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MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
Monday, February 12, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Hagness, Hamerlik, Klave.

1. Matter of District IV Solid Waste Management Board contract
for professional services.
Held for 2 weeks; Ms. Kingery was unable to attend.

2. Matter of amendment to wastewater disposal ordinance.
Mike Shea reported this is amendment to ordinance recently adopted (Ord. #3549), to include pollutant (selenium) not included under the section of the ordinance listing toxic pollutants for which concentration limits for discharge are established. Moved by Klave and Hagness to introduce the ordinance for first reading. Motion carried.

3. Matter of utility easements.
Al Grasser, asst. city engineer, reported this creates ease- ment to accommodate existing utility west of Wilcox and Malm, at cost of $1.00. Moved by Klave and Hamerlik to approve the ease- ment and authorize proper City officials to sign said easement. Motion carried.

4. Matter of architectural services agreement for Proj. 4335,
brick repair at water treatment plant.
Hazel Fetters-Sletten, water plant supt., submitted copies of agreement with Kent Anderson/Architects for masonry repair and restoration at 1956 plant. She reported that cracks have developed in the exterior of the 1956 plant, that this has been in CIP for several years; and want to see if there is way to correct problem to keep from recurring (plant designed without any moisture weepholes in the brick layers). She reported that the city attorney has reviewed agreement and asked for deletion of item 1, Art. 7, Arbitration, which was agreed to by Mr. Anderson; cost not to exceed $12,000 for basic compensation, and not to exceed $5,000 for additional services. Mr. Anderson stated he has engineer coming in, will make report back to committee prior to bidding. Moved by Klave and Hamerlik to approve agreement with Kent Anderson/ Architects in an amount not to exceed $12,000 for basic services, and not to exceed $5,000 for additional services, as presented. Motion carried.

5. Matter of plans and specifications:
a) Proj. Nos. 4434 and 4436, 1996 watermain replacement.
Mr. Grasser reported they budgeted $500,000 and have est. work of $495,000, will prioritize according to number of breaks in area, etc. Moved by Hamerlik and Klave to approve plans and specifications, and authorize call for bids. Motion carried. (committee only)

b) Proj. 4442, 1996 ADA curb ramp installation.
Mr. Grasser reported that 4-5 years ago did report/survey for installation of the curb ramps in the city (have plan in place

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February 12, 1996 - Page 2

and addressing problem) at est. cost of $800,000, but because of cost are doing number of intersections each year; have dedicated about $50,000/year to curb ramp replacement, in addition to $25,000 for installation in new construction areas, with $50,000 from Highway Users' and $25,000 coming out of general fund. Moved by Hamerlik and Klave to approve plans and specifications, and to authorize call for bids. Motion carried. (comm. only)

6. Matter of creating special assessment districts:
a) Proj. 4337, Dist. 372, sanitary sewer through Sertoma Park
Mr. Grasser reported they had received request from Park District for sewer through this area, and reviewed map with com- mittee; est. cost $52,000. Moved by Klave 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 intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

b) Proj. 4368, Dist. 241, watermain on S. 34th Street from 24th to 30th Avenues South.
Mr. Grasser reported that this project completes looping of the line and underground work for this area so they will be able to proceed with paving this summer. He reported that est. cost of the project is $115,200 which includes a City's share on the project of $15,000 for up-grading of 8" line to 12" line. Moved by Klave 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 intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements. Motion carried.

7. Matter of condition of city streets.
Mr. Grasser reported that Council Member Hanson (who referred this matter) isn't planning to attend the meeting, but that he had received lot of calls re. streets, nothing specific other than wanted to be able to tell callers that this has been re- viewed by city council. Mr. Grasser stated this is same problem, takes time, crews can't be everywhere at once.

Gary Fish, st. supt., reported that gravel is in, they are plowing/sanding; were sanding around the clock over the weekend.

There was some discussion re. bids received by engineering de- partment for snow removal at intersections (incl. hauling and disposal), which came in over $600,000 to do all intersections in city). Mr. Hagness stated that Ms. Beyer had received complaints from contractors re. requirements in the bid - hand shovel around
hydrants and two flagmen at every intersection. Mr. Vein stated
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February 12, 1996 - Page 3

that bid specs. called for proper traffic control and removal of snow within ft. of hydrants. Committee asked what was next best thing to do to get corners lowered, etc.: Mr. Fish stated they are working on this but it takes time.

The comm. discussed extra help without going through bid process, and Mr. Vein asked whether manpower or equipment? It was noted that Fargo uses private contractors only after storms, other maintenance by City crews; and it was also noted that if hire private contractor, rate per crew (payloader, trucks and man- power) about $250/hour. Mr. Fish stated more efficient way to go would be to use City crews and pay overtime; and he is doing some overtime. He also reported they haul to snow dump north of town, can't dump near river because of State Health Dept. regs. Mr. Vein stated new regs. are even more stringent - have to berm snow. Mr. Klave reported he had received calls from owners of townhouses on 40th re. snow dump and concern re. flooding; Mr. Fish stated that shouldn't be concern.

The comm. discussed use of more salt, increase level in mixture; Mr. Fish stated for salt to work, have to have temp. of 20 ; would have to use calcium chloride, which they don't want to do.
Hamerlik asked staff to consider cost to improve services 20-25%. Staff reported that cost for snow removal (based on budget figures) is $17-18 per person (small percentage of taxes go for snow removal). Committee asked staff to consider what to do in another season - citizens willing to pay more for snow removal.

There was some discussion re. use of manpower from other departments for snow removal; and Mr. Vein stated this is being done now (use people from wastewater, etc.) Mr. Fish noted they will be coming in for bids for new truck, and rather than trade old vehicle in, keep for use in snow removal, etc.

Mr. Hamerlik asked that the minutes show that the committee had spent 40 minutes on this topic this evening (have had this item on the agenda every two weeks for past several meetings) and discussed possible solutions to the snow removal, etc. street problem, that City crews are working on this; and are pursuing options for the future. Mr. Hamerlik also stated that staff gets lot of positive comments from council people qualifying and in opposition to the complaints.

Moved by Hamerlik and Klave that the City explore alternatives for adjustments in procedures. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Alice Fontaine, City Clerk
Dated: 02/13/96.