Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/21/2003

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Principal City Engineer Olson replied that that was correct. The project would have to come back to the Council for approval. Councilmember Kurak stated that it was important to have the City Attorney involved with drafting appropriate documents. Councilmember Pearson inquired if the City's sewer and water comprehensive plan would have to be updated before anything was done. Principal City Engineer O lson replied t hat i n order for t hem t o take a good look at what the system will look like after the project it would be beneficial. The sewer has already been anticipated to go up to the Trott Brook, but staff has also had conversations with property owners north of the Trott Brook. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to hire Bolten and Menk at a cost not to exceed $8,500 for completing a feasibility study for extending urban services to the property identified, contingent upon an escrow being set up to cover all expenses including staff time, the City not being held liable, amendment to the sewer and water comprehensive plan, and the City not having any liability to cover the feasibility study by drafting a contract with the City Attorney, and contacting the MPCA regarding lead contamination standards. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if staff knew the City Attorney's opinion on the issue. Councilmember Kurak replied no. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired as to who would be liable for the cost if nothing happens. Mayor Gamec replied that they will make sure there is no obligation to the City if the project is not deemed practical. Councilmember Elvig noted that he was going to abstain from voting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, and Councilmembers Cook, Kurak, Pearson, Strommen, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Abstained: CouncilmemberElvig. Case #4: 2003 Street Maintenance Program City Engineer Jankowski stated that since 1981, the City of Ramsey has conducted an Annual Street Maintenance Program, whose purpose was to address the preventative maintenance of the City's asphalt pavements. The history of the City's paved streets and their maintenance is summarized on the attached table. From 1981 until 1990, the program consisted predominantly of sealcoating and the full cost of the program was special assessed. Beginning in 1991 until the present time, the City has financed 50% of the program cost. Because of the City Charter requirements, it is necessary to initiate the program in January in order to allow sufficient lead- time for construction to take place in early summer. The frequency of preventative maintenance on the City's bituminous pavements has varied considerably, with some pavements receiving a sealcoating as little as two years and others as much as ten years after initial construction. In general, however, o ur current goal is to sealcoat a new bituminous pavement five years after construction and readdress maintenance at seven years thereafter. Currently, whenever possible Public Works Committee/January 21, 2003 Page 8 of 11