HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 2008 University Service DriveOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
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CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING -
UNIVERSITYAVENUE SERVICE DRIVE
APRIL 7, 2008
The following are the minutes for the Public Improvement Hearing of the City Council held at on Monday,
Apri17, 2008 in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 590 40`'' Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 8:50 p.m.
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember
Dielun, Councilmember Kelzenberg
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING: 2008 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOR
UNIVERSITY AVENUE SERVICE DRIVE
Street Reconstruction Project
Presentation of Information on Street Reconstruction Project by Staff
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated the items contained m the Councilmember's
packets. Hansen stated this meeting is to decide if the project should proceed, not for assessment
amounts. The service drive is a MnDot roadway, but they do little maintenance in this area. We
applied for financial assistance and were awarded cooperative money for 40`'' to 45`h Avenue. If we
take this roadway back from MnDot, we would want to take back a new roadway. Safety
improvements were the goal. This would add a cul-de-sac at 40`h Avenue and close off that entrance
to University Avenue. This would include new storm sewers. Residents and staff looked at
screening, pedestrian access, and fencing. A walkway is proposed on the west side of the road from
45`h Avenue to 40`h Avenue, off the street. We suggest a black coated chain link fence. We want to
add screening to cut our maintenance requirements. We look to add a combination of trees, shrubs,
vines, and native seeding. The church and gas station have requested to maintain their visibility.
Hansen covered the specific types of plant materials to be used. Trees and shrubs must stay 20 feet
from. the roadway. This suggestion would allow only a small area next to the roadway that would
need to be mowed. The total project cost is $915,000. MnDot has awarded us $550,000. Under ten
percent of the total cost is recommended be assessed, The Council. will consider the project and if
they approve this, we will need six weeks to get final MnDot approval prior to bidding. This work
could begin in July and go to year9s end. The assessment hearing would be held in the fall. Hansen
stated that MnDot plans reconstruction from this point north to Northtown in 2009, and will include
lane closures.
Nawrocki questioned weed growth. Hansen stated it must either be cut more often or burned off.
Nawrocki asked if 42°d would be blocked off. Hansen stated no. Nawrocki asked if there are funds
available to make up the costs. Hansen stated there are available funds in all but the storm sewer
fund, which is bonded on a three year cycle. Nawrocki referred to apartments along this road that
push snow from their lot into the fence across the street. We must make sure this stops.
Questions and Comments on Street Reconstruction Project
toy Pelinski, 4315 University, stated that it is difficult to live with the noise and the fumes and the
service road that was the worst in Columbia Heights. The fence was in bad shape and it was not
properly mowed. People that walk on this road are not safe. She felt that staff has come up with a
fantastic plan. It will be beautiful and will be a role model.
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years this street will have a "wow" factor. There is still work to do, but this is a start. He thanked
Councilmembers for doing this.
William Burns, 4039 University Avenue, stated that the sidewalk is a bad idea and is too wide. There
will be skateboarders and basketball players on it. The cost is too much and we could use the money
toward a new police station, which we need.
Pelinski stated that she pays taxes for other things in the community, but for once in her life she can
see what her assessment and taxes will do. Columbia Heights needs more sidewalks. We are walking
people and will continue to be so in the future.
Nawrocki stated when he drove the street today there were school children, six kids wide, in the
middle of the street. On 49"' Avenue, which has a sidewalk, kids were also walking in the street.
Peterson stated that sidewalks are utilized and stated his wish that we had them all over town.
Close the Public Hearing
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing of the 2008 Street Reconstruction Project 0602.
Consideration of Resolution
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2008-66, there
being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2008-66, being a resolution
ordering improvements for University Avenue Service Drive street eeconstruction.
Diehm stated that this is an example where residents are impressed with staff's work and she thanked
staff for that.
Upon vote: All Ayes. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, CMC t
City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-66
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND THE PREPARATION OF PLANS FOR
UNIVERSITY AVENUE SERVICE DRIVE STREET RECONSTRUCTION CITY PROJECT NO. 0602
WHEREAS, Resolution 2008-40 of the Columbia Heights City Council adopted the 25`h day of February, 2008, fixed a date for a
Council hearing on the proposed improvement University Avenue Service Drive from 40`h Avenue to 45`h Avenue, and
WHEREAS, ten days' mailed notice and two published notices of the hearing a week apart were given, and the hearing was held
thereon the 7''' day of April, 2008, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon.
WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special
assessments under Charter nrovisions.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MT,VNESOTA:
That the location and. extent of such improvements is as follows:
University Avenue Service Drive from 40`" Avenue to 45`" Avenue
Work includes required utility construction/repair, new granular subbase if needed, new aggregate base, new
concrete curb and gutter with driveway aprons, new bituminous surfacing, required concrete or bituminous
driveway and walk step replacement, fencing, landscaping, sod restoration, miscellaneous construction items, and
appurtenances.
2. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report.
Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council Resolution adopted 25`" day of February, 2008.
These improvements shall also be known as Project 0602 and PIR 2008-Z6-44-001.
The City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall
prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement.