Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/09/2000

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I I I i ! I I I I I I I I I I I I ! Case #8: Adopt Right-of-Way Ordinance City Engineer Jankowski reviewed the proposed ordinance which would regulate the use of right-of-way within the City. He advised the City's ordinance is modeled after an ordinance provided by the League of Minnesota Cities. He noted the questions raised by Council and staff responses as contained in their report. City Engineer Jankowski provided an explanation of the abandonment process, noting it may be difficult to prove abandonment since it could be difficult to document the use of the facility. He recommended that the C~rges be based on the space occupied, whether used or not used. Upon inquiry, City Attorney Goodrich explained that bankruptcy is handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court where property is turned over to them and then parceled out to creditors so the City would have few responsibilities if a company were to file bankruptcy. Larry Peterson, Connexus Energy, stated that they would like the Council to consider a one month delay because they have some concerns and would like to request modest changes. He noted this ordinance would also apply to the City so the Council will want to be comfortable with all the requirements as well. Mr. Peterson noted that some of the language exceeds what the Public Utilities Commission will allow and the City can protect their fight-of-ways without evoking the wrath of the PUC. Mr. Peterson stated that Connexus can provide input that will result in creating an ordinance that is good for all parties. He pointed out that obstruction of the right-of-way does not have an associated time limit so they would need a permit to make a repair of a street light which would only take about ten minutes to complete. Mr. Peterson stated that they have other areas of concern and would like to work with City Staff to address their concerns which can be presented to the City Attorney for his recommendation. City Attorney Goodrich stated that a time table of one month would be acceptable. Motion by Councilmember Hendriksen, seconded by Councilmember Connolly, to table consideration of the ordinance amending Section 4.10 of Ramsey City Code to manage and administer public right-of-way and provide for issuance and regulation of fight-of-way permits for a period of one month. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Pro tem Zimmerman, Councilmembers Itendriksen, Connolly, and Anderson. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Gamec. Case #9: Award Engineering Contract to Prepare Plans and Specifications for Water Tower No. 2 and Repainting of the Existing Water Tower City Engineer Jankowski explained that there are two critical needs for the City's growing water utility including the construction of an additional well to increase the City water supply source, and a second 1.5 million gallon elevated water tower to increase storage. He noted that in December, the City awarded the well design and specification preparation to E.H. Renner, Inc. City Council/January 25, 2000 Page 21 of 35