Agenda - Public Works Committee - 09/20/2016

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direct staff to explore the condition of the irrigation system and if it is not viable, then to instead recommend the mulch option. Further discussion: Chairperson Riley stated he supports the EPB recommendation for a mulch median. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Shryock and Johns. Voting No: Chairperson Riley. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood suggested using native flowers to create a formalized edge with naturalized plantings on the interior median areas. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated this will be on the Committee's September agenda. 5.02: Removal of Abandoned Garage at 16600 Highway 47 Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff is seeking direction on removal of the abandoned garage located just west of the Rum River Hills Golf Course at 16600 St. Francis Boulevard. He explained this property was purchased in 2009 as part of the Pumpkin Patch that became the building site for Water Tower#3. The house on this property was part of a controlled burn exercise by the Ramsey Fire Department and the foundation was removed by the Public Works Department and back filled. The garage has been used over the years for minor storage but is no longer needed and staff has concluded the building serves no real public purpose and should be removed. Public Works Superintendent Riemer presented options for consideration: sell the structure to a private party; disassemble it and remove it from the site; hire a contractor to raze the building; Public Works raze the building; or, do nothing and wait until the property sells and the new buyer remove the building. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff recommends advertising for proposals to remove the garage and compare that cost against the cost of having Public Works remove the building. Chairperson Riley supported staff's recommendation noting if it can be sold, that would be a good outcome for the City. He supported a dual process to advertise the building for sale and also advertise for proposals to remove the garage. Councilmember Johns asked how it will be advertised. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff will have to determine the best method. If approved, staff will place an advertisement and present the results to the Council. He stated if it is more economical for Public Works to remove the building, it will not occur until September or October. Motion by Councilmember Johns, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to recommend that the City Council direct staff to advertise for proposals to remove the garage, advertise to sell the garage, and chose the most economical method from options listed in the staff report. Public Works Committee/July 19, 2016 Page 5 of 8