2014-07-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Stenlund expressed his support for moving forward with the educational process and clearly defining "pedestrian" via the State Statute narrative in defining bicycles versus pedestrians, with pedestrians retaining a different level of protection and bicyclers having a higher level of responsibility. Chair Stenlund opined that signage didn't necessarily make a route safer. While Member Gjerdingen supported making a statement that bicycles were allowed on all sidewalks, but spelling out walkways for commercial areas, Member Cihacek opined that it would be better to remain silent in case development changed, thereby not requiring a repeal or change of City Code; with that silence dependent on State Statute. Member Lenz noted that her only area of concern was on the north side of Larpenteur Avenue, with the commercial so close to the sidewalk. Chair Stenlund expressed concern with rain gardens along County Road B-2, opining that soil was being lost to them as the compost log was not sufficient given the amount of rain recently experienced. While not sure of whose jurisdiction they were under, Chair Stenlund asked that staff protect the vault systems under construction. Chair Stenlund further noted the excessive dust floating into the St. Paul side of Larpenteur Avenue due to the concrete rehabilitation work being done. Chair Stenlund expressed his disappointment in the efforts of the contractor, opining that the situation was completely unacceptable for those living or for public spaces in that area; further opining that he had never seen such poor dust management, and being familiar with that contractor, knew they could do better. Chair Stenlund asked that staff notify the company. In addition to those items covered in the Communications report from staff, Mr. Schwartz advised that, at their July 21, 2014 City Council meeting, City Manager Trudgeon had provided his 2015 budget recommendations. For the benefit of newer members to the PWETC, Mr. Schwartz advised that the recommendation was for the most part status quo, with only general inflationary increases across the board for tax-supported funds and utility budgets. Mr. Schwartz advised that the only thing outside that status quo budget was the recommendation to add a position for a right-of-way specialist paid from fee-supported activities to address right-of-way permits, private utilities and related issues. Mr. Schwartz advised that the proposed budget anticipated a $20,000 increase from 2014 for street supplies, basically for increased winter maintenance and ice control materials; and an additional $5,000 for contractual maintenance in street sealcoating. Mr. Schwartz advised that the City Council would hold a public hearing in August to hear public comment on the proposed budget, followed by subsequent discussion before the 2015 Preliminary Levy was adopted in September and then before final 2015 Levy and Budget adoption in December of 2014. Page 5 of 15