Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/17/2013

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