Agenda - Council - 12/10/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Superintendent Riemer introduced the 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), noting it is a strategic planning tool to assist the Council identify proposed capital improvement projects over the next five years. He described the age and condition of the Public Works vehicles scheduled for replacement: tractor is 29 years old; plow truck is 14 years old; water truck and boom truck will be combined; second plow truck currently has 186,000 miles; and, the loader will be 20 years old at the time of scheduled replacement. He described a point system used by Dakota County that considers criteria of hours, miles, and percentage of original cost made in repairs. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated he will create a similar analysis system for Ramsey over the winter months so the only criterion is not just the age of vehicle. Consensus of the Public Works Committee was to recommend that the City Council hold a public hearing and adopt the 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Plan. 6. COMMITTEE / STAFF INPUT The Committee asked about the status of River's Bend Park and possibility of a conservation easement to assure it will never be sold off. Staff suggested a background report be provided to the Council. Staff explained this park came about as a result of the River's Bend development and is not a dedicated City park and described the concern of this neighborhood and stated they want to assure it is not sold to private organization for recreational purposes. The neighborhood wants it to be protected as a City park. The Committee asked to bring this issue forward to a future Council Work Session. Staff reported the status of the crosswalk to Alpine Park is completed, signed, and the road is striped. The Committee stated one side of Dysprosium was sodded but the corner lot is still full of weeds. Staff reported this was turned over to the Police Department for Code enforcement. Staff will get an update on that matter. City Engineer Westby presented an update on recent discussions regarding the potential to construct a pedestrian underpass for Armstrong Boulevard at 146th Avenue. The construction of an underpass for Armstrong Boulevard in this location had been discussed by staff in recent years, but the cost estimate to construct an underpass with the Highway 10 / Armstrong Interchange is more than $400,000 and since the benefit would be low staff does not recommend constructing the underpass at this time. City Administrator Ulrich added that a controlled pedestrian crossing exists at the signalized intersection of Armstrong Boulevard and Sunwood Drive a short distance away which would make it even more difficult to justify an underpass. City Engineer Westby stated the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) discussed topsoil specifications yesterday evening. He indicated Mn/DOT has issued new topsoil specifications that will go into effect at the end of the month so staff is reviewing changing the City's topsoil specifications. The EPB is planning to look at the broader issue including other water conservation measures. Staff expects to present additional information to the Public Works Committee in January 2014. Recommendation: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee. Action: Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee. Attachments