Agenda - Council - 05/13/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUTHORIZATION OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #08 -29, ALPINE PARK WATERMAIN LOOPING, AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS By Tim Himmer, Assistant City Engineer Background: The purpose of this case is to request approval to construct the watermain extension this year, consistent with the 2008 — 2012 CIP. The improvements include looping the watermain from the easterly end of the cul -de -sac on 148t Lane NW, along Garnet Street NW, through a portion of the 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 potential additional components of the project included: 1. A trail segment within the same alignment as the proposed watermain; connecting the REGENCY POND neighborhoods to Alpine Park. 2. An access road off of Alpine Drive, and limited parking facilities, to serve the proposed skate park within Alpine Park and future park expansion. 3. A roadway connection between the existing Garnet Street and 148 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. A neighborhood meeting was held on Thursday, March 27, 2008. Seventy -five (75) notices representing 88 properties were sent out, and 13 people attended the meeting. Those in attendance expressed support for all aspects of the project presented except for the roadway connection between the cul -de -sacs. The most prevalent concern raised was the impact of potential additional traffic that may find its way into the neighborhood. This item was brought back to the Public Works Committee on April 15, 2008 to summarize the discussions of the neighborhood meeting, and to talk in general terms about the public safety policy related to increasing connections in areas of the City with only a single access point. ' The Committee recommendation that evening was to authorize all components of the project except the roadway connection; the watermain loop, a trail connection (constructed to existing City standards), and access /parking within Alpine Park. They also recommended undertaking the appraisal process to acquire the remnant Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) property at Lot 2, Block 6 PELTZER ADDITION (14911 Garnet Street NW). Observations: Dialog has been on -going with the 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 through the landfill area, and that they would support condemnation of Lot 2, Block 6 PELTZER ADDITION, as long as their concerns related to existing landfill facilities and security are addressed.