Committee Minutes

MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
Monday, May 13, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Hagness, Beyer, Hamerlik, Klave.

7 (a) Matter of South Washington Street reconstruction project.
Al Grasser, asst. city engineer, reviewed the several items in dispute on the project. Several members of the State Highway Department were present: Marshall Moore, Elling Larson, Arlen Weiht from State DOT, and Nick Ludowese and Willis Botnen from the district office; as well as several members of the South Forks Assn. and other property owners. Mr. Grasser stated that issues before committee were outlined in a letter dated April 23 to Commissioner Moore from Mayor Polovitz. Mayor Polovitz stated that the City staff and committee wanted opportunity to discuss issues.

Mr. Grasser stated that the City is looking to do one of the major streets in the city with federal funds, S. Washington St., funding for the project is 80% federal, 10% state and 10% local. want to provide some local knowledge as to applicability of materials, experience shown which materials best, etc.

1) NDDOT wants City to pay additional cost to construct the frontage roads of concrete above the cost of constructing them of hot bituminous pavement; City believes that construction of concrete frontage roads should be a project cost. Mr. Grasser stated that concrete performs to a much higher level than asphalt, and concerned re. use of asphalt on frontage roads; basically all streets constructed of concrete. He stated they had discussed bidding alternates and that does create some problems. Mr. Moore stated he would disagree, doesn't create any problem; that there's no question that concrete is higher class of material but stated that with funding available have to keep projects where there at in order to keep in place for years scheduled, but if expand in dollars they will get moved back down the line, because only have so many dollars. He stated that these two projects will take two years of federal urban regional program funds. It was noted that additional cost would be $260,000. Mr. Moore stated that it's matter of funding. He stated that with this particular program, they set priorities at State level because projects so big; that on urban program they allocate so many dollars to Grand Forks to spend as needed; and the funds based on ranking around state. There was some discussion re. maintenance of asphalt streets, that City will be taking over maintenance on these streets after reconstruction; and whether streets hold up with truck traffic, etc. It was stated that the advantage State will gain is no more maintenance on these streets, but increases City's budget.

It was noted that City's and State's specs. for asphalt streets comparable. Mr. Lynch, Rydell Chev., stated they have half dozen trucks coming in daily, that road 6-8" with rebar, they would like concrete.

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2) NDDOT is proposing to drain S. Wash. St. R/W into existing City storm sewer systems. These storm sewer systems provide drainage for large residential areas in the City. The NDDOT did not analyze existing systems to verify that they are capable of handling additional runoff. The City believes that without ditches existing system could become overloaded, and City wants DOT to be responsible for design should any problems occur.

Mr. Grasser stated City's system designed for a two-year design event, and haven't been able to analyze how put 5-10 year design storm event into system designed for something less than that. Ditches act as holding ponds. Mr. Moore stated that in their design they don't believe changing the drainage where have any significant impact on the system, but can't guarantee in any event there won't be some flooding. Mr. Hagness stated they seem to be compromising values because of less funding. Mr. Weiht stated they have done some analysis on the system, don't have all elevations of the lines, but have done pretty complete layout of the area and have analyzed system and don't believe will cause any great problem for frontages or city streets farther down. Mr. Lynch stated that when streets (DeMers and 32nd Ave.S.) lowered from original grade prior to redevelopment, conditions both in winter and spring are significantly worse that ever were prior to that; and drainage always to the north so area around Menard's coming into this area. Mr. Moore stated that when go from rural to urban section, the water runs to the street rather than to the ditch. Mr. Grasser stated when in an unprotected area have problems. Mr. Hagness asked what consequence of not signing the hold harmless agreement would be, whether not have project. Mr. Moore stated no, that it's state risk manager asking for that and that's on any project they have. Mr. Larson stated that this is designed to normal standards, and not compromising their normal design. Mr. Moore stated they will make a statement.

3) Intersections at 17th and 24th Ave carry large volume of traffic and currently do not function well. Reconstruction of these intersections must be designed to optimize the level of service and safety; design should be legitimate project cost.

a) 17th Avenue South:
Mr. Grasser stated that options are putting median barrier on 17th Ave.S. from Washington west which would prevent traffic from entering/exiting the service road to and from north. The other option is to install dual left turn lane, one to turn into frontage road and one that would continue on to Wash. He stated their only comment is that if layout works and is acceptable, should be cost participating item; don't have problem looking at alternatives. Mr. Strinden and Mr. Lee submitted option they prefer for this intersection, proposal B, and reviewed the option. Mr. Grasser stated this has couple modifications from

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proposal B, thinks modifications should be acceptable, and prime thing modified is dual left turn lanes; and City trying not to unduly impact local business and should be project cost rather than local entities to pick up cost for modifications incl. overhead sign). Mr. Moore stated that he was not so sure they need the overhead sign; and that they will work with Mr. Lee and if City agrees with this option they will define it.

b) 24th Avenue South:
Mr. Grasser stated that this is area where frontage road being cut off with median barrier to traffic crossing and making some turning movements; that in discussing with business, recognize there's lot of traffic that will want to go north down service road and west, and people from west wanting to turn south; and what's going to happen is that they will be running traffic through private drive that connects with 24th Ave.S., and should acquire as right of way for the project. He stated they considered other options to route traffic through there, worked out agreeable arrangements with C & R on east side of Wash. and need to address on west side also. Mr. Grasser noted that the DOT stated weren't going to be pursuing that R/W. Beyer questioned if they start having large volumes of traffic that they could ask NDDOT for help. Mr. Moore stated that by getting R/W and putting in traffic cross, affect business and property. Mr. Grasser asked if they were able to effectively solve that and trade some parking with R/W in front, would DOT look at, and will meet with property owner. Mr. Moore stated they have done that before, traded and that's not a problem.

Mr. Hagness asked whether safety crosswalks included and funded in this project. Mr. Bushfield stated that one at 24th (will be at mid-block) will be funded as part of the project; and one on 32nd Avenue submitted application to Governor's Task Force on Transp. Enhancement and asked them to advance fund that to see whether part of this project, they chose not to do that, so they will submit another application next year for the 32nd Ave.S. Washington Street project. He stated that in talking to DOT they had indicated that they would incorporate the 32nd Ave.S. under- pass in their design in order to accommodate and hope that they will receive funding next year. Mr. Moore stated that unless something falls apart with federal funding, that will happen.

4) Installation of sidewalks on property line. Mr. Grasser stated that it was DOT's preference to put sidewalks directly on property line and recognizing as potential problem in installa- tion and future maintenance. He also stated may be difficult and costly to obtain construction easements, and another problem is location of signs in sidewalks and concerned with ADA compliance and potential safety hazard; and suggested bumping sidewalk foot or two off R/W line. Mr. Moore stated they would work with engineering on this.

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5) City requested that provision for turn-arounds be provided at dead-end frontage roads. Mr. Grasser stated some veer right into private property, discussed right/in and right/out and thinks that's way to go, but if DOT thinks that's not proper thing to do and cannot support it, rather than build turn-around just leave frontage roads dead-ended at private property. Mr. Moore stated they would have to go back and re-do.

6) Matter of bikepaths.
Mr. Grasser stated that the DOT is planning to install asphalt bikepaths rather than concrete as City uses, again becomes maintenance activity. Mr. Moore stated they would bid concrete as alternate.

Mayor Polovitz thanked Mr. Moore and others for coming to Grand Forks and his response to request and letter, and that there's going to have to be give and take.

Mr. Hagness concluded the hearing and thanked everyone for attending.

1. Application by William Graveline for moving permit to move buildings from 2419 2nd Ave.N. to 1020 1st Ave.N. to be used as rental-duplex.
Bruce Melin, Bldg, Insp., reported they recommended approval upon completion of repairs outlined in their communication to bring building to Code. Moved by Beyer and Hamerlik to approve application subject to the public hearing. Motion carried.

Hamerlik excused.

2. Update on facility plan for wastewater treatment system im-
provements, Proj. 4371.
Charles Grotte and Jim West, KBM, were present and gave brief update on viewing facilities in Germany. Mr. Grotte reported they had looked at 3 different wastewater treatment systems and l composting facility and l water treatment facility in Germany; they build things to last long time. He stated they were very impressed. He stated there is big difference in how garbage handled (in Germany garbage segregated in house); that technology appears to work fine. He stated systems they looked at designed by GeoTech; some systems been in operation for five years; com- posting facility only since January. He stated that whatever BioDigestor comes up with would have to be competitive with other companies; and that BioDigestor has more flexibility than other American made systems. Mike Shea stated he was impressed with wastewater technology.

Mr. Grotte stated that in any case going to have some type of wastewater treatment as any system going to give us sludge, which is result of the process.

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Hagness stated that there will be further update and review and proposal. Mr. Grotte stated they are hoping to have committee of the whole meeting next week to make presentation to committee.

9. Matter of change order to Proj. 4427, to allow Parking Auth.
to use City's contract to do repairs to parking lot, etc. Dick Jackson, Central Business Dist. Authority, stated that the Parking Auth. would like City to allow them to use the concrete contract that City has with Opp Construction to redo the entrance into the Bridge lot, change grade and resurface lot and installing walkway and steps along with what the Riverforks people doing along riverbank. Moved by Beyer and Klave to authorize for Change Order No. 1 to Project No. 4427, concrete street repair, in an amount up to $20,000, with funds to come from parking Authority. Motion carried.

3. Matter of 1996 sidewalk repair and construction list #1.
Mr. Grasser submitted copy of notice sent to property owner notifying him of proposed construction/installation and giving him opportunity to do himself or to have City's contractor do the work. He stated that letters will be sent to property owners upon approval of the sidewalk list. Moved by Beyer and Klave to approve Sidewalk List No. 1. Motion carried.

4. Matter of request for utilities and paving:
a) S. 38th St. from 24th Ave.S. to 29th Ave.S.
Mr. Grasser reported they had received request from Dan Mikkelson and Arthur Greenberg, that Mr. Mikkelson is planning to take care of upfront monies with guaranteed letter of credit and Greenberg not ready for project and that they don't think they should contribute upfront money at this time. He stated that if property owner on one side requesting project and property owner on other side not requesting it, they require prorated upfront money from property owner requesting the project. Committee suggested requesting upfront money when property developed. Mr. Grasser stated that they will receive the full special assessment. Moved by Beyer and Klave to approve request for the utilities and paving with 50% upfront monies from the developers. Motion carried.

b) 24th Avenue S. from 38th Street to 40th Street
c) S. 40th Street from 24th Avenue S. to 29th Avenue S.
d) 29th Avenue S. from S. 40th Street to 38th Street
Mr. Grasser stated they will have similar issue on these projects; that property to the south not requesting utilities. He stated that tapping fees only assessed to property outside city limits, not on property within city limits. Moved by Beyer and Klave to approve request with payment of 50% upfront monies. Motion carried.

5. Matter of request to stockpile material on City R/W.

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Mr. Grasser reported that the Park Board is putting some footings up on a building addition at the Eagles Arena, and contractor stockpiling materials on City R/W on 20th Avenue and not aware until received call from adj. property owner. They have stated this will be removed within 3 weeks, and the street is closed. Moved by Beyer and Klave to authorize temporary stockpiling of materials on right of way subject to hold harmless agreement from the Park District. Motion carried. (Comm. only)
6. Matter of creating special assessment districts:
Mr. Grasser reviewed proposed projects, stated that residential areas would have standard lighting, and commercial would have cobra head lights.

a) Proj. 4310, Dist. 105, street lighting 24th Ave.S. (34th - 38th Sts.)
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating the assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

b) Proj. 4455, Dist. 111, street lighting, Columbia Park 15th Addition.
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

c) Proj. 4508, Dist 117, street lighting, 25th Ave.S. and S. 34th Street.
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

d) Proj. 4484, Dist. 113, street lighting, Mighty Acres Phase II
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to
sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

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e) Proj. 4505, Dist. 114, street lighting on 6th Ave.N. (51st - 53rd Sts.)
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

f) Proj. 4507, Dist. 116, street lighting on 30th Ave.s. (34th - 38th Sts.)
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt a resolution creating assessment district, approving the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and further that we pass a resolution instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

g) Proj. 4476, Dist 373, sanitary sewer on S. 38th street (24th - 29th Aves. S.)
h) Proj. 4477, Dist. 248, watermain on s. 38th Street (24th - 29th Ave.S.)
i) Proj. 4478, Dist. 374, storm sewer on S. 38th Street (24th - 29th Aves. S.)
Mr. Grasser reviewed the projects and recommended approval be contingent upon filing of the plat and payment of the 50% upfront monies.
Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt resolutions creating special assessment districts, approving the engineer's reports, including estimates of cost, an assessment district maps, and further that we pass resolutions instructing the city engineer to prepare detailed plans and specifications, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements, contingent upon filing of plat and 50% upfront monies. Motion carried.

7. Matter of informational items:
b) flood cleanup and follow-up
Mr. Grasser reported that there is lot of cleanup that needs to be done, dikes behind water plant and along riverboat road and will need to reshape, install some culverts, etc., will probably combine into one package and bid at later date, with monies from
Flood Emg. Fund.

c) status of 47th Ave.S. paving to Ulland Park
Mr. Grasser reported that timetable for project is that they will be submitting preliminary concept report in next week or so, and hoping to bid late July or August after talking to Park Dist. and Softball Assn. and not disrupt softball season.

d) matter of street cleaning/snow removal costs by private contractors.

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Mr. Grotte stated he hasn't done much with it yet, will be setting up time table to look at and do cost of services study, get with Fargo and see how they do, costs associated, etc. Beyer stated that Fargo only contracts out certain quadrants for initial pushouts, and whether City couldn't do this also. Committee asked that staff look at options, cost, etc.

8. Matter of quotes for yard restoration in Riverside area.
Mr. Grasser reported this is area where weak link in dike area and this year were able to get Corps of Engrs. in there and build permanent dikes in that area and agreed with property owners that they would go in and re-landscape yards for them to allow permanent dike (shaped, and seeding) with monies from Emg. Flood Fund. He stated that if city declared disaster area, they would apply for reimbursement of funds. Moved by Beyer and Klave to approve quotes from Gowan Construction, Inc. in the amount of $7,850.00. Motion carried.

10. Matter of paving project on 30th Avenue South.
Mr. Grasser reported that Rydell has purchased property that was owned by Haugen and Welle located between Amundson's and Eggebraaten's and they will be coming in with a letter asking to withdraw the protest and asking for reconsideration.

11. Mr. Grasser reported that staff will be meeting with property owners along South Washington Street re. special assessments for frontage road.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 5/14/96.