Agenda - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2019

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City Engineer Westby replied that Staff would look into this as an option but Staff first wanted to `-- see if Coon Rapids fog sealing program was successful. City Administrator Ulrich asked if Ramsey has done fog sealing in the past. City Engineer Westby confirmed that a few years ago the City fogsealed over sealcoating but noted that there did not seem to be long-term value to this approach. He advised that last year the City fogsealed a few cul-de-sacs but noted that staff is still evaluating the cul-de-sacs. He stated that Coon Rapids will be completing more fog sealing this year and the City could gain information from that without spending additional funds. Councilmember Riley asked if the City would be ready for sealcoating this year if that is the desired outcome. City Engineer Westby stated that streets have been identified and staff could put together plans within the necessary timeline to have the sealcoating completed, if desired. He confirmed that cracksealing continues to be the most cost effective pavement management improvement available. Chairperson Kuzma stated that he is also torn on the decision. He suggested following the staff recommendation to hold off on sealcoating this year. City Engineer Westby stated that it would be helpful to have at least this year to pull back and speak with other cities to gain additional information. He stated that St. Michael has been fog sealing for many years and he felt that he could gain valuable information from speaking with staff from that city on how their process has worked. Councilmember Riley stated that he would support taking a break for one year, which would mean that the City is committed to finding a better option for next year. City Engineer Westby agreed that the faster staff can figure this out, the better. He explained that staff does want to continue proactive maintenance but wants to take the time to figure out what is causing this problem and prevent it from continuing. Councilmember Riley asked if improving Variolite Street would be the best use for the remaining maintenance dollars that would be saved from not sealcoating. City Engineer Westby stated that the funds could be spent on additional overlays instead, but noted that staff is unsure if Variolite Street can make it to its projected reconstruction date in 2022, and noted that this project may not involve assessments. ' Councilmember Riley asked for an update on pothole maintenance. Public Works Superintendent Riemer confirmed that staff is continuing pothole maintenance and continues to work on it. Public Works Committee/May 21,2019 Page 5 of 8