Agenda - Council - 02/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The City continues to offer assistance with identification of invasive /undesirable plants such as buckthorn. There are two (2) weed wrenches that residents can 'check out' to assist with removal of undesirable woody plants. The intent of the program is to provide residents an opportunity to combat unwanted plants such as buckthorn without using harsh herbicides. The City coordinated the Environmental Expo and Tree Sale again in 2009. Attendance was greatly improved over 2008. The event was again held at the Municipal Center and featured over thirty (30) exhibitors, various presentations focusing on energy conservation, energy efficient landscaping, geothermal energy and an update on the Clean Water, Land and Legacy funding. The students at Ramsey Elementary School participated in an environmentally themed coloring contest and their artwork was on display throughout the event as well. The 'pre- order' option of a select variety of trees and shrubs was a hit and really boosted interest in that component of the event. The City maintained its' Tree City USA designation for the seventeenth (17 consecutive year. There was an Arbor Day planting that was attended by residents and businesses alike. A total of ten (10) trees were planted along Riverdale Drive just east of Ramsey Blvd as part of this event. PUBLIC WORKS The Public Works Department is comprised of four divisions: Engineering, Streets, Parks, and Utilities. Although all have unique functions, each division works closely together and supports the activities of the other three. All of these functions are overseen by the Director of Public Works /Principal City Engineer. Engineering The Engineering Department staff includes a City Engineer, Assistant City Engineer, Civil Engineer II, Engineering Technician IV, Engineering Technician II and a Public Works Secretary. Major areas of responsibility include planning, designing and overseeing the construction and rehabilitation of the streets and utilities in the City of Ramsey. In 2009, the City completed sealcoating and overlays on approximately 15.65 miles of City streets at a cost of $430,000, and implementation of the five -year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). A funding source that assists the City with financing the rehabilitation of existing City streets known as the Public Improvement Revolving Fund (PIR) was established in 1993. This fund together with the general fund pays for half the cost of this expense annually. City of Ramsey Page 2009 Annual Report 16