Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/21/2003

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Case #1: Sightline Concern at 142"d Avenue and Fluorine Street Public Works Supervisor Reimer stated that on September 25, 2002 he met with Mr. Les Bateman of 14141 Fluorine Street about a sightline complaint that was received. The trees in question are on the north side of Mr. Bateman's property bordering 142nd Avenue. This is the second time staff has talked with Mr. Bateman about complaints that the tree branches on his property were causing sightline problems at the intersection. The first conversation was about 12-18 months ago. At that time it was agreed that Mr. Bateman could try tying them back instead of cutting them to see if this would resolve the problem. This solution proved to be short term as the branches are once again causing a safety concern for motorists. On September 25, 2002 the concerns were expressed to Mr. Bateman and staff recommended that the branches be cut back to the trunk of the tree, and approximately 10 feet up from the ground. The right-of-way easement i n t his development i s 3 3' feet from the c enterline. S taffr ecommended continuing with the current policy of removing materials from right-of-way to ensure proper sightlines. Councilmember Elvig inquired if the site line was improved with the limbs being tied back. Street Supervisor Reimer replied that it did work for a while. Councilmember Kurak inquired as to how many rows of trees there were. Street Supervisor Reimer replied two. Councilmember Elvig inquired if the site line issue was a concern for all of the traffic or public works staff. Street Supervisor Reimer replied all traffic. Councilmember Kurak inquired if the trees were planted when the development was created. Street Supervisor Reimer replied that he was not sure. Councilmember Pearson inquired if the trees were actually planted on private property, but the limbs crossed over on the public easement. Street Supervisor Reimer replied that the line is very close to where the trees are planted, but will have to verify the property lines. Mr. Les Bateman, 14141 Fluorine Street NW, Ramsey, explained that he planted the trees 25 years ago and did check with the City in regards to the placement of the trees. At that time he was told that the trees needed to be 33 feet from the easement line, which he complied with. He did agree that the limbs are within the easement, but he did try and tie them up. He presented pictures of the trees tied up and the improved site line. The original agreement with the City was for him to tie the branches, but over time some of those ties broke. He requested that he be allowed to continue to tie the branches back rather than cut the trees. Public Works Committee/January 21, 2003 Page 2 of 11