caution needed to tell people to run their water, and the
pressure at which it should be run; as well as alerting the City of those
actions before they do so to confirm that their water accounts will be
credited appropriately.
Discussion included the location
of the largest majority of freeze-ups; staff’s upkeep of a daily map to
document those locations as calls came in, with the majority of the
freeze-ups in a line from Bennett to McCarron’s Lake; with residents in that
area being aware of that pattern in order to take preventative steps.
Further discussion included
whether there were sewer lines freezing as well, with Mr. Culver reporting
approximately 10-20 to-date, with frozen water lines often a contributing
factor for sewer line freeze-ups; with steps to prevent those occurrences
often more successful by simply flushing hot water through the system.
Mr. Culver noted, with the odd
winter conditions of snow, ice, lower than normal temperatures and other
variables, it had been and was becoming more challenging for all
jurisdictions and agencies, in addition to running out of salt and anti-icing
materials across the board. Mr. Culver reported that staff had been blending
materials for some time now, and even though not a preferred method, it was
necessary under the circumstances. Mr. Culver noted that, in using more sand
in the mix, it exacerbated issues in the spring with that runoff going into
the storm water basins.
Chair Vanderwall noted one area
of concern for him was with the arterial road running through Roseville and
surrounding communities that were under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County.
Chair Vanderwall noted that the majority of those intersections were very
slick, creating numerous accidents and safety issues; and asked that staff
alert the County asking them to prioritize ice-control treatment efforts at
those intersections.
Mr. Culver noted that “priority”
was the key word in that request, as the County’s resources were becoming strapped
as well, along with MnDOT. Mr. Culver expressed his confusion that MnDOT did
not apply more salt on Friday and over the weekend, but reiterated that
everyone was trying to conserve their available resources, sometimes good and
sometimes not. Mr. Culver advised that City staff would continue to work
with other jurisdictions and agencies to address areas of concern, including
intersections. Mr. Culver noted that often the most significant issues are
at intersections that are significantly dipped, and at areas with steeper
ramps (e.g. Lexington Avenue). Mr. Culver advised that staff was trying to
get salt and ice control materials from various resources.
Mr. Culver announced the
retirement of long-term City employee Tony Thury, whose last day was today.
Mr. Culver thanked him for his thirty plus years of service to the community
and wished him well in his retirement.
Chair Vanderwall note that, when
talking about the City’s invisible infrastructure, this retirement is also an
example of the community’s loss of a crucial piece of infrastructure in the
Public Works Department with his institutional knowledge.
Mr. Culver concurred, noting
that, even with attempts to make sure that institutional knowledge and
experience is documented in the City’s asset management software, it was
still a vital loss to the history of the community.
Mr. Culver noted that project
updates since the last meeting and updates on various construction projects
were included in tonight’s meeting packet and available on-line at the City’s
website at www.cityofroseville.com/projects, and as detailed in the staff
report dated February 25, 2014.
Discussion included 2014 sanitary
sewer lining project bids coming in a little lower than the engineer’s
estimates; additional comments of and considerations regarding the Snelling
Bus Rapid Transit line and different vehicles under consideration for
prospective riders with this express type service and the complimentary
location of these arterial services to access LRT lines; and current work by
staff on a feasibility study for the Wheeler Avenue Traffic Management
Project and potential closure of Wheeler at County Road B, with that project
anticipated for timing with the City of Arden Hills’ work on County Road D
for cost-savings, probably in 2015; and if and when the feasibility study is
accepted by the City Council and other applicable jurisdictions.
5.
Review of County Road B Pathway Project
Mr. Culver provided a brief
presentation of the County Road B Pathway Project, as detailed in the staff
report dated February 25, 2014; and as presented to the City Council at their
February 10, 2014 meeting as noted for a short-term pedestrian facility
extending the existing shoulder area along the south side of County Road B
west of Cleveland Avenue.
Mr. Culver’s presentation
included a project background and history; results of and comments from
numerous neighborhood meetings and staff responses to those comments and
concerns during the design process of the proposed project; immediate plans
to reduce speeds in cooperation with Ramsey County; goals and options of this
pedestrian facility and its separation from general traffic lanes; work plan
with the majority of the work conducted by City staff and subsequent hiring
of a paving contractor as applicable; costs for storm water features and any
required soil or landscaping materials and drainage mitigation as part of the
project; and tying the project in with other trail rehabilitation projects
in 2014 to obtain further cost efficiencies.
Mr. Culver reviewed specifics of
the intersection at Cleveland Avenue and County Road B; and coordination with
the County in turnback of the roadway from the County to the City, hopefully
within a few months and prior to this project; and work with the State for signal
controls under their jurisdiction for correction of issues and extending the
left turn arrow.
Mr. Culver noted that a number of
ideas and minor issues brought forward by residents during discussions had
been addressed, and had proven valid considerations. Mr. Culver noted that
parking would be restricted on the south side, which would unfortunately
impact several homes on the south side of the street and location of their
mailboxes. Mr. Culver advised that the City Council had approved installing a
sidewalk in that area – between Fairways and Fulham – at an additional cost
estimate of $20,000 to $25,000, pending additional survey data this spring as
details are finalized and drainage issues further reviewed.
At the request of Member
Gjerdingen, Mr. Culver confirmed that the sidewalk would be concrete.
Mr. Culver reviewed subsequent
long-term reconstruction of County Road B in approximately ten (10) years and
additional design work with the neighborhood at that time on features, once
it is determined if the roadway will be of urban or rural design. Mr. Culver
advised that, at that time, a more traditional pedestrian facility will be
installed, most likely behind a raised curb and gutter if of urban design,
with pros and cons for both types of design. However, Mr. Culver noted that
a significant consideration will be development of sustainable drainage as
the City works with the Watershed District as part of that future
reconstruction.
At the request of Chair
Vanderwall, Mr. Culver confirmed that those plans may include rain gardens
with rain water captured in some type of water treatment system for potential
re-use as irrigation as part of the long range improvements of the roadway;
which will also dictate whether or not the sidewalk portion of this short-term
project will be salvageable or not as that long-term design develops.
Discussion included preferable
north or south side for the long-term pedestrian facility based on a number
of factors, variables, safety issues, and challenges.
Chair Vanderwall noted the
difficulties in snow removal along this segment with the varying types of
sidewalk and pathway; and opined that homeowners may want to consider helping
with that maintenance if a facility is located in front of their property.
Mr. Culver acknowledged that, it
was a valid point that as more walks are added it became a significant staff
time and equipment issue with that maintenance. Mr. Culver noted the City
can clear the pathways, but it may not be as timely as residents and users of
the facilities would like.
Discussion ensued on both sides
of the issue of residents assisting in maintenance in their immediate area
and depending on your areas of interest and abilities.
Concluding discussion included
the cul-de-sac area and pedestrian facility in that area to address safety
concerns and traffic levels; significant traffic generation from the
multi-family apartment complexes; and whether or not rumble strips will end
up being the preferred option at all, pending further discussion at the staff
design level and with the neighborhood
Member DeBenedet spoke in support
of the overall solution proposed by staff and accepted by the City Council,
opining that it was excellent proposal and a good solution for the
neighborhood.
Member Gjerdingen concurred,
opining that it was a great demonstration of the City meeting the needs of
the neighborhood having consensus with their concerns.
6.
2014 Construction Project Revise
Mr.
Culver reviewed anticipated 2014 constructions projects consisting of the sewer
lining project, the 2014 Pavement Management Plan (PMP) project, and the
County Road B-2 sidewalk project; with the latter project being bid along
with the 2014 Park & Recreation Program Renewal efforts.
Mr.
Culver, using maps, reviewed the specifics of each project, and responded to
questions and comments from Members.
Discussion
included the various opinions among engineers in if and when sealcoating
should occur, and ongoing experimentation among agencies in the effects of
that timing; and the importance of residents contacting the City or other
jurisdictions with problem areas of which they’re aware to add additional
incentive to make those areas more prominent in priority lists (e.g. Dale
Street and Cleveland Avenue south of County Road B showing significant
distress; lower area around Central Park; and U of MN commuter campus traffic
on Cleveland Avenue accessing the freeway system).
Mr.
Culver provided a very preliminary look at proposed 2015 projects, including
Victoria Street north of Larpenteur Avenue a joint Ramsey County/City
reconstruction project, including sidewalk installation; and taking advantage
of the four lane roadway and narrowing it for a pedestrian facility. Mr.
Culver noted that the County had been very receptive to-date in those
discussions.
Chair
Vanderwall opined that it would be interesting and advantageous to look at a
map of Ramsey County projects overlaid with City projects to see areas of
work proposed during the same timeframe.
At
the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Culver confirmed that the sewer lining
would be coordinated with PMP areas and that contractor, even though the
preference was to line segments the year prior to a PMP project.
At
the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Culver advised that no water pipe lining
projects were proposed for this year; pending results of last year’s test
project and improved technologies developing in the future to address issues
found in getting a consistent thickness with the initial project.
Mr.
Culver noted that the City was also experiencing a higher than average number
of water main breaks this winter as well as the service lines previously
discussed; and advised that those areas were given serious investigation and
study when areas were found with successive breaks on one line; with work
coordinated when possible with road construction projects unless emergency
situations required action sooner.
7.
Introduction of Environmental Specialist Ryan Johnson
Mr.
Culver introduced the City’s Environmental Specialist Ryan Johnson, who came
on board in December of 2013. Mr. Culver reviewed Mr. Johnson’s background,
most recently with the Ramsey Conservation District (RCD) for the last eight
years, and his close work with the City of Roseville and area watershed
districts. Mr. Culver opined that this created a good fit, and noted that
the City was fortunate to have Mr. Johnson’s expertise, and his prior
institutional knowledge available, along with his good relationship with the
area watershed districts. Mr. Culver noted that Mr. Johnson would be able to
provide a good leadership role on storm water issues and projects, along with
25% of his time allotted to working with the City’s recycling program.
Mr.
Johnson expressed his excitement to attend tonight’s PWETC meeting, and his
pride in being a City of Roseville employee. Mr. Johnson noted that he had
worked with former Roseville Engineer Debra Bloom and Engineer Kristine Giga
on numerous occasions, as well as Roseville property owners on drainage
issues, and improving water quality, bio-filtration and shoreline projects.
Mr.
Johnson admitted that his biggest challenge was getting up to speed with
recycling and implementation of the City’s new single-sort recycling efforts
in coordination with Eureka Recycling. Mr. Johnson noted that his first
month had been focused on the roll-out of that single-sort system, and was
pleased with the process and citizen response to-date. Mr. Johnson advised
that the majority of the calls fielded by staff to-date were related to how
to “retire” their old blue bins; confusion from residents upon delivery of
the new wheeled carts, mostly based on misconceptions with homeowners
associations and past practices; and noted the need to continue the
educational focus with Eureka to promote the single-sort process and efforts
to recycle more and keep materials out of the landfill.
At
the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Johnson suggested some options for the
blue bins: donation to churches and/or schools for storage and other uses
beyond recycling; storage by civic organizations of promotional or decorative
items (e.g. Memorial Day flags); or by simply dropping them off at City Hall
as there was a list of people waiting to re-use them.
Related
to storm water projects currently under his design and future projects, Mr.
Johnson reviewed by map the 2014 project locations, with seven (7) projects
proposed at this time to mitigate existing drainage issues. Mr. Johnson
reviewed the specifics of each of the projects as included by map in the
staff report dated February 25, 2014; and responded to questions and comments
of the PWETC.
Discussion
included the type of drainage system proposed at the bottom of the hill from
Western Avenue on County Road B-2 for sidewalk installation and identifying
it as a depressed area, not a pond, avoiding safety concerns; educational
efforts proposed at the Central Park Elementary School project site to
encourage children to get involved with the process by making an educational
natural habitat area.
Chair
Vanderwall offered to introduce Mr. Johnson to school staff as he gets
involved in that project or others needing coordination with School District
No. 623 staff.
At
the request of Member Gjerdingen, Mr. Johnson reviewed the operation of an
infiltration trench, proposed in the project area at Central Park to mitigate
current drainage and flooding issues during large rainfall events.
Specific
to the Sherren-Dellwood project area, Mr. Johnson noted that he had been
introduced to this significant problem area during his work at the RCD, with
sixteen areas flowing into one area creating critical flooding, and needing
an off-site location versus the existing storm sewer.
At
the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Johnson reviewed the specifics of the
Manson Street project to address flooding issues for a corner home with an
underground infiltration system proposed and as part of the Parks Renewal
projects, including increased plantings and redirecting of water. Mr.
Johnson noted that, this would only be one step in a much larger problem, but
would provide immediate help to the resident experiencing significant issues
without this emergency overflow system.
Mr.
Johnson noted that an engineering firm was currently ranking and rating the
huge choke point in the area of Old Highway 8 creating the overflow, with
only a 12-18 inch pipe under that highway at this time; with 50 acres
currently draining into this system before reaching the Rice Creek Watershed
District ditch, and further consideration needed for the entire area to
determine problem points.
Mr.
Johnson noted that the City had received a grant through the Board of Water
and Soil Resources (BWSR) for the work at Evergreen Park and, in working with
the watershed district, storm water would be intercepted coming through the
entire system and redirected to an underground vault for re-use as irrigation
for the park.
Chair
Vanderwall noted that there was significant water coming into the elementary
parking lot there as well; and suggested that may be incorporated to
contribute to that re-use, since the water was coming off the asphalt, and
could be part of the mitigation efforts.
Mr.
Culver noted that, as part of the overall plan for revitalization at
Evergreen Park, the Master Plan indicated rain gardens in the southeast and
northeast corners, and he had frequently assisted the drainage of those
baseball fields and had observed the drainage toward Eldridge Avenue. Mr.
Culver opined that any opportunity to capture rain water and re-use is would
be beneficial. Mr. Culver noted that another area could also be the hockey
rink location, which would no longer be maintained for that use, even though
it may prove more difficult since it was on higher ground. Mr. Culver
advised that all of those areas would continue to be reviewed, and recognized
that a lot of water was running through that school parking lot.
Chair
Vanderwall noted that the school parking lot was very congested, and in
working with transportation aspects for the School District, spoke in support
of a separate bus lane along the south border of the park for buses to safely
leave the parking lot without conflicts with other traffic from parents
picking up students. Chair Vanderwall admitted that there were significant
drainage and parking lot issues in that area, and suggested one solution may
be for an underground water storage system, similar to that installed at the
Rainbow on Larpenteur and Fernwood, using such a cistern system for
irrigation purposes. Chair Vanderwall noted that this park was jointly owned
by the School District and City, and suggested a further partnership in
pursuing mitigation efforts if feasible.
Mr.
Johnson noted the need for a structure on the southwest end of the parking
lot as well, with a current beehive on the bottom corner where the water wants
to run and the natural ditch area near the Evergreen Park field. Mr. Johnson
opined that there was no lack of ways that water could be re-used for
multiple purposes.
Chair
Vanderwall noted the advantages of irrigating ballfields without using other
water; with Mr. Johnson responding that throughout the entire drainage area
there would probably be more water available for re-use than would be used,
and opined that the balancing act would be for parks to be usable but also
make the best use of natural resources.
Specific
to the B-Dale Club project, even though this was still in the design stages,
Mr. Johnson advised that this would be a partnership with the Capitol Region
Watershed District for re-use of the sewer feed through the Villa Park
system; to remove pollutants currently running into McCarron’s Lake.
At
the request of Members, Mr. Johnson provided a definition of the
“hydrodynamic separator” proposed for this project for both short- and
long-term infiltration in clearing off and filtering sediments from the pipe
as part of that process. Mr. Johnson advised that he would be working
closely with Parks & Recreation staff to make sure as much water as
possible was processed and re-used.
Mr.
Johnson briefly reviewed a proposed 2015 PMP project at Victoria and County
Road B for wetland clean-up with city-owned access to the filtration basin
and pond; sonar data collection in cooperation with the RCD for Lake
McCarron’s vegetation on the west end and from Villa Park; addressing
remaining Lake Owasso direct discharges, with only a handful remaining – from
both private and city-owned properties – and working cooperatively with the
Ramsey-Washington Metro Area Watershed District, and provided pictures of
several of those direct discharges.
At
the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Johnson agreed to look at and add to his
list the pond at Western and County Road C with four direct discharges and
one direct out, all unfiltered and running fast during big storm events and
containing a lot of sediment.
Mr.
Johnson advised that, while Lake Owasso is not yet considered an impaired
body, it is close to being designated as such.
Regarding
private party best management practices (BMP’s) and MS4 requirements, Mr.
Johnson advised that he would be checking previous installations to ensure
they continued to function as designed and that they were being properly
maintained. Mr. Johnson reviewed examples of inspections, types of
installation; and advised that the intent would be to map and inventory them
and thereby comply with the checklist developed as part of the MS4 permit
from the City’s side.
Discussion
ensued regarding the City’s well-established Storm Water Management Fund,
good relationships with area watershed districts and cooperative ventures to
capture grant monies and partner with other agencies and jurisdictions to
allow projects as outlined by Mr. Johnson.
Chair
Vanderwall suggested that it would be beneficial for staff to develop and the
PWETC to receive a Storm Sewer report, similar to the PMP, outlining an
annual list of projects by priority for installation.
Mr.
Culver advised that there was the potential to accomplish that, as there was
a long list of potential projects and priority areas of concern; opining that
there was also the potential for development of a Storm Water Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) to address those over a longer-term and plan them
beyond just incorporating them into PMP and/or other projects. Mr. Culver
noted that it would be beneficial to take a deliberate look at stormwater
improvements, including some larger areas requiring additional planning in
cooperation with watershed districts and grants in developing long-term
plans.
Chair
Vanderwall suggested that the scope of projects include the top ten based on
the most expensive to accomplish, as well as showing the low-hanging fruit to
provide an idea of the scope of outstanding issues for the City of Roseville
related to storm water management.
Mr.
Culver noted that Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer for the City, had a strong
background in water resources, and she was well on the way to developing a
list of problem areas and prioritizing them. Mr. Culver suggested that a
future meeting could include an update and discussion for storm water
management in subsequent years.
8.
Possible Items for Next Meeting – March 25, 2014
·
A review and clarification of the ownership and maintenance
of water and sewer infrastructure in Roseville
Member DeBenedet requested a
review and clarification of ownership and maintenance of the water and sewer
infrastructure (e.g. homeowner or municipality). Member DeBenedet noted that
it had long been the usual case for municipalities to build the
infrastructure systems, and then the homeowner or property owner be
responsible for ongoing maintenance, even though they had not involvement in
its design or observation during construction to determine if it was built
correctly. Member DeBenedet suggested that a discussion and review of those
responsibilities would be beneficial for everyone.
Mr. Culver noted that this had
also been brought up by Councilmember Etten at last night’s City Council
meeting. Mr. Culver noted that there were differences between cities as to
whether or not the responsibility ended at the main, curb stop or property
line; and advised that staff would be reviewing this more closely in the near
future at an internal stall level to determine where best to start to address
this issue.
Member DeBenedet noted that it
could prove costly for the City, but opined that every resident was the
“city,” and his first reaction tonight when seeing the map and pattern of
freeze-ups was that the contractor for that area had installed the lines too
shallow.
Mr. Culver expressed his
hesitation in making that assumption without further investigation, even though
some road projects were lowered and thereby reduced the depth. Mr. Culver
confirmed that the freeze-ups were occurring under roadways, driveways or
other paved surfaces; and during this episode, were happening on the long end
when the water main installation was located on the other side of the road
and frost going deeper given this year’s ongoing cold weather. Mr. Culver
noted that water mains generally were installed 10’ deep, and sometimes lower
and sometimes not that depth based on a variety of reasons; and further noted
that it was difficult to install the service line deeper than the main,
depending if the home was lower or higher than the roadway. Mr. Culver
opined that there were a number of contributing factors for shallower
services at a particular point along that run beyond simply assigning blame
to negligence in the initial installation.
Beyond those issues, Chair
Vanderwall suggested the discussion should be more general in nature to
consider whether there was something fair to be done to address these unusual
circumstances. Chair Vanderwall suggested that the City Attorney may want to
provide his thoughts on potential liabilities as part of this discussion and
how the City can strategize against future issues possibly as part of future
road construction projects. Chair Vanderwall suggested that information from
the League of Minnesota Cities may also be helpful as part of that
discussion.
·
Asset management update
Chair Vanderwall requested an
update from staff on the status of the asset management data, whether fully
implemented or the percentage completed to-date.
Mr. Culver noted his favorable
impressions with the work done to-date in Roseville and how extensive its use
was for time tracking different tasks. Mr. Culver noted the many
opportunities remaining as individual assets came on line and expanding the
tracking and data collection available with that software system.
·
Staff Reflections on the 2013/2014 Snow Management Process
Chair Vanderwall suggested that
staff may wish to provide their comments and reflections on this past winter
and advise the PWETC of lessons learned for future application (e.g.
ice-control storage and material availability; staffing and financial
resource issues, etc.).
Mr. Culver suggested that snow
control and trail maintenance be included in that discussion as well. Mr.
Culver advised that, when the City ordered salt through the state contract,
they were contractually obligated to take delivery of 80% of that order and
could take up to 120%, based on the built-in buffer. When the City, and
other agencies, placed their order through the State contract, Mr. Culver
advised that the materials were shipped on barges and stored in various
facilities along the river, and delivered or picked up as needed. Mr. Culver
noted that it was a dynamic situation at this point for who got the materials
first, and where they originated. Mr. Culver advised that staff was also
looking at a potential salt source out of Utah to be delivered by train
through the Dakotas. However, Mr. Culver noted that the delivery was also
impacted by difficulty in finding track time for delivery.
·
Map
of Ramsey County 2014/2015 proposed projects
Chair Vanderwall expressed
interest in seeing this, and specifically the Lexington Avenue bridge at
Highway 36.
·
Display
of a sample half section of water pipe from the 2013 lining project using the
test product from 3M.
9.
Adjourn
Member DeBenedet moved, Member
Vanderwall seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 8:43 p.m.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Motion carried.
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