5.g) Staff Report-Warning Siren Location Amended � �
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SCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: May 21, 2013
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Warning Siren Location Amended
Agenda Item #: S.g)
Background:
At the April 16t" Council meeting, Resolution 04-16-13-OS was passed designating one of the
locations for a new warning siren to be behind the Big Marine Lake Store. When staff had
initially visited the site with a representative from Xcel, we were told the location could support
the warning siren since there was a transformer at the site. A couple weeks later, Xcel informed
us that the transformer would not be able to support the load needed to run the siren.
Consequently, a new bank of transformers would need to be installed at a cost of$3,500.
Issue:
Should the location of one of the warning sirens be moved from behind the Big Marine Lake
Store to the Bliss drain field?
Proposal Details:
Given the additional cost of a bank of transformers and in order to avoid the need to obtain an
easement, staff is recommending the siren in the Big Marine Lake area be placed at the city-
owned drain field for the Bliss Sewer System. The drain field is located on Manning Trail about
1,000 feet south of 1915' St. The siren would be located near the control panel for the sewer
system on the site. This location would place the siren over 300 feet away from any house.
At no charge, Xcel will be upgrading the transformer at this site because it is outdated. This will
be beneficial not only for the siren but also for the operation of the Bliss drain field.
Staff has ordered the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)needed to supply the power for the siren
at the Bliss drain field. The sirens are expected to be installed this week.
Included in your packet is Resolution OS-21-13-OS which would amend the location previously
approved at the Big Marine Lake Store and allow for expenses up to $15,000. This expenditure
would be consistent with the cost estimates in the CIP for obtaining two warning sirens. The
only change is that the two warning sirens are obtained in one year rather than the two planned if
a FEMA grant had been available.
Fiscal Impact:
As previously mentioned, the Ready Watt quote was for$10,500 to move and install the sirens.
A VFD was purchased to convert the power at the Bliss drain field at a cost of$3,750 plus tax.
The Capital Improvement Fund has a balance of around $178,000 as of 12/31/12. An additional
$91,296 was budgeted for the fund this year. The only expense planned from the Capital
Improvement Fund in 2013 is the warning sirens.
Options:
1) Approve Resolution OS-21-13-OS
2) Amend and then Approve Resolution OS-21-13-OS
Recommendation:
Option 1.
CITY OF SCANDIA
RESOLUTION NO. OS-21-13-OS
AMENDING RESOLUTION 04-16-13-OS TO PLACE WARNING SIREN AT BLISS
DRAIN FIELD
WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Scandia approved Resolution 04-16-13-OS
designating one location for a donated warning siren to be behind the Big Marine Lake Store; and
WHEREAS, it was later determined there was not sufficient power at the Big Marine
Lake Store location to support the warning siren; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia owns property along Manning Trail known as the Bliss
Drain Field; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia's 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Program includes
the expenditure of$7,500 from the Capital Improvement Fund each year in 2013 and 2014 as the
City's share of obtaining two warning sirens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA: that the City
Council approves placement of a warning siren at the Bliss Drain Field rather than behind the
Big Marine Lake Store; and
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council approves expenditures of up to
$15,000 for the installation of the two donated warning sirens and required updates at the Fire
Hall.
Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 21 St day of May, 2013.
Randall Simonson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kristina Handt, Administrator/Clerk