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5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS <br />5.01: Consider Allowing the Use of High Density Polyethylene Pipe for Water Service <br />Line <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and recommendation the City <br />Council amend City Code Section 58- 113(a) to allow the use of High Density Polyethylene <br />(HDPE) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence. He <br />reviewed the benefits of using HDPE including lower cost, less likelihood of theft, and ease of <br />splicing. He indicated HDPE has a longer life than cooper and involves no health risks. Public <br />Works Superintendent Riemer explained that cooper will still be used from the main to the curb <br />stop for ease of locating. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if there is any argument to not use HDPE. <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated he cannot think of one, noting it saves contractors <br />thousands of dollars. He stated it will be wrapped with 12 -gauge wire so it can be located. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated his question was how long it would last and staff has indicated <br />100 years or longer, which is a longer life than copper. <br />Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to recommend that the <br />City Council amend City Code Section 58- 113(a) to allow the use of High Density Polyethylene <br />(HDPE) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmembers Riley and Kuzma. Voting <br />No: None. <br />6. COMMITTEE / STAFF INPUT <br />6.01: Signal Timing on Highway 10 Corridor <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer provided a traffic simulation of Highway 10 and its <br />intersections at Ramsey Boulevard NW, Armstrong Boulevard NW, Sunfish Lake Boulevard, <br />Main Street, Fairoak Avenue, and Thurston Avenue that was developed based on traffic counts. <br />He reviewed the staff report and response of Kevin Schwartz of Mn /DOT indicating a limited <br />number of cars are allowed to enter the Highway corridor from intersecting roads because the <br />corridor is over capacity and any changes to the timing at one signal effects the traffic volumes <br />on the whole corridor. <br />Chairperson Backous asked why traffic timing is not changed in Big Lake and /or Elk River to <br />allow Ramsey traffic to access Highway 10 more quickly, noting the wait can be over six <br />minutes. <br />Public Works Committee / September 17, 2013 <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />