ELY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
June 28, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Jim Doyle called a workshop meeting of the Ely City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday June 28, 2010 in the Council Chambers at Ely City Hall. Council Members present: Bob Ballantyne, Stephanie Mai, Bill Grove, and Dale Stanek; Kay Hale absent – excused. Also present City Engineer Scott Pottorf, Public Works Director Ron Stark and Aaron Anderson, City Administrator/Clerk.
The City Council met in special session, pursuant to notice as required by State Code, to conduct a workshop session regarding the Hillcrest Street Improvements Project, Dows Street Streetscape Project and Sidewalk Program as set out in the posted agenda.
Stanek moved to approve the agenda as presented, second by Mai; motion carried – 4 to 0.
Workshop Session re: Hillcrest Street Improvements Project
Report on Drainage and Storm Sewer Conditions. Ron Stark, Public Works Director, and Scott Pottorf, City Engineer, reported on condition of storm sewer laterals that convey runoff from Hillcrest Street to the storm sewer main west of Hillcrest Street. Mr. Stark reported attempts to “televise” the storm sewer laterals failed because one was blocked by roots, another had concrete in the sewer invert, and the camera was unable to enter the third because the opening was too small. Mr. Stark stated drainage is now inadequate and should be fixed before the street surface is repaired Mayor Doyle and the City Council discussed this matter with Mr. Stark and Mr. Pottorf. Mr. Stark noted the upper storm water detention pond at Ely City Park does not appear to be holding water during storm events.
Options for Proceeding. It was the general consensus of the City Council for staff to work with the City Engineer to identify viable options to address storm water management on Hillcrest Street so that storm water drainage is adequate and effective, and that options should be reported to the City Council before any action is taken on bids for street resurfacing. It was also the general consensus of the City Council for staff to identify options regarding the upper retention pond at Ely City Park, and implement the option that appears most feasible if within purchase guidelines.
Workshop Session re: Downtown Dows Street Streetscape Project. Mayor Doyle and City Council discussed further information regarding the Dows Street Streetscape project with City Engineer Scott Pottorf, including options to decrease costs while achieving the goal of improving the appearance and commercial viability of the downtown Dows Street area. Items discussed include, but are not limited to, changing the project by removing curb “push-outs”, installing plantings at a later date, not cutting out the existing asphalt to install colored/stamped concrete walkways, and contacting Trees Forever, Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy for financial assistance for trees and other plantings.
Workshop Session re: Sidewalk Program. Mayor Doyle and City Council discussed the City’s Sidewalk Program as adopted in 2008; topics discussed include, but are not limited to; revising the program for the City of Ely to pay the full cost of installing new sidewalks at locations designated by the City Council, and working with the Plan and Zoning Commission to revise the Subdivision Ordinance to require the developer of a subdivision to install sidewalks within a designated period of time, this requirement to be included in the developer’s agreement and transfer to any future land/lot owner so that the owner of a lot that a structure is intentionally not built on is still required to install sidewalk.
General discussion regarding law enforcement and the level of service the Linn County Sheriff’s Office provides Ely.
Ballantyne moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m., second by Mai; motion carried – 4 to 0. Mayor Doyle declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
James E. Doyle Jr., Mayor
Attest:
Aaron Anderson, Clerk/Administrator