09.d Staff Report-PW
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 2/15/2022
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Subject: Public Works Staff Report
Roads and ROW:
Public Works staff have had some reprieve from the snow as less snow events have occurred in
recent weeks. The last event on Friday February 11, 2022 was difficult as we were clearing off
the previous nights snow event more scattered snow showers came through. These snow
showers were forecasted to be only minor flurries. More snow fell than anticipated and high
wind gust produced drifts causing staff to plow through their full 8-hour shift.
Minor fallen trees in the ROW have been cleared as well and we have not experienced any
major downed trees so far this winter season.
The private well, draining onto Langley Ave, reported last month was remedied and water
flowing across the road was stopped. McCoullough Well Drilling cleaned the road surface and
ditch as well as expected due to the frigid temperatures, some ice still remains on the shoulder
of the raod, but has not affected traffic. Final ditch work and cleanup will take place in the
spring after the ground has thawed.
The snowflake decorations have been removed from the City light poles and preparations for
additional hanging flower baskets have started. Public Works will be adding basket hangers to
the remaining flag holders which currently are unable to hang flower baskets.
Orders for hanging baskets have begun and all new flags have been ordered for the 2022
season. As soon as the new flags arrive Public Works staff will be ready to install.
Sewer and Water:
The metering devises in the Bliss system have been installed and the Scada system will soon be
on line to monitor the actual flows going into the infiltration trenches. The 2021 approved
pump replacements have yet to take place in Bliss lift stations 3 and 4 located in the drain field.
Parks:
Vinterfest set up and clean up was completed by Public Works staff and only experienced a few
minor setbacks during the event. A sewer back up in the Warming House and the need for more
propane for the Zamboni were the notable issues. Public Works will be purchasing an additional
cylinder for the next rink season. All issues were handled very well by Public Works staff and no
down time occurred during the event. Public Works received multiple complements on the
quality of the ice conditions throughout the event. Public Works staff put in a lot of effort
before and during the event to develop favorable ice conditions. The ice surface survived the
tournament and rink maintenance will continue until we receive unfavorable weather. Usually
by mid-February ice conditions begin to deteriorate but the 10-day forecast appears promising
at this time.
Public Works will be completed with the DNR Grant application for the new playground this
week and will be submitting the application before the March 31st deadline. Public Works and
the PRC have discussed other funding sources such business and local organization donations to
assist with funding the playground project. Multiple members have and will be coordinating
requests to these types of entities. All documented donations before March 15th can be used as
matching funds within the DNR Grant.
City Buildings:
The water heaters and freezer have been replaced in the Community Center/City Hall building.
The tank less water heater and smaller tank heater should show savings in future fuel charges.
Public Works staff have begun cleaning out the Cold Storage building. Temperature or
environment sensitive materials or equipment currently in Cold Storage will now be stored in
the climate-controlled garage located in the Annex building.
Midco Project Testing:
Connected Nation completed the testing of the recent Broadband project off of 209th and
Quality Trail and have provided the results to the City. Early stages of testing gathered lower
than expected speeds and Connected Nation worked with Midco to gather the p roper testing
equipment and the results were more favorable shortly after. The testing proved the internet
expansion relating to this project did meet the City’s minimum 5G speed standard.