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Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 6:30 p.m.
1. Introductions/Roll Call
Commission members present: Ernie Willenbring, Jan Vanderwall, Joan Felice, and Jim DeBenedet; Dwayne Stenlund joined the meeting a little late
Commission members absent: none
Staff present: Duane Schwartz, Public Works Director; Deb Bloom, City Engineer
Others present: none
2. Public Comments
None
3. Approval of October 28, 2008, Meeting Minutes
Member Willenbring moved to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2008, meeting of the Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission. Member Felice seconded.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Motion carried
4. Communication Items
Budget Update
Staff has been asked by the City Council to make budget cut recommendations, but Mr. Schwartz said there's absolutely nothing left in the budget to cut that won't impact the level of service or that won't impact the long-term condition of the infrastructure, for example, cutting maintenance on streets now will mean higher maintenance and replacement costs in the future. Member Vanderwall requested that staff create a report that identifies specific problems and the impacts to the infrastructure.
Project Update
Twin Lakes - Meetings have begun between staff and developers. Member Felice commented that many residents in that area have made comments to her about potential traffic and other problems with this development. She requested that residents be notified as early as possible about aspects of the project and be let in on decisions as much as possible.
Chair DeBenedet asked if there was discussion at the meeting about storm water solutions. Ms. Bloom replied that staff had told them they need to find innovative best management practices.
5. Pond and Ditch Dredging Regulation
Deb Bloom reviewed the status of the MPCA's expired general permit for the management of dredged materials. Roseville dredging projects are currently on hold until the parameters of the new permit are known.
Member Willenbring asked how the permit happened to expire. Apparently, the permit law had a five-year expiration date; and no new legislation has been passed to replace it. Member Stenlund said the cause for the delay is that Mn/DOT is having disagreements about what the standards should be.
6. Rainwater Harvesting Discussion
Commission Member Dwayne Stenlund presented information on this topic. Pretreatment is the most important thing that's being missed today. Cigarette butts are the number one debris in wetland areas. Trees are an excellent way to capture rainwater, and there are new ways of planting trees to ensure maximum amount of effectiveness.
7. Agenda for Next Meeting - January 27, 2009
· Updates on current projects
· 2009 budget impacts to Public Works
· Rice Street Interchange Design
8. Adjournment
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