Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2003

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The Public Works Committee discussed the different types of equipment that can be used for clearing sidewalks in the winter and yet be used for other things over the summer months. Councilmember Elvig inquired as to how many hours it takes to clear the sidewalks within the walking zone. Street Supervisor Riemer replied about four hours. Case #4: Update on Feasibility Study for the Improvement of Dirt Streets City Engineer Jankowski stated that at the March 2003 Public Works Committee meeting, Staff reported that it was preparing a feasibility study for the improvement of dirt streets. This study was initiated at the direction of the City Council last fall. Several questions were raised by Councilmembers at the March Public Works Committee meeting. (1) Could "Conbit" a base material made from crushed bituminous be used as one option considered? "Conbit" provides the same function as Class 5 and is nearly identical in price. Our street department has experience using this material. Staff has no objection to this material, however it is our experience that dust control would still be required. (2) What funding sources are available? The General fund; PIR Fund (special assessment); stormwater utility (for drainage elements); and MSA funds (for MSA streets only). (3) Staff promised a copy of a previous report showing that the City subsidy to grading and maintaining dirt streets is similar subsidy to the annual street ~naintenance program. A copy of that information is attached to the case. At the March meeting rough costs were mentioned by Staff regarding the cost to (a) bring roads up to a well drained, gravel road, and (b) a paved road way. These costs were only given verbally. Table A below presents these costs. They are based on quantities for nine dirt street projects. Table A Summary of Major Costs for Nine Dirt Road Projects Alt. (a) Streets to well drained gravel road Public Works Committee/April 15, 2003 Page 6 of 12