Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/15/2001

Home

issues associated with the completion of this project. After the grading of the highway was completed, it became evident that long sections of the new highway had been raised several feet creating a visual and noise impact to adjacent residences on the east side of the high~vay. To remedy this impact, there was a consensus that a six-foot high wooden screening wall be constructed atop a three-foot high berm. The construction on this was completed in April. Supplemental Agreement No. 3 provides a change order in the amount of $254,313.06 for the construction of the wall. This latest estimate compares to an estimate of $217,000, that was presented to the Council in a memo dated October 24, 2000. The final actual quantities should be available within several weeks. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired as to what the City's share of the cost will be. City Engineer Jankowski explained that the City's cost would be around 20 to 30 percent of the entire cost of the project. Councihnember Zimmerman inquired if the increase in cost was due to the wood fence. City Engineer Jankowski explained that 50 percent of the cost was for materials, and the remaining amount was for labor and installation. The estimate that was provided by the contractor proposing to do the work was reviewed by MnDOT personnel and approved. In reality, the numbers of hours to construct the wall were considerably less than that estimate. He expressed disappointment that the estimate wasn't closer. Councihnember Zimmerman replied that if MnDOT reviewed the quote and felt it was a valid charge then he is comfortable with it. City Engineer Jankowski stated that work began in late April on the remaining work, which primarily involves the restoration of turf, the placement of trees, and repair of irrigation systems; however, it also included minor concrete and bituminous work. The landscaping work is approximately 90 percent complete. Completion is expected by Memorial Day. He also noted that the Minnesota Partnership Planting is to take place May 19, 2001. This planting will place shrubs and perennials along the base of the sound wall, around the ponds at Lord of Life Church, north of Sunwood Drive, and at Trott Brook Cemetery. This is not part of the Trunk Highway #47 budget. MnDOT will pay for the plant materials and will provide traffic control, wood chips and traffic vests for the 50 volunteers currently signed up. The City staff will assist with hole preparation, plant staking and usage of the water truck. Councilmember Anderson inquired if lilacs would fit between the fence and the road or if anything would survive in that area. City Engineer Jankowski replied that it was his understanding that the plant materials would be planted as close to the base of the fence as possible. The horticulturist working on this area has worked in sinailar situations in the past. Public Works Committee/May 15, 2001 Page 2 of 13