09.d PW - Staff Report
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 12/21/2021
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Director of Public Works – Charles Fischer
Subject: Staff Report
Roads and ROW:
In the last month Public Works staff have responded to four snow events with the largest event
totaling near 8 inches. During the major snow event Public Works staff cleared roads on Saturday
12/11/21 and followed up on Monday 12/13/21 to push back windrows or snow piles in
preparation for the next snow event and to also increase driver visibility at intersections. Public
Works also responded to the recent rain and rapid freeze event. Along with blowing snow and cold
temperatures salt application was required in areas shielded from the wind where snow and ice
accumulated. Although only 1/2” of snow fell it caused difficult driving conditions in certain areas.
Our street sign replacement project is nearly complete with most to all old street ID’s updated to
the new design. Also, new pedestrian signs have been added to select roadways and a 30 MPH sign
added to 185th street for westbound traffic exiting the Bliss neighborhood.
Tree clearing in the ROW’s has also continued as with each strong wind, rain or snow event more
trees or debris are required to be removed.
Preliminary winter season ROW inspections required Public Works to request residents to remove
many items from the ROW which included, basketball hoops, boulders, and metal fence posts. All
items recently found have been removed.
Sewers:
The recently approved pumps and metering equipment for the Bliss system have been delayed for
installation due to equipment availability. The selected contractors are waiting for the delivery of
the pumps, meters and parts to be installed. The goal is to have the installation completed before
the end of the 2021 calendar year.
The Uptown regenerative blower failed this month and by this meeting should be installed. The
blower was scheduled for replacement this year and funds were available for the replacement .
Public Works staff have also completed necessary continuing education requirements for their
certifications.
Sewer system valve vaults have also been inspected for water intrusion and will be pumped for the
winter season to eliminate water freezing to the exterior of the valves.
Sewer connections have been added to our system in the Bliss and A/E which had been approved
for installation in early 2021 or 2020. The connections had been delayed due to construction costs
and labor shortages at each home. The connection to the A/E on Norell Ave. system went well and
no roadway excavation was required. The connection to the Bliss system on Langley Ave. required
roadway excavation as the force main was buried near the middle of the road and ground water
level above the excavation height caused delay in the connection. Normally this connection would
be done within a day but with added difficulty the repair lasted one week as more equipment was
needed to stop the ground water from affecting the excavation and connection. The contractor
completing the connection is responsible for the road repair and will match or exceed our road
specifications. The final road repair on Langley Ave may not take place until the Spring of 2022.
Parks:
Parks have been winterized for the year by Public Works staff which included prepping the ice rink,
Zamboni and warming house. Public Works began flooding the rink Friday 12/17/2021 as we finally
measured enough frost in the ground to support the beginning of base ice establishment. Flooding
this year was delayed due to warm temperatures and lack of frost in the ground. There is no
certainty that we can establish enough ice before the Holiday break unless additional hours are
used outside or the 7:00am to 3:30pm schedule.
Along with ROW tree removals Public Works staff have been busy clearing park trees as well,
specifically a tree that fell across the path at Lilleskogen Park.
Community Center:
The Community Center freezer was reported to have failed after the Lions breakfast on 12/11/2021.
Public Works has been requesting quotes for replacement and the Community Center Capital
Improvement fund balance supports the purchase of a new freezer with a cost estimate of $2,500
to $3,500. Water heater replacement was scheduled for 2021 and a quote has been received. The
expense for the water heaters is also supported by Community Center Capital Improvement Fund.
Equipment:
Public Works was fortunate to have the Kubota sidewalk snow blower returned from repair before
the major snow we recently received. Sidewalks were able to be cleared the day of each snow event
after roads and parking lots had been plowed.
Public Works staff have continued preventative maintenance on our equipment and during periods
of multiple snow events produces additional preventative maintenance workload on staff.
Staff:
Our new seasonal plow operator Jim Gribble plowed for us for the first time on Saturday
12/11/2021 and performed very well starting the season with an 8-inch snow event.