2013-08-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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At the request of Member Gjerdingen, Mr. Schwartz advised that the temporary sidewalk and replacement of the handicapped ramps on the segment on the east side of Rice Street was a City of Maplewood and Ramsey County discussion; and offered to follow-up and report back to the PWETC on their decision with Ramsey County and the contractor once a decision had been made if the temporary pathway will become permanent. Member DeBenedet noted that once the west side segment was reinstalled, it should provide good access. Regarding the Rice Street gas main project by Xcel, Mr. Schwartz reported that the project should wrap up soon, with all pipe installed and pressure tested from Roseville to Arlington Avenue in St. Paul; with the only remaining item connection of the two pieces of pipe after passing the pressure tests. Mr. Schwartz referenced the message sent from City Engineer Bloom regarding an upcoming farewell reception in recognition of her fifteen (15) years with the City of Roseville as she moves onto the City of St. Louis Park. Ms. Bloom, for benefit of the PWETC and listening audience, stated that she had really loved working for the City of Roseville; and expressed her appreciation of the residents with whom she'd had the pleasure of working on various projects; and in working with Public Works Director Schwartz and the Public Works/Engineering staff Ms. Bloom opined that staff was really a hard-working group, and that it had been a difficult decision and she would miss working in Roseville. Ms. Bloom noted, however, that she was also looking forward to working with the City of St. Louis Park as their Engineering Director and noted several exciting projects they had pending, one of which included the SW LRT project that would play a large part in her work plan, as well as projects similar to those she'd worked on in Roseville, with their City Council recently approving a "Connect the Park" pathway master plan build-out for ten (10)years, and upcoming implementation of their recently acquired asset management software program. Ms. Bloom thanked Roseville residents, and members of the PWETC, for their support during her tenure. With Ms. Bloom's departure, Mr. Schwartz noted that it left a big hole in the Public Works/Engineering staff, with difficult shoes to fill. Mr. Schwartz recognized Ms. Bloom's expertise and the institutional knowledge and history she'd developed over her fifteen (15) years of employment that would also be leaving with her. Chair Vanderwall recognized Ms. Bloom for her work with the PWETC, his professional work with her on transportation issues at School District No. 623, and personal work with her and his neighbors at Westwood Village. Chair Vanderwall stated that"we all will miss you;" however, he noted that since they knew where to find her, they could use that option to contact her. Chair Vanderwall congratulated Ms. Bloom on this next step in her career; and thanked Page 3 of 10