Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/18/2005

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City Engineer Jankowski replied any new development would be required to demonstrate that it can handle its own stormwater runoff. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised there is a drainage and utility easement on the adjacent property to the west and the wetland behind this property is City owned. Acting Chairperson Cook stated if this pond is within the drainage and utility easement and is not going beyond the ponding expected, he would look towards denying this and ensuring that the elevation of the runoff is at the correct level. Motion by Acting Chairperson Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend that the City Council deny the request to remove the existing drainage pond. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec inquired if the Weiss' have use of the property under the easement. City Engineer Jankowski replied the easement allows use of the property, with the City ensured the right to utilize the easement for drainage. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised there is a restriction in drainage and utility easements against retaining walls. This restriction is difficult to catch because permits are not required for construction of retaining wails. Acting Chairperson Cook suggested the issue of retaining walls in easements should be revisited at some point, as there have been retaining walls built in several drainage easements. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Cook, Councilmember Olson and Mayor Gamec. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Elvig. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec recommended the liability issue be determined in this case, as well as other cases throughout the City where drainage ponds are located within easements on private property. Public Works Director Kapler indicated staff will research this issue and report to Mr. and Mrs. Weiss and the City Council. Case #2: Consider Replacement of Existing Yield Sign with a Stop Sign at Marmoset and 154th Lane City Engineer Jankowski stated an email request has been received from Colleen Fischer for the replacement of the yield sign for 154th Lane with a stop sign at its intersection with Marmoset Street. He reviewed the following information regarding the request: · Accident history: A review of the Police Department records dating back to 2000 show no reported accidents at this intersection. · Traffic: Traffic counts were taken in the 24 hour period between Wednesday, October 12, 2005, and Thursday, October 13, 2005. The results of this traffic volume study show 194 vehicles per day on the north leg; 71 vehicles per day on the west leg; 98 vehicles per day on the east leg; and 195 vehicles per day on the south leg. · Sight distance: There is an adequate sight distance for the northbound and eastbound approaches into this intersection. There is a large evergreen tree located on the northeast comer of the intersection, which impacts the visibility between approaching southbound Public Works Committee / October 18, 2005 Page 3 of 7