Print VersionStay Informed
MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
Monday, August 8, 1994 - 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Hagness, Beyer, Hamerlik, Klave.

1. Application for moving permit by Dale R. Bergum to move
building from Erskine, MN to 715 S. 18th Street to be used as
single-family dwelling.
It was reported that there was report from staff that building will be brought up to code. Moved by Beyer and Hamerlik to approve application, subject to the public hearing. Motion carried.

2. Request for safety glasses for sanitation department.
Held.

3. Matter of Sewer Project No. 3821, Richard's West storm sewer.
Al Grasser, asst. city engineer, reported bids had been received on July 11, and have 30 days to award, which brings to August 11, and that council referred matter back to committee with power to act. He reported he had talked with John O'Leary, and they have received grant which will cover residential assessments; that there has been EDA grant application made to cover High Tech Park, that bids came in $230,000 over engineer's estimate, and need to determine whether to go ahead and award or reject bids and possibly re-advertise.

Klave present.

Lloyd Weston of Webster, Foster & Weston reviewed bids and stated that bids look competitive, under Schedule B 7 bidders and 5% between first and second bidder, etc.; that in his opinion won't lose and won't gain by rebidding.

Mr. Grasser reported that if they re-advertise, to look at backfill because of wet soil conditions, and extend completion date into June or July, 1995; on backfill could negotiate price with contractor without rebidding.

There was some discussion re. comments from bidders on impact of completion date on project cost.

Curt Siewert commented re. funding sources, can't tell High Tech Park what their liability would be, may have to re-evaluate forcemain, bridge replacement north of Gateway Drive, have to take out of grant funds for residential assessments to cover that; some variables there, and if don't think prices will go up, would like to wait and rebid in November with construction next spring. He also noted that monies have to be obligated in 1994.

It was also noted that if bridge replacement project higher than original ests. would have to find another source of money to cover difference, and that there wouldn't be any assistance from State Water Commission.

MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
August 8, 1994 - Page 2

There was considerable discussion re. what would be best time to bid/re-bid; Beyer stated that November bidding not make big difference, but stand significant chance of being higher.
Mr. Vein stated his recommendation is to award. Mr. Siewert disagreed. Mr. Klave stated one of concerns of business/commercial properties, no assistance; but letter sent out to property owners, and no response from them.

The committee raised question if property should come back to City, how would assessments be paid: Mr. Vein stated through city general obligation taxes.

Moved by Hamerlik and Hagness that we rebid the project for completion next summer but to make sure not to lose any advantages from outside funding.

There was some discussion as to whether any way to reduce project and get fair bidding process over again; Mr. Weston stated they possibly could negotiate change order on back fill, only other thing is completion date.

Upon call for the question Hamerlik and Hagness voted for the motion; Beyer and Klave voting against the motion. Motion failed.

It was then moved by Klave and Beyer to award contract to low bidders. Beyer and Klave votes for the motion; Hamerlik and Hagness voting against. Motion failed.

It was then moved by Beyer that we rebid the project with the stipulation that we reduce amount of fill, and extend completion date into June or July, with bidding date to be left to engineer's discretion. Hamerlik seconded the motion.

Mr. Weston stated he would talk to suppliers, that they have potential for reducing cost of pipe, and to reduce cost for backfill.

Motion carried.

4. Matter of creating special assessment district:
a) Watermain Project No. 4243, Dist. 235, watermain on 24th
Avenue North and North 44th Street. Mr. Grasser reviewed proposed project with the committee; that Mr. Radi, who was present, is constructing building on Lot 17 in Senske's Addn. and that he needs water service sufficient to provide fire protection (sprinklers). He reported there is rural water line for basic domestic service; but don't have necessary fire protection or capacity for sprinkler system; building will be completed this fall (October 15), and because of that recommending moving as quickly as possible. He reported est. cost of project $91,000; MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
August 8, 1994 - Page 3

and that they have had other inquiries for water service. He reported that Special Assessment Commission will meet this coming Wednesday and that letters will be sent to property owners after that meeting. There was some discussion re. urgency of project, but to include in specs. could make project more expensive; and eng. staff stated they would do everything they can to get project completed by the October 15 date. Mr. Radi stated he wasn't aware of length of time to go through process for special assessment project or he would have brought in much sooner.

Moved by Beyer and Hamerlik 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 our intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

b) Watermain Project No. 4249, Dist. 236, watermain on 26th Ave.S. from 20th to 21st St.
Mr. Grasser reported that Dan Mikkelson, Fritz Building Co. had petitioned for waterline on south side of 26th Avenue South from S. 21st Street to South 20th Street to serve new townhouse project. 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 our intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

4. Matter of installation of utilities in City right of way.
Mr. Grasser reported Tim Crary has area south of Golf Course and west of South 34th Street and requested authorization to install storm sewer and other utilities in City R/W to serve townhouse project, and they are paying 100% of the cost. (They can tie into existing lines for sewer and water), but storm sewer will come into English Coulee, through easement and on edge of City right of way on S. 34th and into their addition.
Moved by Hamerlik and Beyer that we authorize installation of utilities in City right of way and enter into a three-way agreement. Motion carried.

5. Matter of plans and specifications:
a) Proj. 4219, storm sewer on S. 34th Street.
Mr. Grasser reviewed plans and specs. with committee. Moved by Beyer and Klave that we approve plans and specifications and authorize call for bids. Motion carried.

b) Proj. 4218, Dist. 351, temporary lift station at 32nd Avenue S. and S. 48th Street.

MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
August 8, 1994 - Page 4

Mr. Grasser reported this lift station will serve GFG and Travel Plaza, will be located on north side of 32nd Ave.S. at S.
48th Street, est. cost $89,600. Moved by Beyer and Klave that we pass a resolution approving the plans and specifications for this construction and further that the city auditor be directed to advertise for bids on the project. Motion carried.

c) Proj. 4247, Dist. 354, forcemain along S. 48th St. from 32nd Avenue S. to 17th Avenue S.
Mr. Grasser reviewed plans and specs. with committee, est. cost $230,000. Moved by Beyer and Klave that we pass a resolution approving the plans and specifications for this construction and further that the city auditor be directed to advertise for bids on the project. Motion carried.

d) Proj. 4242, Dist. 355, sanitary sewer on N. 51st Street from 6th Avenue N. to 500 ft. north.
Mr. Grasser reviewed plans and specs., est. cost $65,000. Moved by Hamerlik and Beyer that we pass a resolution approving the plans and specifications for this construction and further that the city auditor be directed to advertise for bids on the project. Motion carried.

6. Matter of policy for funding of extra-depth sanitary sewers.
Mr. Grasser reported they had received complaint from developer that not fair for property owner to bear unreasonable cost for installation of sanitary sewer because of depth; and outlined mechanism engineering can support, did research on what is average depth based on existing lift stations to come up with 27 ft. used in the policy, looking to propose to begin at 27 ft.

Mr. Grasser distributed copies of draft policy which he had prepared, that in order to minimize the adverse special assessment impact to adjacent property owners, the City will assist in distributing construction costs incurred due to extreme depth, and defined extreme depth as any installation dept equal to or greater than 27 feet as measured from the ground elevation at the time of construction to the flowline of the pipe. After some discussion the committee suggested change in policy to read "in excess of 27 ft."

Moved by Beyer and Klave that we adopt policy as proposed (and attached). Motion carried.

7. Matter of creating special assessment district:
a) Proj. 4236, Dist. 353, sanitary sewer on 24th Avenue S. from S. 35th to 38th Street.
Mr. Grasser stated there are two projects within district, one lateral on 36th St. and other is the main down 24th, policy just adopted would affect main on 24th; that based on estimates total project of $161,000, sanitary sewer on 36th, $24,500; and
MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
August 8, 1994 - Page 5

would propose that City pay cost of the extra depth and cost for future assessment district through tapping charge.

Moved by Hamerlik and Beyer that we adopt a resolution creating the assessment district and future 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.

8. Matter of ordinance revision regarding driveway widths.
Mr. Grasser reviewed proposed ordinances, one retains power by council and the other gives authority to the city engineer, to make minor revisions (to 40 ft.) The committee favored giving authority to city engineer rather than these items coming to city council; however, Mr. Hamerlik stated he would like to have inserted in the ordinance something that the city engineer consider granting permission only in extenuating circumstances or with special circumstances.

Moved by Hamerlik and Beyer that we approve the proposed ordinance stating that no driveway shall exceed thirty feet in width at the sidewalk line except that the city engineer may grant permission to increase the maximum width to 40 feet in special circumstances, and that the ordinance be introduced for first reading. Motion carried.

9. Change order for NDDOT project:
Mr. Grasser reviewed change order for Project S-NHU-STNU-6-081(029)940 in the amount of $67,961.55, prepared by NDDOT. He reported they are working with the contractor to eliminate putting base under the median, can see no reason to do that, and several other items replacing higher bid items, but didn't include deducts, so when work is done, will bring in another change order with significant deduct. He stated he would like committee to approve change order, but wanted to assure them that there are off-setting deducts.

Moved by Beyer and Klave that the change order be approved. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: August 9, 1994.