Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/21/2008

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that staff can make them aware of the sight line issues and ask them for consideration to keep the trees, at the very least, trimmed. Public Works Director Olson stated that the bottom line is that the trees produce a sight obstruction. He stated that staff hadn't noticed this before and is now aware of it. He stated that it is important to note that in 5 years, the trees. will be much bigger and much more difficult to reduce the hazard that it is creating. He stated that if staff could talk to the homeowner, it could be moved back now, because the City does have a tree spade. He stated that the wording of "working" with the property owner is his preference. Councilmember Olson stated that she would prefer the City take a soft approach, not a hard approach. Chair Elvig stated that he agrees and would like to go with the soft approach so staff can see if there is something that can be done now rather than later. Councilmember Dehen stated that he feels this is doing a little dancing because if there are sight line issues there are liability issues and if the City knows about it and doesn't do anything it can be in trouble. Chair Elvig asked that staff report back to the Public Warks Commission after they contactthe property owner. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Elvig and Councilmembers Olson and Dehen. Voting No: None. Case #2: Discussion on Storm Sewer Improvements within Alpaca Estates for Ramsey Commons Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that this case is related to Ramsey Commons project approved by Council on May 13, 2008. He stated the property owner owns two parcels, one of which has City sewer and one that is not and would like to put the drainage pond across both lots. He stated that there have been additional discussions with the developer who is concerned about spending this money. He stated that other options have been discussed and noted that the property owner is present to answer questions. Councilmember Dehen asked about the original proposal that the Council had approved. Assistant City Engineer Himmer reviewed the original proposal and the estimated costs for the revised project. Councilmember Dehen asked if the City has ever let a developer take their project and do this. He stated that if the City wants it oversized, he feels the' City should pay for it. He stated that the question is whether it can be done cheaper privately, if the City can allow that to happen. Public Works Director Olson stated that the 429 process is one of the options the City would have, to assess the benefiting property owners, which is allowed by City Charter for the improvements. Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that he thinks the developer could be allowed to do this on their own as long as they followed City codes. Councilmember Dehen stated that in this case, the City would just contribute some money towards the oversizing. He asked what amount the City would pay in. Public Works Committee / October 21, 2008 Page 4 of 11