Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/19/2011

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Public Works Director Olson pointed out this is a walkable community, and the design of The COR is geared more toward pedestrians. There is a happy medium. Motion by Councilmember Tossey, seconded by Chairperson McGlone, to recommend that the City Council approve the site plan for parking lot expansion and additional access at 7533 Sunwood Drive NW, contingent upon site plan approval by the City Council. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone and Councilmembers Tossey and Elvig. Voting No: None. Case #2: Review Sidewalk Plowing Policy Street Supervisor Grant Reimer reviewed the staff report. Chairperson McGlone pointed out that homeowners that have a sidewalk on their property knew when they bought the property that they would be responsible for it. He noted that hiring subcontractors for some of the plowing is something that should be explored. He said the townhomes have association dues, and the dues should cover the removal of snow. He cautioned the City to carefully consider any design standards that could cause issues such as a car parked on the road making traffic difficult to flow through. He added that snowplowing can be a precarious issue for the City. It is easy to fall into providing a service. City Administrator Ulrich said the City will do some portion of snow clearing, but the question is whether the city crew does it, it is contracted out, or the residents do it. The City needs to define what it will take responsibility for. Public Works Director Olson indicated 75% of trails are on State Aid Roads or connecting neighborhoods. He noted one of the reasons the department is only over budget by $3,000 is that the roads and school walking trails are done first. It takes three to four days to get to trails and sidewalks, but the City is not paying overtime to get them cleared. If the department was to cut back, the cost savings may not be evident. Councilmember Elvig asked how many hours or days are put into clearing trails. Street Maintenance Supervisor Reimer responded they are done in four hours by three Staff. Councilmember Elvig suggested the City take over all the trails as part of the City Parks maintenance. The internal sidewalks in the residential areas should be done by the residents. The areas that have associations should manage the snow clearing themselves. The school trails must be done by the City for the students to get to school safely. Councilmember Tossey agreed. He predicted there may be issues with empty lots because many will be bank owned. City Administrator Ulrich noted the consensus seems to be that the townhome associations should continue to be responsible for their snow clearing. The City should continue with school Public Works Committee / April 19, 2011 Page 3 of 6