09.d PW Staff Report-October
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 10/19/2021
To: Mayor, City Council
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Re: Public Works Staff Report
Roads and ROW:
Public Works staff have been busy replacing signs and sign posts around the City. Thirty posts
have been replaced and more are still to be installed. More speed signage has been requested
by the public on Parrish Road, Oxboro Ave, and 185th Street. Parrish and Oxboro do not have a
historical speed study completed and Pedestrian signs will be installed in lieu of speed signs.
185th Street as you exit the Bliss neighborhood does not have a speed sign for west bound
traffic, east bound does have a 30MPH, a 30MPH sign will be installed for west bound 185th
Street.
Calcium Chloride application to the southern gravel roads was successful. The road surface has
stabilized and experiences little to no dust with traffic flow.
Public Works staff has only been able to mow the ROW’s once this year and this first cycle of
mowing is nearly complete. A second round of mowing will begin soon to the areas initially
completed this Spring before the breakdowns of the tractor began. Public Works staff will be
mowing ROWs until the first accumulating snow fall this year.
Sewers’:
The new MPCA Bliss permit was administered and began on 09/01/2021. New regulations are
requiring the addition of three flow meters which monitor the amount of eff luent going into
the infiltration trenches. These flow meters must be installed and operating by 02/28/2022.
Public Works has been working with a contractor to spec and install flow metering devises and
communication additions to be able to read from our SCADA system. There are not many
contractors in the area that specialize in this type of installation and two to three separate
companies may need to be involve to finalize the build.
A septic tank at 18590 Norell Ave was non-compliant with new regulations requiring a tank lid
for cleanout. Smilies Services installed a new ring and risers to bring the lid above grade as well
as the inspection risers on either end of the tank. Public Works staff followed up with regrading
the soil surrounding the new tank lid and risers.
Septic tank pumping is complete in the A/E and Bliss service areas based on our Spring sludge
judge testing. 15 total tanks were pumped and cleaned; 10 in A/E and 5 in Bliss. All waste was
delivered to Metro Collection and not land applied this year. The cost was marginally higher
hauling the material to a collection site.
Quotes have been received for the replacement of the pumps in Lift Stations 3 and 4 within the
Bliss system. These are part the planned CIP replacement. Approval from Council is necessary to
finalize the replacement.
Ground water testing in the Bliss drain field has shown readings of below 10 micrograms of
total nitrogen. Although a relative short window of low levels, this is monitored closely and
directly relates to the required addition of effluent treatment in the new MPCA permit.
Bolton and Menk staff remain our contracted waste water operator through the month of
October. Jeff completed his testing the last week of September and we are still waiting for the
results of the test to determine if he will be re-licensed.
Parks:
Public Works was approached by the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails for the approval of a
volunteer Buckthorn removal in the new Orwell Park area. Public Works accepted the
opportunity and understand they had a successful turn out and removal process.
The columns for the new park sign in Lilleskogen Park should be underway by 10/21/2021 or
soon after. Delivery of materials will be scene on site prior to this date. Both contractors
understand the importance to finish the installation this year.
Public Works staff have widened the east opening to the ice rink and is ready for the season
and will help allow the tanker truck to access the rink for preseason flooding.
As the weather becomes more fall like the skate park will soon be hauled away and cleaning of
the concrete surface will begin. Along with many other winter preparation activities.
The sand digger in the Community Center playground was stolen over the long weekend and
has been reported to Deputy David Peters.
Equipment:
Public Works staff noticed a change in engine output and sluggish shifting of the transmission in
the tandem plow truck. The Public Works tandem plow truck is currently in the repair center
for the replacement of all six fuel injectors.
Public Works has finalized the recommendation for the replacement of the tractor and mowing
attachments. The City has the opportunity to save 2022 CIP funds with the approval of 2021
order with an intent to purchase in 2022. The cost savings is due to the availability of 2021
inventory and prices.
Public Works is also asking for the approval to retain the 2011 Ford F250 within the fleet as a
summer maintenance and auxiliary vehicle. This truck was replaced by the 2021 Dodge Ram
2500. The F250 has proved to be an essential vehicle for summer seasonal staff and allows
Public Works staff to have sufficient light/medium duty vehicles available for everyday use.