Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/13/2007

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The 15th annual Environmental Expo was co-sponsored at the Ramsey Elementary School, and included the 28th annual tree sale by local nurseries. At the conclusion of 2006, the longtime Environmental Specialist retired. The Zoning & Recycling Coordinator position was reclassified to Environmental Coordinator and assumed the duties previously under the purview of the Environmental Specialist. PUBLIC WORKS The Public Works Department is comprised of four separate entItles: Engineering, Streets, Parks and Utilities. Although all have unique functions, each area works closely together and supports the activities of the other three. All of these functions are overseen by the Director of Public Works / Principal City Engineer. Engineering: The Engineering Department staff includes a City Engineer, Civil Engineer II, Engineering Technician IV, Engineering Technician II and a Public Works Secretary. Major areas of responsibility include planning, designing and overseeing the construction and rehabilitation of the streets and utilities in the City of Ramsey. In 2006, the City completed sealcoating and overlays on approximately 15.7 miles of City streets at a cost of $738,000, while constructing an additional 2.71 miles of newly paved streets associated with new developments and implementation of the five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). A funding source that assists the City with financing the rehabilitation of existing City streets known as the Public Improvement Revolving Fund (PIR) was established in 1993 to pay for half the cost of this expense annually. Some of the major accomplishments in 2006 included work such as: . Construction of the Parking ramp near the Municipal Center . Construction the NW Sewer and Water Project . Completion of first phase of the Trunk Highway 10 Access Management Study . Implementation of the Gravel Road Elimination Project (GREP) by completing Welcome's Road and TH47 Frontage Road projects . Construction of Ramsey Boulevard and new signal at Bunker Lake Blvd and Dysprosium Street Streets: The street department staff includes a Public Works Streets Supervisor, four Public Works Maintenance Workers, and a Public Works Mechanic. Most years, seasonal employees are also utilized extensively during high demand times of the year. Major areas of responsibilities include the ongoing maintenance of the City's streets and right of ways. This includes snow and ice control, patching, semi-annual sweeping and roadside mowing/brush control. The department is also responsible for storm water maintenance,' street signs, and building maintenance at the Public Works campus and overall equipment maintenance for the entire Public Works Department. Last year, the City of Ramsey, along with all of the other northern suburbs, experienced a wind storm that created significant tree loss and challenges with the road system. Due to 2006 Annual Report -9-