Agenda - Council - 02/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case//3 Receive Mn/DOT Speed Study for Riverdale Drive Background: At the April 2005 Public Works Committee meeting a request was considered that the speed limits on Riverdale Drive be reconsidered with the intent of increasing the posted limit from its present 30 mile per hour posting. Included with this report is a advising the City of the determination of the safe and reasonable speed along this segment of Riverdale Drive as a result of the speed study conducted by Mn/DOT. Motion to recommend to City Council that it direct the speed limits be posted along Riverdale Drive as recommended ia the Mn/DOT letter of November 8, 2005. Action: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee. Case//4 Update on Utility Location Requirements Background: In January 1, 2006 a law was amended regarding utility locations. This law requires that tracer wires be installed with all new non-conductive underground facilities in public right-of- way or provide an equally effective means of locating such facilities. This impacts the City sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. One viable option is installing a locating wire parallel to the pipe and extending stubs to the surface for connection to locating equipment. Another option that is being used in some cities is to locate the wye and the end of the service with GPS equipment at the time of construction. The pipe locations can be marked with the GPS when a locate request is received. The Capital Equipment Plan anticipated purchase of GPS equipment in a future year. The equipment required has a higher level of accuracy than the handheld units available at most electronics or sporting goods stores and is considerably more expensive. Staff explained information on existing lines can be added to the GPS database in the future by televising the lines. The camera measures the distance traveled. The distances to each wye can be entered into the GPS data base and then located in the field. Staff indicated the sewer extension should be mapped when it is installed. A handheld GPS could be used to locate it later, but the coordinates need to be surveyed. The cost of a handheld GPS is close to $50,000. Motion to recommend that the City Council direct staff to proceed with tracer wires, and that the purchase of a GPS be a high priority through the 2007 budget proces¢. Action: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee. -321-