8.e Public Works Staff report - January 2020January 21, 2020
Public Works Staff Report – December 2019
Roads and Right – of – way
Roads:
Since the last report, the end of November and December produced five snow trigger
events and the total accumulation was 26”. There was additional road maintenance
activity to address due to light snow falls and freezing rain / drizzle that did not trigger a
full-scale plow but activated the full-time staff. The gravel roads were dressed with
recycled grit from the city’s past seal coat projects to help maintain traction.
There were three smaller trees that had fallen and were removed from the roadway. Two
dead deer were removed from the ROW.
There has been some ROW clearing with the tractor and brush cutter. The brushing will
continue this winter as time and resources are available.
The plug-in receptacles on the City’ light poles have aged and are starting to fail. As
they fail the electrician has been replacing them and making sure there are covers on
the receptacles to help them last longer and minimize the tripping of the ground faults.
Sewer – Water:
Bliss /AE 201 system:
Staff is working with MPCA in providing further information as to how our system is
working and the challenges. Due to the nitrate issue the MPCA does say we qualify for
a low-cost loan and/or possibly a grant aimed at a solution to directly address the
nitrates. Once we receive a time line to address the issue and how they would like it
addressed staff will review the options.
The concrete pads for the upgrades for the control panels on Lift station #1 and #2 are
installed and they ready to move forward with installation. The company has ordered all
the components and are hoping for a possible February installation.
The I&I inspections were completed for all those who set up appointments. Letters have
been sent out to those who have not responded to the inspection request.
I &I conditions are still evident in the system. In the spring Public works will address
some of the systems with accesses in lower areas of yards and raise those covers as
well as add new seals.
Anderson /Erickson:
The system continues to have a wet vault problem and high chloride issues in the test
wells. The wet vault will be addressed in the spring. The valves impacted by the wet
well will be repaired at that time. Staff suggests sending out a letter of request for
residents in the area to check their waters softener settings. Water softener use is the
largest contributor to chlorides entering the treatment system.
Uptown sewer:
The flow readings have been off for the past few months. Staff has enlisted help from
the designers of the system and MN Rural Water Association to aid us in pinpointing the
issue. There is no sign it is related to I&I into the system.
Parks:
Lilleskogen:
Public works has continued its efforts to keep snow off of the corners in the parks
parking lot that are used by local non-profit groups. A more even thaw in the spring will
aid their landscapes in spring growth. The department also installed delineator posts to
help in deterring snowmobiles from entering the park in those areas.
Patti Ray and the school continue to rotate the stories in the story boards. It is evident
there is more attendance in the park this year than last.
Hockey Rink:
New doors and locks have been installed inside the warming house. The initial doors
installed have broken down over time so they sagged and wobbled when opening. The
locks to the back room were not commercial grade and needed and upgrade for security
reasons. After the warm spell the ice is now back to very good skating condition and
skating classes have begun.
A group of parents wished to have access to the rink before school hours for their
children to skate. With adult supervision the group has been given access to the
warming house.
This year public works borrowed the fire departments water truck to aid in flooding. It
worked very well to help expedite the open rink ice establishment. It was not as effective
in the rink due to the doors not being wide enough to fully access the rink.
Events:
The PRC has been actively hanging Vinterfest posters around town and the neighboring
communities. They have chosen and announced the winner of the button contest.
Awards will be given out during Vinterfest for the button contest and the snow sculpture
contest on the day of the event. Public Works staff installed the Vinterfest signs on the
four main roads entering the community. They will be removed shortly after the event.
Other:
• Holiday trees were set up and taken down at the Community Center.
• Repair of walls dinged by chairs, damaged by tape removal, and scuffing are
being patched and will be repainted.
• Wi-fi ready thermostats have been installed in all the Community Center rooms
• Moved tables around so the floor in the Community Center and Heritage room
could be waxed.