Public Works Cte Minutes 03-30-1988 �. �_ �
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Roger J. switz, C�'air
MINUTES OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 30, 1988 - Room 707 City and Council Chambers
PRESENT: Councilman Roger Goswitz, Chair
Councilmember Tom Dimond
Councilmember Janice Rettman
OTHERS PRESENT: John Manillo, Paul D. Brown, Kent T. Larson, Bob
Schulte, Dave Peterson, Mike Kraemer. Loren G. Sultze, Dick
McCann, Maggie Schwichtenberg, Becky Love Yust, Sheryi Le,
Chris Nicosia, John Saumweber, Mark Gamm, Phillip.J. Krurt�os,
Jeff Cook, Don Ahern, Roger H. Giibert, Robert Marny, Mark
Palmquist, James A. Geske, John McCormick.
1. The minutes of March 23, 1988 were approved as submitted.
2. VACATION: Petition of the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul
for the vacation of part of the alley in Block 15, :Whitney and
Smiths Addition bounded by Fifth Street, Fourth Street, Sibley and
Wacouta. Purpose is to expand their present facilities.
Councilmember Dimond asked if the concern of the telephone company
had been taken care of and Paul Brown indicated that it had. In
• answer to Mr. Nicosia's question as to why the Port Authority was
requesting the vacation he was toid that the Port Authority owns the
property and leases it out. No one else appeared. '
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was
unanimously carried.
3. RATIFICATION OF AWARD OF DAMAGES: for utility easements for the
ARLINGTON/ARKWRIGHT STORM SEWER PROJECT.
No one appeared on this matter.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recortxnend approval was
unanimausly carried.
4. RATIFICATION OF AWARD OF DAMAGES: for easements taken for the
RANDOLPH/SNELLING SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT.
No one appeared on this matter.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recortxnend approval was
unanimously carried.
5. RATIFICATION OF AWARD OF DAMAGES: for utility easements for the
HAMLINE/HEWITT STORM SEWER PROJECT.
• No one appeared on this matter.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was
unanimously carried.
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6. FINAL ORDER: Improving ST. CLAIR AVENUE from Cretin Avenue to •
Saratoga Avenue with a bituminous paving, concrete curb 8 gutters,
concrete driveways and outwalks, sod boulevards and a lantern style
street liqhtinq system.
Tom Kuhfeld, Public Works Dept., said the improvement of St. Clair
was included in both the Randolph/Snelling and the Cleveland/St.
Clair Project but the paving/repaving of St. Clair was included in
the Cleveland/St.Clair section only. The section of St. Clair from
Cretin to Saratoga is a MSA route but from Mississippi River Blvd.
to Cretin it is not. ln order to receive MSA funds for that portion
from Cretin to Saratoga a decision has to be made on how wide the
road has to be. . A variance was submitted to MnDot to rebuild the
entire length of St. Clair from Cretin to Lexington at the existing
40 ft. width. The State approved the variance for the portion
Snelling to the west but denied variance for Snelling east. Because
Public works was denied a variance for Snelling east, a contested
case hearing was requested. MnDot does not like to go through these
contested hearings so did agree to compromise on Snelling west to
widening only at the bus stops and in a couple of cortxnercial areas
where parking is very heavy.
Public Works then went to District 14 Cortxnunity Council and flyered
the entire length. The District Council agreed they didn't want any
widening west of Snelling and are witling to taice their chances east
of Snelling, therefore, Snelling to the west will be built at the •
existing 40 ft. width, except for a small section where it is 32 ft.
but parking is banned there and that will not change. Also, in the
last block between Snelling and Brimhall a sewer has to be put in
and that will be just cut and patched.
After some discussion, Councilmember Dimond. said since the District
Council supports this, he would move approval, and added that he
felt the Highway Department needs to get a better understanding of
what the city's needs are because they keep trying to design roads
for suburbia and rural countrysides.
Councilmember Rettman then said if the work that will be done or the
dollar figures are different from that on the Preliminary Order she
would like to see a corrected green sheet before she votes on this.
Tom Kuhfeld then talked about the tighting and said the CIB
Cortxnittee approved the bent straw lighting which is normal for MSA
streets, however, he believes both Councilmernber Sonnen and Long
want to have the lantern style lighting. The order is written to
include the lantern style and the Council may choose to accept or
reject that. If the Council approves the bent straw, then the budget
approved for lighting is OK, but if lantern style is approved, there
will be an additional assessment. The notice went out setting the
assessment rate for lantern lighting at $5.00 a ft. The Council may
decide to reduce it, but they cannot increase it. Referring to
other lantern lighting installed, he said Otis residents were •
assessed $5.00 a ft. while those on Thomas. a MSA route. were
assessed $3.00 a ft. This does not nearly cover the extra costs of
installing the lig��ting system, he added, but appears to be
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• developing as a standard assessment for that type lighting.
Chris Nicosia, Public Works, reminded the committee that only one-
fourth of the cost of lighting is assessed. The cost of the bent
straw is $8.00 a ft., so the city is subsidizing $6.00. while for
the lantern style that cost is $20.00 and the subsidy $15.00. When
you consider $15.00 times the running miles involved, funds will
soon be depleted, he added, and Ms. Rettman agreed paying $3.00 out
of a$20.00 assessment is a huge subsidy.
Councilmember Rettman said she is concerned that sometimes the rate
is $5.00 and sometimes it is $3.00 and she will not support the
green lantern lighting. They should get the basics and i� they want
anything additional they can pay for it because to her way of
thinking there is a difference between affluence and basic
necessities. If we separate the projects, she said she has no
problem with improving St. Clair from Cretin to Saratoga, but wouid
like to see a revised budget before supporting it. She also
expressed her concern that because the Ogden-Winthrop project is on
hold money is being taken from that project and being used in other
areas and she feared it would alt be gone when that project is ready
to be done.
Councilmember Dimond said he would agree to separating the order
but does not see lantern lighting as something afftuent but as an
• amenity, such as providing grass, boulevards, trees, etc. in our
sewer separation program. It is important, he said, to look at
amenities because they do a lot for the ' liveability of
neighborhoods. Further discussion followed.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval of the
bituminous paving, concrete curb 8 gutters, concrete driveways and
outwalks, and sod boulevards was unanimously carried.
MOTION: to recommend approval of the green lantern style street
lighting system was passed on a 2-1 vote, Rettman voting "NO".
7. JACKSON/SYCAMORE SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT.
- No one appeared on this matter.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to reconmend approval was
unanimously carried.
8. RATIFICATION OF AWARD OF DAMAGES: for utility easements for the
EDGERTON/BUSH STORM SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT.
No one appeared on this matter.
• MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was
unanimously carried.
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9. RATIFICATION OF AWARD OF DAMAGES: for utility easements for the •
JACKSON/MAGNOLIA SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT
Jeff Cook, representing estate of fee owner, Mr. Robinson at 1237
Jackson Street, said he was here just to let it be known his client
wanted the easement moved cioser to Jackson Street. Dan Paul,
Valuations, said Mr. Cook was advised if he had any problems to
contact Mr. White, but they don't anticipate any problems. Ms.
Rettman commented any problems that should come up should be known
before the hearing on the 12th and Mr. Cook agreed.
MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman to recortmend approval was
unanimously carried. -
10. RESOLUTION: approving change in minimum qualifications for the class
of BRIDGE CREW LEADER.
The Chair stated he was advised the union people involved in this
matter have been satisfied.
Sheryl Le. Personnel Office, asked that the Resolution be withdrawn
at this time, however, at the request of Councilmember Rettman Ms.
Le explained this was first referred to the Finance Committee and at
that tirne it was pointed out part of the grievance related to
suspension of their motor vehicle license and the issue was laid
over and transferred to this committee. We rnet with the union, she •
continued, and a proposal was made to change requirements for
license suspension from 3 years to 2 years, and any suspension
resulting from parking offenses would be exempt.
Councilmember Rettman said in order to avoid any problems in the
future with someone coming in and saying that's not what happened.
she asked that the agreement be put in writing and a copy sent to
the councilmembers so that they would have the documentation in hand
before it comes back to the Council. Ms. Le explained they received
only verbal agreement but did send a letter to the union confirming
that agreement and copies of that letter will be sent to the council
members.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to withdraw resolution was
unanimously carried.
11. RESOLUTION: amending the 1988 CIB budget by transferring $150,000
from the Ogden-Winthrop Storm Sewer project to the WABASHA BRIOGE
REPLACEMENT MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT.
Chris Nicosia, Public Works, said Art Werthauser was to have been at
the meeting to explain this, however, this covers extra work needed
for the Wabasha Bridge and since Ogden Winthrop project is on hold
part of that money is being transferred to this project. He also
stated this project had CIB approval and Mr. Werthauser will be at •
public hearing to affirm that.
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• Councilmember Dimond said he would move approval but was concerned
about ail the monies being funneled into the Wabasha bridge to fix
it when it should be replaced. We are using a lot of fix-it money
that could go to more important projects, he added. Chris Nicosia
said when money is available that will happen but in the meantime
work is necessary for safety reasons.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was
unanimously carried.
12. ORDINANCE: repealing Chapter 165 of the Legislative Code in its
entiretv aertaining to parkinca on SEVENTH PLACE.
Chris Nicosia, Public Works, explained that this is just a
housekeeping matter. The Traffic Division is going through the
Legislative Code pertaining to their division and found a lot of old
r�gulations on the books that should be taken out and this is one of
those things. There is no parking on Seventh Place now.
MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was
unanimously carried.
13. Moratorium Recortmendation from Citizens' Solid Waste Task Force
CoRxn i tt ee .
• Karen Swenson, Solid Waste Task Force, explained the Committee met
yesterday and reconsidered the motion which it had adopted at its
previous meeting and considered a resolution with a few changes.
A second motion to remove recycling completely did not pass. A
revised motion to put the implementation of organized collection on
hold until the Task Force makes recommendation to separate it failed
on 4-5 vote, so there is no recortxnendation at this time. she added.
14. RESOLUTION: ratifying assessments for sidewalk construction or
reconstruction on south side of CONCORDIA AVENUE from Hamiine to
Pascal (laid over for 2 weeks from 3/24/88)
The Chair noted this matter was laid over for some clarification.
John Saumweber, Valuations, reported Tom Keefe from Sidewalk
Division went out to the site and has resolved the problem. He
found the driveway in good condition, but off grade, so there wili
be a reduction in the assessment. Councilmember Rettman asked if
the ratification would have the reduced assessment noted when it
comes before the Council and Mr. Saumweber said it would and they
would send out a corrected notice. No one appeared.
MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman to recommend approval of the
ratification at the reduced assessment was unanimously
carried.
• Meeting was recessed at this point and will resume in the Council
Chambers at 10:30 A.M. for the continued discussion of
Shepard/Warner/East CBD Bypass Environmental Impact Statement.
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Meeting calied to o�der at 10:30 A.M. •
Present were: Darrell Butterwick, Roger B. Anderson, Richard Mauch, Dave
Peterson. Peter Fausch, Ann Warner, Maggie Schwichtenberg, Becky Love
Yust, David J. Stillman, Mark Nelson. Loren G. Sultze, Mark Palmquist,
Randy Veil, Jiom Sundberg, Susan Kimberly, Kathy Gelao, Joe Cascalenda.
Mae Sylvester.
The Chair stated that PED staff would present their report first and then
NSP will make their presentation.
Councilmer�er Scheibel said before hearing from PED he woutd like to pass
out to the Committee a.report of the Task Force he convened. 1'he purpose
of the report is to present to the Committee and PED and other people
involved what people see as some of the issues and concerns of the plan.
The report does not go into great detait and also makes no recortimendation
but is a working document and at least brings to us where the people =-
stand at this point. He said he hoped this report could be reviewed
before the pubiic hearing.
Peggy Reichert, PED, said their presence today is basically to answer any
further questions the Committee may have on the presentations of the tast
two meetings. One thing she said she wanted to clear up was that both of
the alternatives for the intersection between Warner Road/Shepard Road
and Bypass are grade separated intersections and both have the railroads
going under the bypass. She then asked Peter Fauch, consultant, to speak •
on the impact of the bypass on trucks coming into the downtown area. Mr.
Fauch gave some statistics at various locations and pointed out that a
.. great number of trucks have to use this route to get in and out of the
general downtown area. Councilmember Dimond said he felt the ring route
pulls in more truck traffic into the downtown corridor and also disputed
some of the numbers quoted. He further said that the bypass actuatly
will increase truck traffic and said the volumes of traffic talked about
need to be addressed.
Alan Lovejoy, PED, talked about the buffering effect of A-2 between NSP
and new housing site and said in discussion with NSP they would tike to
have a through road from Warner Road to Randoiph 8 Chestnut, basically a
local street, but not so that it can be used as a truck route or a
shortcut. This is a pretiminary proposal at this time and is not
included in the EIS, he added.
Also not included, Ms.Reichert said is in the Midway alignment
reconstruction, A-3 now makes old Shepard Road a scenic drive. Cost
for pedestrian bikeway path is included, but not for any other
reconstruction, repaving, etc.
The Chair then called on NSP to begin their presentation. Mr. Darrell
Butterwick, said they would be talking about Segment A and how it affects
NSP. He said he has enjoyed the spirit of cooperation received from city
employees, Unical, Irvine Park people, West Publishing plus all the •
others they have worked with. We are anxious to see St. Paul and the area
progress and take advantage of its heritage and assets and are excited
about the opening up of the riverfront, residentiai downtown and commerce
area because NSP has a stake and an interest in its plans and future
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• expansion. NSP has been operating in this area since 1924, he added, and
pointed out the location of their various facilities and their purposes.
He then introduced Roger Anderson, Civil Engineer, and Richard Mauch,
Avres Associates, who will talk o� safety impact, impact on company
operation and the integrity of continued quality service to their
customers.
Roger Anderson spoke on the capital costs impact on their operation.
Richard Mauch showed a short video of Shepard Road and the present view
of the river and downtown areas. Several of the reasons pointed out for
choosing A-3 as their choice were: important safety factor - A-3 no
intersections, A-2 has 2 intersections; A-2 has d driveway accesses, A-3
has none; A-3 provid�s widening at same cost; provi.des flexibility for
long ra�ge changes near roadways and railroad systems; provides safe and
convenient accam�odations for pedestrians and bicyclists; co�lements St.
Paul's land use and development plans; maximizes additional space at the
river's edge for recreational opportunity, open space and/or planned
development; preserves and/or creates regular shaped land parcels for
future development - puts into one parcel; maximizes complement with
permanent physicat barriers by acquiring properties, as appropriate, or
avoiding them completely. Visual and aesthetic ob,�ectives noted were:
avoids disruption of views to and from the bluff and minimizes the impact
of any structures necessary along the river front; designs new streets
and related structures to recognize the best urban design and
architectural standards in St. Paul; preserves and enhances views to and
. from the St. Paul cityscape and skyline. A-3, he concluded, is the
safest route and better meets the entire package of the city's objectives
for a safe and pleasant gateway to downtown St. Paul. �
' Mr. Butterwick again expressed his appreciation of cooperation received
and Councilmember Dimond cortgnended him for their responsibility and hard
work in dealing with this matter.
It was noted that the public hearing will be held on April 28th in the
Council Chart�ers. Mr. Dimond said he stilt wanted some answers on the
East CBD Bypass.
Meeting adjourned 11:55 A.M.
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