Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2013

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City Engineer Westby stated the existing wall would then have to be moved about five feet towards the house and would not have to be as tall as if located at the property line. Chairperson Backous stated selling five feet of the easement may not impact the City, especially if the abutting property has a large stormwater pond. City Engineer Westby agreed it should not cause an issue. Councilmember Riley asked if the intent is to build a better retaining wall. City Engineer Westby stated staff did explain how to construct a structural retaining wall. Chairperson Backous suggested staff determine the cost for selling a five -foot easement strip so the property owner can determine if it is economically feasible. He noted that is an option that has not yet been explored and offers an option other than denying the request. Councilmember Riley asked if staff had explained the need to establish sod to eliminate erosion. City Engineer Westby answered in the affirmative. He stated staff will determine a cost and schedule this case for consideration at a future Public Works Committee meeting. 5.04: Review Condition of Dysprosium Street Boulevard and Future Maintenance Requirements Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and described the turf restoration that took place following the Dysprosium Street reconstruction. It was noted that while the sod was healthy in the spring of 2012, it started to decline over the summer months due to lack of rain and hot weather. The current price is $1.35 per square yard plus delivery costs (approximately $4,000); however, staff recommends replacement of sod between the curb and sidewalk only if an agreement can be reached with residents that they will maintain the sod once it is established. Jeff Geldert, 14044 Dysprosium Street, stated he was unemployed when the sod was installed and does not think they used quality topsoil. He stated he had to unroll the sod and lay down two inches of black dirt over the sand and glass along with grass seed because the sod strips were not tightly laid. Mr. Geldert felt the problem was that good black top soil was not used. Chairperson Backous stated the City had another project with this same problem because the black dirt was of poor quality containing rocks and glass. Because of that, the City changed its policy to address the quality of black dirt that is used on projects. Darin Rorman, 14020 Dysprosium Street, stated the contractor did no prep work and laid the sod down over the sand, his flowerbed, and existing grass. Because of this, the sod had to be watered constantly. In addition, snow and salt is pushed onto the boulevard, making the sidewalk un- passable. Public Works Committee / June 18, 2013 Page 6 of 13