Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/19/1999

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Case #3: Consider Acquisition of Right-of-Way for Barium Street from Willow Ridge to 153r'~ Avenue City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City is acquiring an easement across the Allina property to facilitate a trunk watermain looping in conjunction with the T.H. #47 project. The Rademacher Company submitted a letter to the City requesting that the City not only acquire the easement for the watermain but also sufficient right-of-way to facilitate the extension of Barium Street, north to 153~d Avenue. Rademacher owns the parcel to the south, which includes roughly half of the right-of-way for the roadway. Acquisition of this strip of right-of-way also raises the question of how the severed pieces to the east should be utilized. Acquisition of this property could facilitate several uses including abandonment of the problematic sedimentation pond at 15241 Barium Street, the construction and banking of wetland, the preservation of open space, or the development of the severed highland. Councihnember Connolly inquired if it would be possible to extend Cobalt Street rather than Barium Street. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he is concerned that extending Barium Street will increase cross traffic. He requested that the City Engineer and Director of Public Works meet with the developer to visualize what their plans are for the site. The Committee discussed at length long term solutions to the Barium house problem in regard to the proposed extension of Barium Street. Motion by Councilmember Connolly, seconded by Chairperson Zimmerman, to direct Staff to meet with the Rademacher Companies, Inc. in regards to the road issue and land development. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmember Zimmerman, and Councilmember Connolly. Voting No: None. Case #4: Public Works Property and Additional Property Availability Director of Public Works Kapler stated that the current Public Works building has very limited outside storage available. A couple of solutions to the problem would be to inquire about purchasing the property to the west, or pursue the possible opportunity of purchasing the property immediately to the north which has an existing block and metal building that could be used for a salt storage facility and also accommodate outside storage. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the building would be appropriate for salt storage. Director of Public Works Kapler replied that it would require some remodeling. City Administrator Norman noted that they could eventually budget to construct the proper salt storage facility on the site. Public Works Committee/October 19, 1999 Page 7 of 9