Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/18/2025

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The consensus of the Committee was that it appeared to be in the best interests of the city to convert gravel roads to paved streets therefore the Committee wanted to make this a priority, especially since the 1999 John Deere road grader was removed from the CIP and is no longer programmed for replacement. The Committee also requested additional details on projected transfers from the PIR fund to the general fund, noting this could be a potential source of funding. The Committee did not appear to support the use of bonds for this work. Staff was directed to present additional funding options at a future meeting. Notification: Notification was not required for this case. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Timeframe: Staff anticipates up to 20 minutes will be required to present and discuss this case and respond to questions. Observations: In 2004, when the Gravel Road Elimination Policy was first being discussed, Ramsey had about 12 miles of gravel surfaced roads. Roughly 10.1 miles of gravel roads have been paved since, or are proposed to be paved with private developments. In 2024, the 0.07-mile gravel surfaced segment of Basalt Street was paved as part of Improvement Project #24- 07. In addition, the 0.13-mile segment of Limonite Street that was gravel surfaced was paved as part of the Jam Hops development. For the purpose of this case, the focus is on paving the remaining 1.9 miles of gravel roads. Until a Gravel Road Elimination Policy is adopted, Staff will continue to explore and promote the elimination of gravel roads during City improvement projects and as part of private development projects. Alternatives: Alternative #1: Motion to direct staff to finalize a draft Gravel Road Elimination Policy that includes estimated project costs for all six gravel road segments, a project prioritization schedule, and a funding program as follows; Alternative #2: Motion of other. Funding Source: Preliminary estimated project costs to convert the six (6) identified gravel road segments totaling 1.9 miles in length to paved streets meeting current city design standards total $2,250,000 based on the information and recommendations included within the attached Geotechnical Report dated October 7, 2024, prepared by Independent Testing Technologies (ITT). This report provides design recommendations for each gravel road segment based on the results of 24 soil borings completed on September I 1 th and 12th, 2024. Project cost estimates reflect minimal subgrade correction and stormwater management costs. Copies of the preliminary cost estimates for all 6 segments are attached. Staff previously identified the following potential funding sources for Gravel Road Elimination Program projects; • Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) funds • Sanitary Sewer Funds • Water Funds • Stormwater Funds • Municipal State Aid (MSA)