8.e Public Works Staff report Feb. 2020March 17th, 2020
Public Works Staff Report –February 2020
Roads and Right – of – way
Roads:
Tree trimming continues along the roads where the branches come in contact with City
plowing vehicles and along the 2020 road improvement route. Staff worked with Helke
tree services to clear some stretches of road where a boom truck was required to reach
hangers and other trees leaning over the roads.
Staff delivered several appliances found in the ditches over the summer and fall to the
recycling center in Wyoming. Area residents should be aware that illegal dumping can
have consequences and should contact the sheriff department if they witness any such
activity.
The Director of Public Works attended a flood preparations meeting at the Washington
Co. Government Center. A summary report was written for the council to review. At this
point there is minimal inland flooding impacting roads. One street, 188th St. N. which is
adjacent to Big Marine and a connecting bay, has high water on both sides of the road.
Once the outlet is open, the two bodies of water will stabilize at a lower level.
New D.A.R.E. and Green Step signs were installed to replace the signs that went missing
along HWY. 97 last month. The PW department has purchased additional signs for the
Fire Dept. to help with parking issues associated with parking near dry hydrants. Better
signage helps the Sheriff Department, Fire Department and the community. Signs will be
installed on additional posts when the frost is out of the ground.
Spring road restrictions are on and being enforced. Some of the roads that ha d moved
due to the frost are starting to settle back into position. Quote requests for dust control
have been sent out. Last year we did a granular application and had good success. We
plan to continue the process this year due to the longer and better dust control without
the waiting for the liquid to absorb into the roads.
Sewer – Water:
Bliss /AE 201 system:
The panel upgrade transition is in operational for Lift Stations #1 and #2. The last step is
to set up the computer software for SCADA so there can be an integration of
information from the new system to the older system. The plan is to go live with the
system 3-16-20. With the new system on line we will be able to get better reporting,
save time driving out to the site, and have remote control of the system.
Staff is working with MN Rural Water Association (MNRWA) and Dakota South Group
(DSG) to address the Nitrate levels that are out of compliance at the Bliss treatment
site. Now that we know there is excessive loading on the front end of the treatment
system, we can make some changes that may have very positive impacts on the
systems operation. These changes will be less expensive than other options noted in
earlier discussions. The proposal(s) will be presented before the city council before
proceeding.
Uptown sewer:
The pump time readings and the event counter are much closer to producing equal
values. Water meters are showing less water going into the system than the system is
reportedly handling. The MNRWA recommends a smoke test for leaks once the ground
has thawed. The cost of the test is $200-$400 depending on their findings. Notification
before proceeding needs to include City Council, public publication, and emergency
services.
Parks:
Lilleskogen:
Prairie Restorations has responded to staff’s request for further removal of the
buckthorn on the east end of the park and they reply was there would be an extra
charge for additional removal. Staff has reached out to STS for their help in the
buckthorn removal. Staff has researched some bridges that could be used to pas s over
the wet area where the neighboring pond drains on the east side of the park. They were
attached to the PRC staff report for discussion. The design of the bridge was favorable.
Compliance to ADA and other regulations are being researched.
Lighted Ballfield:
The old bleachers are gone. PW will assemble the new set of small bleachers first and
have those in place this spring before softball practice starts. They will start on the other
set of bleachers when weather is permitting. The large set will need to be assembled on
site due to the size.
Warming House / Rinks:
The door to the women’s room was replaced since it was broken internally on the inside
frame work. PW staff painted the new door and the modified kitchenet door. Staff is
requesting a discussion on widening the doors from the rink to the open rink at the next
PRC meeting. Widening the doors would aid the department in flooding and Zamboni
surfacing between rinks.
The rink and warming house closed 2-28-20. It was a very nice long season or the rink
this year. The doors will be locked until April 1st at which time the city will begin the
spring schedule for doors to be open for cyclists 7am to 6pm. PW staff will attempt,
weather dependent, to have the bike racks and fixit station installed by that time line as
well.
South Ballfield:
Snow was moved off the parking area for the boring company to have access to the
field to take samples for evaluating if the site is viable for the old water tower building.
Staff will do additional maintenance needs as requested.
Bone Lake:
The boundary surveying is moving forward. Staff will share the results when the
surveying is complete. The bench ordered on behalf of the BLA has arrived. The PRC
may consider this a standard for park bench purchases in the future and consider this
vendor as a resource. The vendor was willing to work with staff on the pricing. PRC
would like to keep their options open.
Goose Lake:
Goose Lake aerator and warning signs have been installed. The dock maintenance last
year included the upgrade of some planking and a new access ramp. Staff has received
a quote from Minncor for a new 30’ dock if the PRC would consider the upgrade for next
year. The cost this year would be $5,500 for the dock without the cost of shipping. It
should be put in the budget if recommended. This is a discussion point at the next PRC
meeting.
Other:
• Holiday lights were removed
• Warming house was picked up and cleaned
• Door on cold storage that was rusted out was replaced
• Voting was set up and taken down
• Audio on the video system was repaired – Special thanks to Colleen for setting
up the contractor