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<br />Case #4: <br /> <br />Consider Policy Regarding Street Construction in new Developments <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski stated several years ago the City changed their typical section of street <br />to include two lifts of bituminous. Many developers are seeking to delay the installation of the <br />second lift of bituminous until such time as a majority of the units have been constructed. The <br />postponement of the final lift of bituminous does have an advantage. Primarily it ensures that the <br />final wear course lift of bituminous is not subsequently marred by the construction activity <br />caused during the construction of the units. The delay has also several disadvantages. The edges <br />of the concrete curb are subject to damage from snow plows during the snow removal season <br />since they sit higher than the bituminous base course that is being plowed. Similarly, valve <br />boxes and manhole castings must be set at the level of the base course or receive a wedge of <br />bituminous surrounding the casting to prevent damage to the casting or injury to the plow driver <br />and plow. The lack of the final lift also causes water to pond on the bituminous in front of the <br />curb and presents in unfinished look to the street for' the initial residents of the new subdivision. <br />At the present time the City has no policy as to how long the final lift of bituminous may be <br />deferred from installation. One townhouse development which was constructed in the fall of <br />2002 still has fewer than half of the units finished. The Village of Sunfish Lake development has <br />only a single unit constructed even though the infrastructure was completed last fall. He advised <br />staff recommends that there be some limit to the length of time allowable for the final lift of <br />bituminous to be delayed from installation. <br /> <br />Chairperson Zimmerman asked what would happen if the plow would knock out a chunk of <br />bituminous. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied the bituminous could be patched, but it is nice not to damage a <br />brand new surface. He explained there is water ponding in the very edges of the pavement until <br />the final lift is on. Also, the initial residents that move into these subdivisions are stuck with <br />living on a not finished street until it is fixed. A draft policy has been prepared that proposes that <br />bituminous wear course shall be placed no more than one year after the bituminous is put in. In <br />addition to that it also identifies certain criteria or certain things that need to happen. The <br />primary concern is the plowing. The proposed policy states that prior to October I st all <br />underground utility appurtenances shall be made flush to the top of the base course so the plows <br />can safely plow the street. The third element of the policy specifies what type of damage to the <br />curbs will be tolerated and how it needs to be fixed. He explained if the streets get scuffed up <br />they will be sealcoated in five years, however, if the curb and gutter are scuffed, that will be <br />around for about 30 years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman questioned if the developer would be responsible if a house <br />contractor came in with the concrete trucks and knocked out the curb. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski responded in the affirmative. He explained the City holds the escrow <br />for the Stage One improvements until all the improvements are in. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked what can be done to remedy damage done on a final lift coat by big <br />trucks on a warm day. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee/April 20, 2004 <br />Page 7 of 16 <br />