Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/21/2006

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City Engineer Jankowski advised at the present time the 2006 budget includes $45,000 for the installation of priority street lights. This includes the amount budgeted for 2005 which was rolled over to this year. It is estimated that approximately 19 lights can be installed with this allocation. This could complete the priority system depending on whether the six locations identified on the list are included within the priority system. Chairperson Elvig commented installing a light at Diamonds on Highway 10 and Traprock, which is one of the locations to be considered for elimination, may make sight more difficult due to the need to look at the passing headlights when entering the street. He inquired about the funding source for the lighting installation. City Engineer Jankowski replied the funding would come from the general fund. Chairperson Elvig inquired about the revolving or enterprise fund for lighting. City Engineer Jankowski replied there is an enterprise fund that funds the operation and maintenance of the streetlights; the installations are funded from the general fund. There has been a $25,000 allocation per year; there was not a lot of work done last year so there is a rollover in the fund to equal the $45,000. Chairperson Elvig inquired if 158th and Variolite will still be at the bottom of the list. City Engineer Jankowski replied the estimate would include 158th and Variolite; if there is not enough money that intersection could be eliminated first. Public Works Director Kapler indicated this line item will be able to be removed from the budget next year. This is a big public safety project that is coming to and end. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to recommend that City Council direct staff to proceed with the installation of the 19 identified priority street lights within the budgeted allocation. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Cook. Voting No: None. Case #3 Receive Mn/DOT Speed Study for Riverdale Drive City Engineer Jankowski reviewed that at the April 2005 Public Works Committee meeting a request was considered to request 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. The City Council requested that the Commissioner of Transportation conduct an engineering study to determine a safe and appropriate limit for the Segment of Riverdale Drive between Ramsey Blvd and Tungsten Street. Included in the Committee's packet is a letter 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. The findings recommend a continued 30 mile per hour limit along the segments of Riverdale Drive between Ramsey Boulevard and Feldspar and a Public Works Committee / January 17, 2006 Page 6 of 14