8.e Public Works Staff report - February 2020February 18th, 2020
Public Works Staff Report – January 2020
Roads and Right – of – way
Roads:
Staff has addressed 5 winter events in January. Freezing drizzle and blowing snow have
made for some challenging conditions for the staff to work through. Staff has done a very
good job of keeping the roads safe and the equipment intact. Washington County had
made three attempts at scheduling snow clearing downtown but the snow and road
conditions hindered their efforts until after Vinterfest. The City teamed up with the county
on the snow removal efforts. The results of the removal are snow piles to the North of the
Fire / PW station if there are any questions about how much snow can accumulate in the
City’s downtown area.
The recent hire for the part-time plow driver position, Steve, has been through an
orientation on the cul-de-sac route he has been assigned. He was out for the first time on
2-9-20 and did a nice job for the City the first time out.
The PW staff cut back branches and leaning trees that were hitting the trucks and
equipment along Lakamaga and other roads. Efforts are continuing to remove branches
and trees that are a hazard along the roads in the City ROW.
Signage was installed in TiiGavo. Meadowridge Circle did not have any signage and the
intersection sign at Lakamaga and Meadowridge Tr. was stolen. The old signage and
poles in the TiiGavo area and in the Pilar area will be removed once spring arrives.
Sewer – Water:
Bliss /AE 201 system:
There continues to be behind the scenes progress with the panel upgrades for Lift
Stations #1 and #2. Computer software information has been downloaded and is being
uploaded into the new system for connectivity and data entry. They are hoping for an
install around the last week in February 2020.
Uptown sewer:
With some help from the installers the pump run times are getting dialed in now. The
high-level light comes on by the end of the week but is back down at the end of the
weekend.
Parks:
PRC and staff are putting together goals for 2020. One of the goals is signage for some
other the parks that are mostly developed but have no identifying signage. Lilleskogen
and Hay Lake Park are two parks that staff has been actively seeking quotes for sign s.
Signage will resemble what the City currently has at the Fire Station /PW building,
Wayne Erickson Ballfield, and Wojtowicz Rink.
Lilleskogen:
The Eastern boundary of the park was relocated for the city. It revealed the City has
about 20’ more than earlier thought. This will allow for the path on that side of the park
to be located to higher ground. The story boards continue to be changed out and are
fun to read. PRC and Staff encourage visitors to stop by the park and read through
them as they walk the path.
Rink:
The weather is still conducive to making good ice and build on what we have already.
Staff is beginning to look at a Zamboni replacement. The 1964 machine is up for
replacement this year in the CIP. Council should consider if we want to keep the
Wojtowicz name on the side of the machine, offer it up for local advertisement, or
accommodate both.
Hay Lake:
An extra LED Light from the Community Center upgrades was used to replace the light
for the shelter at Hay Lake. The old light was continually going out or having the lens
blown off. It should now be maintenance free for several years.
Events:
• Vinterfest feedback was very positive. Vinterfest set up: mats laid out, doors
closed and secured, area cleared for tent, stock paper products, made ice for the
outdoor rink in case there was interest, pushed back snow in the parking lot,
plowed T-Ball parking lot, gathered fresh snow for the sculpture contest, repair to
boards inside the rink, hockey net repairs, and set out barricades. Moved tables
and chairs in the Heritage room for the Ice Princess’s. Path was snow blown for
the KUBB players and for the fireworks setup. Tear down: put away the
barricades, open rink doors, return Lions popcorn machine, and pull in the event
ad signs.
Other:
• Removal of the Holiday tree in the Community Center
• The Lion benches that were donated have arrived