Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/20/2005

Home

The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to direct staffto pursue the following: · A sidewalk project from Sunwood Drive to Rivers Bend Park · A trail connection for bicycles between Waco Street and Highway 47 through the 5200 Outlot B, which the City is in discussions of purchasing · The feasibility of a sidewalk down Waco Street and an east/west connection for bicycles to access Rivers Bend Park from Sunwood Drive Chairperson Elvig inquired about the status of the Committee's previous recommendation to un- stripe the pedestrian crosswalk on Highway 47 at 142nd Avenue. He noted the crosswalk is still in place, and it may make sense to keep the crosswalk in place due to the medians installed with the Highway 47 project. He directed staff to review the comments from previous Public Works Committee meetings regarding the crosswalk, to review the final result on the road, and to add discussion of this item to an upcoming Public Works Committee meeting agenda. Case #2: Recommend Change to the Curb Stop/Driveway Configuration Parks Lead Worker Nelson explained for years the Parks and Utilities Department has dealt with the issues of the curb stops in driveways causing problems to both homeowners and City maintenance efforts. It is quite typical to find the current curb stop above the level of the driveway surface causing problems for snow removal, which can in turn bend or break the cover or lid to the standpipe underneath. This condition makes it very difficult to turn off the water supply to the residence if needed. The Utilities Department is questioned many times throughout the year as to how driveway installations, overlays and maintenance should occur with the curb stop in the driveway. Parks Lead Worker Nelson stated staff would like to discuss the feasibility of requiring a structure to be placed around the curb stop that would be installed at the same surface as the driveway mater/al. Cost of the structures is between $65-$75. This would be required on all new construction. Existing driveways would be voluntary. Examples of cities requiring these structures are Blaine, Maple Grove and Woodbury. He reviewed the following advantages of using these structures: · Assuring the curb stop is functional at any time it needs to be used · Structure will rise and fall throughout the different seasons with the surface of the driveway · Structures will be much easier to locate throughout the year by Public Works Staff Parks Lead Worker Nelson advised staff recommends the City purchase and inventory these structures and sell them back to builders and residents per a fee to include the cost of administration. Original purchase would be made from the Water Utility Enterprise Fund (9601) which would be credited back when structures are sold. Chairperson Elvig requested clarification that installation of the curb stops would not be taken on as a City project, but the City would make them available. Parks Lead Worker Nelson responded in the affirmative. Public ~Vorks Committee / September 20, 2005 Page 3 of 9