2015-01-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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At the request of Chair Stenlund, Mr. Brokke estimated the life cycle for pathway machines was ten years, with one currently due for replacement and intended to be retained as a back-up since it had little if any trade-in value due to its age and the considerable beating the machines took during their life cycle. At the request of Chair Stenlund, Mr. Brokke reviewed efforts of the departments in addressing pathway pavement irregularities (e.g. frost heaves, tree roots, handicapped accessibility issues); and continual and/or periodic inspections of the entire system for repairs before the winter season. Mr. Schwartz noted that the entire trail and pathway network was included in the PMP so they were rated every 4-5 years and built into the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) based on their condition index. Discussion ensued regarding types or configurations of roads and plowing concerns (e.g. roundabouts, cul-de-sacs, turn lanes at intersections); and prioritization for plowing City streets and/or pathways as applicable with schools, residential areas, and major thoroughfares to bus stops receiving some of the higher priorities, some of which were noted on the plowing route maps provided, with collector streets, obviously serving higher traffic volumes, among the first to be plowed. Member Gjerdingen noted his prior request to staff to include the pathway and street policies on the City's website for public information; and suggested an additional comment be included on the street policy, with his comments, intended as a disclaimer or as a way to connect the pathway and street plowing policies, provided as a bench handout, attached hereto and made apart hereof. Member Gjerdingen commended staff for their response with snow removal and the great job they did in accomplishing the task. However, part of Member Gjerdingen's concerns, in Section 407.03 of City Code, were that commercial property owners needed to be reminded that they needed to maintain their areas. Chair Stenlund noted the need to also consider MS4 issues to continually make the public aware of why it was necessary to keep trails flush with and avoid new vegetation growing higher than the pavement, affecting ice accumulation and creating issues with materials not leaving debris for water or ice collection. Chair Stenlund advised that this was his rationale in the "pick-up"versus "flicking" systems of pathway maintenance; and asked that when staff considered new equipment then look at grooming turf to continue drainage to the gutter line versus creating an ice ridge where vegetation could grow over time (e.g. along County Road Q. At the request of Chair Stenlund, Mr. Brokke advised that those areas inadvertently damaged during snow removal operations, were addressed by staff as time allowed or by homeowners in some cases, or a combination of both Page 9 of 14