Agenda - Council - 05/31/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Motion to recommend that the City Council consider conducting research in an effort to begin using Facebook and Citizen Request Tracker as communication tools for the Public Works Department. Case #5.4 Consider Options for Street Sweeping Staff reviewed that during the strategic planning session this item was placed in the parking lot to discuss the contracting out of City services to decrease costs to the residents. Staff reviewed various options with the Committee and recommended Option 2 which is to supplement City staff and equipment with contracted sweepers. City of Plymouth subcontracts out all its work; refurbished pieces of equipment may prove to be feasible. The Committee discussed that the City of Plymouth subcontracts out all its work; refurbished pieces of equipment may prove to be feasible. It was proposed the City research the possibility of subcontracting out its work. The consensus was to research costs of subcontracting by discussing this option with the City of Plymouth, and look at the viability of using refurbished sweepers. Case #5.5 Consider Priority Streetlight Installation Related to Various 2011 Improvement Projects Staff presented the case and outlined all the requested proposals for streetlight installation, all of which relate to previously approved 2011 construction projects. Each streetlight proposal was discussed with a few options for potential funding sources. Chairperson McGlone inquired if this is all the lights the City perceives will be needed. City Engineer Himmer answered that some of the lights were a carryover from last year, which were delayed due to the pending construction projects, and the remainder were to provide coverage consistent with the City's priority street lighting policy. Typically, the City receives several calls per year from residents requesting the installation of streetlights in and around their neighborhood; so it could not be stated with certainty that these would be the only requests for the year. Discussion ensued regarding the City's street lighting policy and requirements. He explained there is approximately $1 million in the lighting fund, which can only be used for lights. Some of the funds are paid in by developers and some are used specifically for development lighting. At the same time, some funds are being used for vandalism repair, energy and maintenance, etc. Commissioner Tossey stated this is an item that should be brought to the Council, and he expressed his desire to see less taken from taxpayers. Commissioner Elvig suggested a work session be scheduled to talk about the policy. Motion to recommend that the City Council direct staff to install all the streetlights referenced in this case, and to utilize the streetlight utility fund to pay for them. Case #5.6 Review Mass Grading Concepts and Import Policy for The COR Development Manager Lazan reviewed the staff report. He noted Steve Sabraska from Landform is present. City Engineer Himmer pointed out there are still wetlands on the site, and that hurdle needs to be cleared. Commissioner Elvig stated he is in favor of using the pond for grading and generating excess fill to better balance the site. He expressed concern with utilizing the planned access off of Sunwood Drive and proposed an access from the north may work better. He questioned what the next step is to formulate a policy. Chairperson McGlone suggested a model policy be drafted. It was the consensus of the group that staff should draft