April 16, 2009 at 7:35 a.m.
North Branch Council ok's sewer project to proceed to resolve capacity problems
North Branch Council ok's sewer project to proceed to resolve capacity problems
Resident Jim Nagle, explained to the council the problem was not in the residential lines, but in the amount of waste being sent through the line. He presented a letter from his plumber, stating there is not a problem with his line which would cause backup. Nagle also presented copies from several feasibility reports done by WSB. The first stated, "The Mystic lift station pumps the wastewater to the existing 8" diameter sewer line. An 8-inch line in good condition would have a capacity of about 320 gallons per minute." The next report stated, "The existing 8-inch force main is adequate to convey the 450-500 gpm projected 'need' for the area. However, the downstream facilities, the Mystic Woodlands lift station and the 8-inch sewer on Branch Avenue, will not have sufficient capacity." An analysis of the Branch Avenue sewer said there are a few segments in the main sewer line on Branch Avenue that have a flatter grade than typical of current city requirements, so the capacity would be less than 350 gpm.
Kennedy went over the history of the area and the incidents and, again, presented the options to the council. Option 1 is construction of the Maple Street trunk sewer project at a cost of $1,500,000 to $2,900,000. Option 2 is a scaled back version of Option 1 which only goes to 8th Avenue at a cost of $560,000 to $885,000. Option 3 would relocate the Mystic Woodlands force main by running a line through the golf course to Grand Avenue at a cost of $330,000. With Option 3 the City's Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan would have to be updated.
He also recommended the council approve the short term option of a temporary connection which would allow flow back to the south (instead of continuing to build up) at a cost of $25,639.
After consideration council voted to proceed with Option 3 which would not be completed until fall. They did not support the short term improvement which would have been done in about two weeks.
Council also recognized an award given to the Wastewater Treatment Facility by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for proper maintenance and incident free operation. Lead Plant Operator Cory Bergerson and co-worker Billy Binger presented the award and thanked their whole staff for their efforts.
City Planning Director Alan Cottingham presented for a variance allowing an additional sign for the (near the outlet center) Peoples National Bank of Mora. They are remodeling their building and will lease space to new businesses which could be identified on the new sign. The Planning Commission had considered the request and recommended denial feeling it would set a precedent for a second freestanding sign. The Council agreed and also denied the request.
Derek Schmidt, WSB & Associates, gave an update on the new freeway interchange bridge explaining the decision should be made this week as to whether the project is in the running for Economic Stimulus money. He also is working with affected property owners concerning right-of-way acquisition for the project. Even so, because there is a strict procedure for obtaining right-of-way, they are required to file for condemnation early in the process to ensure title and possession before construction. Schmidt went on to show examples of five concepts for bridge design. The council made decisions on elements from three of the concepts. Schmidt will put them together in a drawing and present it at the next meeting. A concrete pedestrian barrier to protect walkers can be installed at no extra cost.
In other business the council:
Heard from Janet Murphy, 6755 - 378th Street, in regard fast moving traffic on 377th and 378th between Forest Boulevard and Grand Avenue.
Tabled a Land Use Guide Plan Amendment and Rezoning request until the April 27 meeting.
Tabled approval of the revised Comprehensive Plan until April 27, due to the absence of Mayor Amy Oehlers.
Approved moving forward with Plans and Specifications for the Main Lift Station upgrade at a cost of $23,700 which will be included in the total project cost of $300,000
Approved the hiring of one seasonal worker for Public Works with no benefits or insurance.
Approved a call for Issuance of Two Refunding Bonds to Realign Debt for 2009 which will include PFA Wastewater and the projects approved at this meeting which will result in interest savings for the city
Approved 2008 Fund Transfers.
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