2010-04-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion included whether newsletter articles were appropriate requesting assistance from citizens; does the community consider itself urban enough to take care of its sidewalks; width of sidewalks and pathways and ultimate maintenance costs; citizen concerns raised for businesses not keeping their sidewalks cleared for their customers; need to update the snow removal policy provided on the City's website to make sure people are well-informed; and specific areas of concern for those low-lying areas and ice build up. Mr. Schwartz advised that commercial properties are responsible for ice control; and members suggested a reminder to them from staff. Further discussion included enforcement by the City's Community Development Department for compliance of commercial properties; human nature; citizen complaints driving enforcement; and the need for the Parks and Recreation as well as the Community Development Departments to be notified when there are areas of concern. Member Stenland noted that pathways and sidewalks were designed for summer, not winter; and addressed related issues with stormwater runoff; impervious surfaces; and the typical Minnesota winter. Member Stenland suggested a high school class project addressing wintertime design and how to solve some of those prevalent issues; and noted the availability of high school students for snow removal. Further discussion included sidewalk design and rights-of--way limitations; snow clearing zones; the City's general snow plowing procedures based on resource challenges of the last few years; and the various jurisdictions impacted (state, county and city). It was the consensus of members that additional public information and education was needed on the City's website, as well as the process for reporting those areas observed out-of-compliance. Mr. Schwartz advised that he would pass that information along to the Parks and Recreation Department. Chair DeBenedet recessed the meeting at 7:47 p.m. and reconvened at 7:53 p.m. 7. Metropolitan Council Proposed Second Generation Inflow/Infiltration Program Mr. Schwartz provided an update to the Commission on a metropolitan-wide task force on which he'd been serving over the last six (6) months related to second generation inflow and infiltration. Mr. Schwartz noted that this group, working with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Division, was made up of city stakeholders in an effort to reduce inflow and infiltration of clear water into the sanitary sewer systems, requiring treatment.