2011-01-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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sustain the City's future infrastructure funding and seeking PWET Commission review and recommendation to the City Council; whether gas tax dollars could be used to expand or maintain the City's pathways and streets long -term; whether there should be an Assessment Policy for trails /sidewalks or consider funding trail construction based on the Pathway Master Plan. Further discussion included whether a policy should include moving forward on pathway projects when opportunistic grants were available, noting the substantial loss on federal funding for County Road B -2 Pathway assistance; and how to provide for flexibility allowing the City to move forward when such funds become available, by having projects ready to take advantage of them. Discussion ensued on trail and pathway connections expressed as a major concern in the recent Parks Master Plan process and subsequent goals for implementation; and how to develop a policy to address and incorporate recent zoning code increases for impervious surfaces that would implement Best Management Practices (BMP's) at 30% or less and how to certify and recertify them. Member Gjerdingen brought up pathway snow removal policies, with Commissioner consensus being that this was developed by and should remain part of the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department, including any updating. At the request of Member Felice, a brief update was provided by Mr. Schwartz on the status of the Fairview Bike Path project, with it in final plan stage ready for MnDOT review, with two difficult easements still under negotiation. Member Vanderwall suggested that the Commission annually review the intersection data compiled by the Ramsey Citizens League (RCL) and presented by Mr. Toogood and the subsequent tour of those problem intersections. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff was continuing to work on the issue of organized trash collection, with the RCL having approached the City several months ago; and current discussions as to whether consideration should be given to offer an alternative rather than mandatory approach for participation; or an alternative city- managed contract offered through Requests for Proposals (RFP's) with different participation levels and prices. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff was awaiting a City Attorney opinion on State Statute and such a contract; and that it would be part of future discussions. A brief discussion was held on the request by the GLWMO for someone from the PWET Commission to participate in their upcoming stakeholder meetings as they developed and updated their Ten Year Third Generation Water Management Plan. Member Stenlund noted the expiration in 2013 of the current storm water permit, and advocated Minimum Impact Design Standards (MIDS) be adopted; with the Page 10 of 11