|
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.
1. Introductions/Roll Call
Commission members present: Ernie Willenbring, Joan Felice, Jim DeBenedet, Dwayne Stenlund, and Jan Vanderwall
Commission members absent: none
Staff present: Deb Bloom, City Engineer
Others present: none
2. Public Comments
None
3. Approval of November 25, 2008, Meeting Minutes
Member Felice moved to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2008, meeting of the Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission. Member Stenlund seconded.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Motion carried
Item out of order
7. Rice Street/Highway 36 Interchange Design
There will be an open house at the Roseville Oval on Wednesday, February 4th, 4:30-6:30. Items to be covered include different interchange concepts, which Ms. Bloom presented to the Commission.
Member Felice wondered how they would accommodate pedestrian traffic with the proposed roundabouts. Ms. Bloom said that is always a concern. Chair DeBenedet said this issue was discussed at the Rice Street TAC meetings, and also that the Shoreview representative proclaimed there would be no roundabouts on Rice in Shoreview. Member Willenbring said that when there are more roundabouts in use they will become more widely accepted.
Steve Jergen, 2553 Fisk Street, spoke toward the different designs presented and said he liked the tight diamond design the best. He also said he preferred to have bike lanes with the regular traffic as opposed to having a separate bridge.
4. Communication Items
Active Living Ramsey County Complete Street's Policy
The December 30 draft of the County's policy was discussed, which states their objective is to create projects that allow everyone, including children, elderly and disabled, to be able to travel safely within the public right-of-way. Member Stenlund said there is definitely a need for wildlife passage as well.
GLWMO Lake Owasso Study
Ms. Bloom gave an overview of the study and told the Commission it could be discussed in greater detail at a future meeting if they desired. Member Willenbring asked if they addressed any dredging in the south area of Lake Owasso. Ms. Bloom responded that in its natural state dredging isn't necessarily best for the lake. The report states that there are currently dead spots in the lake because of previous treatments. Chair DeBenedet said he thought the appropriate place for this discussion is at the GLWMO meetings.
Member Vanderwall wondered what Roseville's Public Works Department could be doing to promote the best ecosystem in the lake.
The GLWMO report is available at City Hall for anyone wishing to review it.
Rain Garden Workshop
A workshop will be held April 29 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at city hall.
Twin Lakes Redevelopment Update
City staff is working on developing a storm water program for this site, and Ms. Bloom updated the Commission on the different options being considered.
Street Sweepers
Member Vanderwall mentioned that Little Canada has purchased a vacuum street sweeper, something the Commission has been discussing for Roseville. Ms. Bloom said she believed that Little Canada and Falcon Heights purchased the equipment together. Chair DeBenedet suggested the Commission discuss this topic again at a future meeting as he is very interested in purchasing a vacuum sweeper for Roseville. Member Stenlund said vacuuming debris is the most effective method of keeping water clean.
5. 2009 Work Plan Project Updates/Discussion
2009 projects will be bid in February. The public hearing for the Roselawn project has been held and the next step is to ask the City Council for permission to go out for bid, which will be February 9. Because of budget cuts, the sealcoating program will be cut back about 30% this year. This will increase the money needed to be spent on street repair in the next five to 10 years.
6. 2009 Budget Impact Discussion
Chair DeBenedet wanted it known that the budget passed by the Council has a negative effect on capital equipment purchases, which means no money is being put away to buy new equipment when it is needed.
7. Rice Street/Highway 36 Interchange Design
See above
8. Agenda for Next Meeting - February 24, 2009
· 2008 Storm Water Report
· Vacuum Sweepers
· Eureka Recycling Report
· Tree damage during snow removal
9. Adjournment
|