Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/16/2013

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood asked about the angle westerly, not toward the playground, where the grade can be long enough and laid in with Class V. Then the pedestrian ramp at the entrance to Alpine Park can be moved west of the shelter where there is not as much traffic. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff will shoot the elevation grades to see if that is a viable option. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated bicyclists may also enjoy using a gradual trail. Councilmember Riley noted it makes the City look silly to put a crosswalk in a location where people would not use it, or where residents requested it to be located. The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to ask staff to determine elevations as discussed and whether it would be an option to create a more gradual pathway. 6. COMMITTEE / STAFF INPUT — CONTINUED 6.01: Review of 2012 -2013 Winter Maintenance Activities Public Works Superintendent Riemer reported on the Public Work's scale of operation, snow removal routes, 2012 -2013 winter maintenance activities, and types of equipment used for snowplowing. He reviewed the types of comments and complaints most commonly received and how they are addressed. Public Works Superintendent Riemer advised of changes expected for 2013 -2014 including salt cost, installing AVL equipment in large plow equipment, changing policy to make townhome associations responsible for their sidewalks, and to address resident requests to not leave windrows across driveways when plowing trails. Chairperson Backous asked about the cost for the private weather service subscription. Public Works Superintendent Riemer estimated $800 to $1,200 and advised it is worth the cost, noting it is also used during summer storms. Chairperson Backous asked why the City cannot use the AVL system to give live web updates on plowing. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated there is potential the system would crash if too many logged on. Chairperson Backous stated he would like to get more information about that issue, noting the City may need a slight increase in bandwidth, and he thinks offering live updates would be a huge benefit to residents. Chairperson Backous asked how long Ramsey has had eight routes. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated it has been a while and staff would like to add a truck in 2015 because the City's equipment was getting to the limit. He noted Anoka has 65 Public Works Committee / April 16, 2013 Page 4 of 5