Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/18/2000

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appraisal is ordered, and to recommend that formal appraisals be obtained on Parcels 4, 5, 6, and 7, and that eminent domain papers be filed by the City Attorney with the court. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Zimmerman and Councilmember Hendriksen. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #4: Update on Trunk Highway #47 City Engineer Jankowski stated that at the July 11, 2000 City Council meeting staff reported on two issues concerning the construction project on the Trunk Highway #47. One issue involved Great Rivers Energy and U.S. West both of which had utilities located near 153rd Avenue N.W. and Trunk Highway #47. These companies both had easements for their facilities to be in their present locations. Great Rivers Energy has delivered a wooden power pole to the site and staff was advised that installation was scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2000, however, the work was delayed due to rain. He noted a letter agreement the City received from Great Rivers Energy to move the power pole at the cost of $15,693.95. City Engineer Jankowski stated he also received a telephone call from Quest (formerly known as U.S. West) advising him that the cost to relocate the utility cabinet is $11,132.23. The previously estimated cost of moving this cabinet was $35,000. He stated he has been advised by the field representative from U.S. West at the weekly construction meeting that U.S. West would not move the existing cabinet until both a recorded easement and a signed agreement was in their hands. He stated he has delivered the easement to the City Attorney for recording. Councilmember Hendriksen stated he likes the cost of $11,000 better than $35,000 but not the idea that the City has to pay it at all. However, he would not hold up the project at this time. Chairperson Zimmerman stated this is a good reason for the City to adopt an ordinance to charge for use of its rights-of-way. He noted the cost paid by the City to purchase this property and the fact that the City is now paying a second time. Motion by Councilmember Hendriksen, seconded by Chairperson Zimmerman, to direct staff to proceed in their best judgment so the project is not delayed. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Zimmerman and Councilmember Hendriksen. Voting No: None. Absent: None. City Engineer Jankowski stated the second issue discussed at the July 11, 2000, City Council meeting concerned the closure of Trunk Highway #47 north of County Road 5. He noted the map contained in the meeting information showing the area of the roadway that would be closed and available alternative routes during the two week closure period. He stated he drafted a letter that will be sent to the residents within the notification area advising them of this phasing change to the Trunk Highway #47 project. Public Works Committee/July 18, 2000 Page 5 of 12