Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/20/2004

Home

City Engineer Jankowski replied there is a lot of minor scuffing that goes on that the City does not do anything about. If the scuffing or gouge is bad they would expect it to be corrected. Councilmember Elvig stated the point is that concrete is more important than bituminous. He questioned why the developer would not be required to put the final lift on before winter, regardless of when they are in. Public Works Supervisor Riemer indicated plowing has not been a big problem yet. He would like to see the policy include a requirement that the manholes and the curb stops be lowered instead of ramped up. City Engineer Jankowski noted the curb stops should be flushed rather than wedged, and wedging option included in the policy will be removed. Assistant Public Works Director Olson noted the reason most developers use the one year delay option is that it is common practice to allow one year for settlement over the winter months in areas that are not sandy like this area. Ramsey is blessed with a good sand material that is hard not to impact to 95 or 100 percent, so they do not get a lot of settlement. If the City requires that both lifts go on in the beginning and there is an area that is not sandy, they may end up requiring the developer to do something they will regret later. It is best to give them an option and hold them responsible. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to recommend to the City Council that it adopt the Policy Regarding Placement of the Wear Course Bituminous Lift. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Chairperson Zimmerman, Councilmembers Elvig and Cook. Voting No: None. Case #5: Consider Penalties for Violations of Water Sprinkling Regulations City Engineer Jankowski stated that City code section 4.40.06 Subd. 10 allows the City to limit the times and hours during which water may be used from the City system for specific uses, primarily irrigation. He reviewed the code and explained in practice during recent years it has not been necessary to vigorously enforce the odd! even sprinkling restrictions as the utility has had adequate capacity even during high demand periods. However during the peak use day during 2003 the water utility pumped over 6 million gallons per day. With all five wells running 24 hours per day water was still being drawn from the towers to meet the high demand. This year with additional residential units being connected to the system it will be necessary to rely on the water conservation regulations since well 6 will not be on line until after the peak water use period is over. City Engineer Jankowski advised that staff is of the opinion that an enforcement policy which is more progressive in applying penalties for sprinkling ban violations will be easier to enforce and Public Works Committee/ April 20, 2004 Page 8 of 16