Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2008

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CASE t:.J CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #08-XX W ATERMAIN LOOPING FROM ALPINE PARK TO REGENCY PONDS 3RD ADDITION By: Tim Himmer, Assistant City Engineer Background: This project has been scheduled in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) since 2004. Staffis looking for approval to construct the watermain extension this year, consistent with the recently approved 200S - 2012 CIP. The improvements include looping the watermain from the eastern terminus of the cul-de-sac on 14Sth Lane NW, along Gamet Street NW, through a portion ofthe landfill and Alpine Park, to Alpine Drive NW. This watermain will complete a major trunk connection between water tower #2, the western well fields, and the high demand area east of Sunfish Lake Boulevard. Completing this loop will improve fire flow capabilities and water system reliability, and eliminate long dead end trunk lines. This item was brought before the Public Works Committee on March 18, 2008 to discuss potential items that could be added to the scope of the project, and to seek direction prior to initiating a neighborhood meeting. The additional topics of discussion included: 1. The construction of a trail segment within the same alignment as the proposed watermain; connecting the REGENCY POND neighborhoods to Alpine Park. 2. The construction of an access road, and limited parking facilities, to serve the proposed skate park within Alpine Park and future park expansion. 3. The connection of the Gamet Street and 14Sth Lane cul-de-sacs. The direction from the Committee at the time was to hold the neighborhood meeting and report back on the discussions and concerns of the neighborhood. Observations: ., The neighborhood meeting was held on Thursday, March 27, 200S. 75 notices representing S8 properties were sent out, and 13 people attended the meeting. Those in attendance expressed support for the watermain and trail construction, but objected to the roadway connection. The most prevalent concern raised was the impact of potential additional traffic that may find its way into the neighborhood. The 14Sth Lane NW cu!'...de-sac is more than double the length allowed under existing City Code and it has been the City's goal to eliminate these occurrences, and areas having single accesses, whenever possible to provide better neighborhood connectivity, and improve safety and emergency access. Since improvements are already considered for this area, and the opportunity exists for land acquisition, staff is lookingfor Council direction on whether to resolve this situation as part of this project. A map will be provided showing such cases where this process of eliminating excessively long cul-de-sacs has been undertaken, as well opportunities for future investigation and potential corrective actions. Dialog has been on-going with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for acquisition of easements necessary to complete the watermain loop through portions of the landfill and the adjacent buffer area. They have stated that they are open to granting the easements requested and/or supporting condemnation of Lot 2, Block 6 PELTZER ADDITION (or a portion thereof), as long as their concerns related to existing landfill facilities and security are addressed. You may recall, that in addition to the above proposed improvements, acquisition of the MPCA property would allow for a future subdivision of DUCK POND and the creation of an additional buildable parcel.