Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/18/2011

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Councilmember Backous stated this would have to be paid anyway and would not have changed his vote on this project. Chairperson McGlone stated his opinion that a lot of change orders are being approved. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to recommend that the City Council approve a change order for Improvement Project #11 -09, Alpine Drive Overlay, for subgrade preparation in the amount of $12,000. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone and Councilmembers Elvig and Backous. Voting No: None. Case #6: Consider Guard Rail Enhancements for the Parking Ramp Public Works Director Olson reviewed the staff report and two options for design enhancements. He advised there is also an issue of sun glare when entering the ramp so another option would be to install a sunscreen on several levels of the most westerly side. Chairperson McGlone asked whether any enhancements considered in this ramp would automatically trigger a change order for the new ramp and use of CMAQ money. Public Works Director Olson stated that could occur and staff is making an argument that because the new ramp section would have enhanced LED lighting, the existing ramp should have the same LED lighting. If approved, it would result in savings in operations and electric charges. Chairperson McGlone reported he has seen 12 year olds walking the top facade edge of the ramp. He felt some things were missed in the original design and there already are safety issues in the existing ramp. Councilmember Elvig clarified that the ramp had been built to State, City, and Federal codes and matched and surpassed all safety codes. He asked where is the common denominator with being safe yet practical. Councilmember Elvig supported moving forward with the proposed enhancement in the new parking ramp and suggested the Council schedule a tour of the parking ramp to determine what makes sense. Councilmember Backous asked whether the code had changed. Public Works Director Olson explained the code has not changed but states you have to prevent people them from getting over the top. He explained if there are railings with vertical components, code requires spacing of four inches apart; however, this protection is with the horizontal element. Chairperson McGlone stated he has witnessed kids walking the top of the ramp and reported it to the Police Department. He noted an argument could be made that the City knew kids could walk on the top facade of the ramp but did nothing about it. He thought there were definite safety problems at the top edge of the ramp, at a minimum. Public Works Committee / October 18, 2011 Page 9 of 12