Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/21/2013

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmembers Riley and Kuzma. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen. 5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 5.01: Mail Box Damage at 16100 Dysprosium Street Bill Rome, 16100 Dysprosium Street NW, stated he knows the City owns three feet of the easement but with the way he stakes off his mailbox and brick planter, the plow operator should see it. He stated they installed a brick planter box to improve the look of the neighborhood that was also damaged. He stated in this case, he had plowed out the mailbox area and the plow operator still hit his mailbox and planter. Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and described the inadvertent plow damage to the turf and mailbox at 16100 Dysprosium Street. It was noted the City's current policy for mailbox replacement has two options. The first option is for the City to replace the damaged mailbox with a 4'x4' treated post and standard mailbox. The second option is to issue a check to the property owner for $75 so they can make the repairs. However, in this case the cost of the mailbox exceeds $75. Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained the property owner selected this style of locked mailbox for aesthetic reasons and to address a security concern and prevent their mail from being tampered with. He noted it has been the City's policy that any private amenities placed in the right -of -way are the responsibility of the property owner to repair and maintain. This policy is consistent with surrounding communities, as well as Anoka County and Mn/DOT. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff recommends following the City's existing policy and issue a $75 reimbursement check to the property owner. He stated he will personally meet with the property owner this fall to help stake the boulevard with City - supplied fiberglass stakes and the route driver for that area will attend a refresher course on snowplow operation. Councilmember Kuzma asked if the planter is in the City's right -of -way. Public Works Superintendent Riemer answered in the affirmative. Chairperson Backous noted this mailbox cost more than $75. Councilmember Kuzma asked if it is known what the cost would be to replace this type of mailbox. Mr. Rome presented Chairperson Backous with a receipt for $245. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the $75 reimbursement is to cover a 4'x4' post, mailbox, and installation. Chairperson Backous noted the City has 6,000 mailboxes and plows 174 miles of roads and things like this will happen. He stated he knows this is a nice mailbox and this resident has a Public Works Committee / May 21, 2013 Page 2 of 9