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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – FEBRUARY 16, 2016 4 Mayor Grant questioned if an 80 yard connection could be added to the County Road F ramp to the cloverleaf to improve traffic flow for Arden Hills’ residents. Mr. Adams stated he would look into this further and would ask the question. He did not believe MnDOT would likely support this connection. Mayor Grant looked forward to hearing back from MnDOT regarding this issue. C. Public Works Presentation Acting Public Works Director Anderson hosted a shop tour and provided comment on some of the recent additions to the Public Works Equipment fleet. He then gave a presentation on work the Public Works Department would be involved in this spring. He noted the increased workload led to the use of more technology to increase efficiencies. He explained the Gopher One locates had become a huge drain on his department as the number of requests had gone up 44%. This work required one-half of a person devoted to locating utilities. Acting Public Works Director Anderson reported another major focus for the Public Works Department staff was the monitoring of the City’s 14 lift stations. He provided comment on how staff monitored the alarms and kept the lift stations working round the clock. He discussed how the City was utilizing the mobile 311 app. It was noted staff was also working on sign replacement within the City. Acting Public Works Director Anderson explained the Public Works staff was also addressing problem watermains within the City. He discussed the number of valves and lines that his department was responsible for. He indicated a valve replacement plan would be implemented in 2016 to assist with reducing the number of water line breaks. He commented the City’s new jetter has assisted the Public Works Department with keeping the City’s water and sewer lines properly maintained. The great strides the City has made on lining its sanitary sewer lines was reviewed. He commented on the storm sewer improvements and repairs the City has been making. It was noted 23 rain gardens were included in the 2015 PMP project. Councilmember Wicklund asked what the greatest challenges were for Public Works and asked how many FTE’s they had. Acting Public Works Director Anderson discussed the department’s biggest challenges and noted the number of Public Works full time and seasonal employees. Councilmember Wicklund was shocked by all of the work that was completed by the Public Works Department on a daily, weekly and annual basis. He was intrigued by how staff was utilizing technology to streamline Public Works tasks. Councilmember Holden questioned how the Public Works Department was addressing the City’s stormwater ponds.