|
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Introduction / Call Roll
Chair DeBenedet called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Chair DeBenedet; and Members Steve Gjerdingen; Jan Vanderwall; Joan Felice; and Dwayne Stenlund.
Members Excused: None.
Staff Present: Public Works Director, Duane Schwartz and City Engineer, Debra Bloom.
Others Present: None.
2. Public Comments
John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street
Mr. Kysylyczyn commented on the City Council’s consideration of extending the current curbside recycling contract, already in existence for five (5) years, and his perception that there had been no apparent review and/or recommendation requested of the PWET Commission and/or any public input. Mr. Kysylyczyn suggested PWET Commissioners task staff to make the City Council aware of the Commission’s interest in reviewing and providing comment on this contract.
Related to discussion at the last PWET Commission meeting and related to intersection improvements, Mr. Kysylyczyn suggested that the PWET Commission consider review of State Statute for considering placement on the ballot for transportation infrastructure funds and special property tax levies to raise money for specific projects and/or uses.
3. Approval of January 26, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Member Vanderwall moved, Felice seconded, approval of the January 26, 2010 meeting as amended.
Corrections:
· Page 4 – 2nd paragraph - correct spelling of Mr. Lutz’s (SP?) name
· Page 4 – 6th paragraph - correct reference to a right turn lane (spelling correction) from Fairview to Snelling Avenues, with focus on County Road B-2 from Snelling to Fairview
· Page 5 – Spelling correction – 2nd paragraph
· Page 7 – 7th paragraph - discussion on whether staff was “directed” or “requested” to proceed; at the ruling of Chair DeBenedet, no change
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion carried.
4. Communication Items
Como Lake TMDL Study
City Engineer Deb Bloom provided information on a study by the Capitol Region Watershed District for reducing pollution into Como Lake, on the impaired water list. Ms. Bloom advised that the City of Roseville’s involvement had been sought related to land use and rights-of-way issues in determining the total maximum daily load (TMDL). Ms. Bloom advised that the study would involve reformatting and revising the previous study done in 2002; and that upon its completion , grant funding could be made available for future implementation projects, as well as some funding possible for the TMDL study itself.
Ms. Bloom advised that City staff met with a larger group of surrounding cities, MnDOT and Ramsey County – all partners draining to the Como Watershed. Ms. Bloom sought to make PWET Commissioners aware of the pending study, proposed to be submitted to the MPCA in the spring of 2010, and in place before the next grant cycle. Ms. Bloom noted the aggressive work done to-date by Roseville and impacts to the Como Subwatershed, such as waste load implementation; Gottfried Watershed, and other projects between the 2002 study and present; and advised that staff looked forward to implementation with partners to consider opportunities in the future.
At the request of Public Works Director Duane Schwartz, Ms. Bloom reviewed potential impacts to and obligations of City operations; and MPCA permitting of the City’s MS4 and annual compliance reporting; rain garden installation; and additional sweeping, potential retrofit opportunities for redevelopment projects, similar to that completed at the Rainbow Foods site for underground implementation of basins.
Mr. Schwartz advised that further discussion with the PWET Commission would be forthcoming in the future.
Discussion included how the study was initiated based on the list of impaired waters; funding by Watershed Districts as they took the lead due to cost constraints of the DNR; individual and collective loads and reductions; identification of Roseville’s boundaries to this impaired body of approximately 1 – 1.5 square miles; Gottfried Pit pumping into Como through piping and lift station; future funding of mandated obligations from the storm water utility fund; and a link to the study available on the City’s website for PWET Commissioner review and/or comment.
Member Stenlund suggested that the High School be contacted to make a class project of monitoring the phosphate problem as a partnership in education of the next generation.
Mr. Schwartz concurred, once the Study Group made a final recommendation and allocation, future action could include determining additional resources and volunteer opportunities.
RCL Intersection Request Staff Comments
Mr. Schwartz noted inclusion of preliminary staff comments, with staff compiling more detailed comments on recommended intersection improvements received from the Roseville Citizen’s League (RCL) presentation at the January meeting for sixteen (16) intersections they had identified for improvement. Mr. Schwartz advised that, at the direction of the PWET Commission, the report could include a history of the specific intersections; and potential funding options and opportunities as mentioned by Mr. Kysylyczyn.
Chair DeBenedet suggested that a future discussion was prudent, at a meeting later in the spring.
Projects Update
Ms. Bloom advised that the ad for bids for 2010 Pavement Management Plan (PMP) improvements had been submitted today, with a variety of mill and overlay projects, as well as approximately three (3) miles of major rehabilitation, based on the overall project map discussed by the PWET Commission in the fall of 2009. Ms. Bloom reviewed that project map, noting that this year’s projects would be funded entirely by PMP and State Aid funds.
Ms. Bloom further advised that this year’s project would include an electronic bid option in an effort to reduce staff time and project costs, with a discount provided to contractors seeking bids on line via a digital download versus a paper copy requiring significant reproduction costs.
Rosewood Drainage
Ms. Bloom updated members on the next phase of the Rosewood drainage project, wetland/pond excavation on Rosewood Pond following retrofitting in 2009 of the rain garden, with other options being reviewed to prevent flooding, including sanitary sewer lining.
Discussion included potential traffic delays or re-routing.
Dale Street Reconstruction Project
Ms. Bloom advised that this project, for complete reconstruction from County Road C to S Owasso Boulevard, was slated for 2011, and that staff was preparing to hold initial meetings with the neighborhood.
Illicit Discharge Ordinance
Mr. Schwartz advised that the ordinance was adopted by the City Council at their February 22, 2010 meeting, with minimal language changes to correct inconsistencies and ambiguities.
Discussion included those language changes (defining commercial versus residential car washes and pools); education of residents by staff; the option of lining sewer pipes in reducing INI, and failures of the old clay pipes in the City; and MSDS sheets for the City to better understand the make up of cleaning solvents.
Watermain Lining Project
Ms. Bloom advised that it was staff’s goal to return residents to pre-construction status by May of 2010.
5. Twin Lakes Phase II Infrastructure Project
Ms. Bloom briefly reviewed the above-referenced project; provided a breakdown of costs and funding sources, including grant funds; as well as a history of Prior Street; with Engineering plans at 95%. Ms. Bloom reviewed the status of additional contamination and development of the RAP for this phase of the project, similar to that used for the initial phase of infrastructure improvements. Ms. Bloom reviewed utility work in the project area, and the overall stormwater plan for the entire site, with the majority completed as part of the Phase I portion of the project. Ms. Bloom anticipated Phase II going before the City Council in March for approval, with construction proposed to begin in May of 2010, with this phase smaller than the first phase, with less utility work to be completed.
Discussion included future phasing (Phase III); landscaping and lighting in the transition area; staging of work to provide access to private properties; temporary easements pending for existing driveways; grades; right-of-way acquisition as development proposals come forward; and soil clean up on city-owned right-of-way parcels and based on previous and additional borings required by MPCA.
Mr. Schwartz advised that completion of this phase of the project should position the area for a good share of redevelopment to occur when the economy improved.
Further discussion included the impressive water re-use system incorporated in Phase I, with staff anticipating awards for it’s unique features, and good comments received from area Watershed Districts to-date; and re-use of the sand taken from the site.
Chair DeBenedet requested that staff provide an electronic copy of water quality promotion materials to the PWET Commission.
Further discussion included a future field trip by members to the site; and the need to educate the public on the recycling of rainwater that may instigate sprinklers being activated during rain events depending on the amount of rainfall and lift station floats.
6. Rice Street / Highway 36 Interchange Project
Ms. Bloom and Mr. Schwartz provided an update of this project, and provided a copy of the Feasibility Study to members with 95% plans just completed, and currently undergoing staff review and comment. Mr. Schwartz advised that the reconstruction project of Rice Street between County Roads B-2 and B will be managed by Ramsey County, and worked on by the State, County, and the cities of Little Canada, Maplewood, and Roseville for their specific components.
Staff reviewed the various sidewalk and complete street components of the project to accommodate all types of transportation throughout the corridor; landscaping amenities; signal styles; and limitations of the narrow portions of the corridor and excessive costs for rights-of-way acquisition.
Mr. Schwartz updated members on the final design and numbers being compiled by Xcel Energy for submission to the City Council for their final approval of undergrounding and surcharge application for the overall community, with the anticipated timeframe for Xcel, Comcast and Qwest burying lines in early summer of 2010. Mr. Schwartz advised that there would be a need for several easements on the Roseville side of the corridor to accommodate ground-mounted equipment for Xcel, which will be the financial responsibility of the City.
Ms. Bloom provided an update on the Highway 36 Noise Wall for property owners from Rice Street to Western Avenue, and reconsideration of the height and location of the wall based on citizen concerns and further review; and additional concerns of the Calibre Ridge management staff and residents due to proposed grades for the reconstructed Highway 36 and relocation of ramps.
Discussion included specific components of the project; future projects; this design based on 2030 traffic forecasts; replacement of watermain during this reconstruction project on County Road B as well as Rice Street; assessment costs scheduled to go before the City Council on March 22, 2010; project scheduled to begin in June of 2010 and continue over a two-year period with the east side scheduled for 2010 and the west side scheduled in 2011; and a value engineering process used for the project.
Ms. Bloom advised that there would be links on the City’s website for construction communication and regular business updates regarding access information. Ms. Bloom advised that the City cost for watermain totaled less than $1 million of this $27 million project.
Further discussion included properties being demolished to facilitate the ramp alignment; portion of the City project to be assessed to property owners; with continuous traffic routed on Rice Street throughout the project.
7. NE Suburban Campus Connector (NESCC) Trail Project
Ms. Bloom provided background information and an update on this project proposed for construction in the summer of 2010; previous delay of the project due to right-of-way issues; pending agreement with Macy’s for additional easement, as well as the Minnesota Historical Society in the area of Gibbs Farm.
Ms. Bloom addressed concerns raised by residents to staff related to parking, Falcon Heights farm fields; transitions based on MnDOT Pathway Manual designations; and continued cooperative discussions with the University of MN for Gortner Avenue.
Discussion included the advantages, disadvantages, and realities of speed restrictions along Fairview Avenue; safety concerns in the area; speed limits set by the State Commissioner of Transportation based on considerable criteria and based on land use and speed studies; recognizing that reposting speed limits didn’t change human behavior; and lack of interest by property owners in parking bays, in addition to plowing challenges.
Ms. Bloom advised that she would further research speeds on roadways with adjacent bike lanes; and whether a crosswalk was indicated at the signal of Perimeter Drive north of the Highway 36 frontage road/ramps.
Further discussion included intent to replace all pedestrian crosswalks and signals with timed crossing indicators; installation of benches and trees; review of whether the signal would be replaced at B-2; current existence of five (5) different types of signals along the project area; safety issues along the project area for bicyclists and pedestrians; and possible advanced technological signage to alert vehicles of that traffic.
Mr. Schwartz advised that the plans would undergo review by MnDOT and Transit for Livable Communities to receive input on how to improve safety. Mr. Schwartz advised that he would review the project with the City Attorney as it related to MN crosswalk laws.
Ms. Bloom advised that, ultimately the roadways were under the jurisdiction of MnDOT and Ramsey County; however, staff offered to provide suggestions of members for their review and consideration.
Additional discussion included existing drainage requirements and structures, and those proposed for installation based on informational meetings with neighbors and capacity issues.
Additional Announcement
Ms. Bloom announced that the City had received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant funds for sidewalk installation as part of the Sienna Green Apartments (former Har Mar Apartments) in the southwest quadrant of Highway 36 and Snelling Avenue.
Mr. Schwartz noted that this proved to be a big project year for the City, requiring substantial staff time.
Members thanked staff for their reports, and the level of detail provided.
Ms. Bloom advised that members would be alerted to upcoming public informational meetings via e-mail.
8. Agenda for Next Meeting – March 23, 2010
Recycling contract
Chair DeBenedet noted that the staff recommendation for extension of the current contract had been turned down by the City Council, with direction to rebid. Chair Mr. DeBenedet noted that the current contract continued through the end of 2010.
Mr. Schwartz advised that the City’s Administration Department handled that contract; and he anticipated that the contract would be rebid during the summer of 2010; and further advised that the City Manager was aware of the PWET Commission’s interest in being part of that process.
Discussion included whether this was part of the broader trash hauling issues and options under consideration (i.e., single sort, weekly versus bi-weekly pick up); and whether vendors could provide both services simultaneously for the benefit of the community.
Chair DeBenedet requested that staff provide the PWET Commission with a copy of the existing contract and meeting minutes when the recycling discussion was last held at the PWET Commission level.
Mr. Schwartz noted that the annual recycling report should also be available from Eureka Recycling by the next Commission meeting.
Transportation Property Tax Dedication/Referendums
Chair DeBenedet suggested additional information be provided by staff on the types of projects that could be funded and the process for implementation.
Chair DeBenedet reminded staff to provide members with a final budget to determine how street maintenance funding and reconstruction costs were allocated.
Horizontal Direction Boring Review
Chair DeBenedet suggested, from a public safety perspective, that staff provide a review of how staff manages safety issues when contractors seek permission for directional boring.
Pedestrian Pathways – Winter Safety
Discussion was held related to the significant icing on City pathways this winter, making it difficult for pedestrians to use sidewalks and pathways, and whether there were cost-effective safety options to consider.
Mr. Schwartz advised that the City’s Parks Department was responsible for operational aspects of pathways (i.e., plowing) and he offered to invite them to come to the March meeting for discussion. Mr. Schwartz advised that current practice was for limited ice control on walkways.
Further discussion included safety versus pollution considerations with additional sanding/salting; whether a commercial business needed to be contracted to provide this maintenance; and potential review of the City’s overall plowing ordinance for consolidation and public education of their responsibilities.
RCL Intersection Recommendations
Members concurred that, until spring, it would be difficult to review proposed intersection changes until striping and potential resolutions could be considered.
9. Adjournment
Chair DeBenedet adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm
|