10-23-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 23, 201.3 own. He stated that he realizes the long history of' the use on this property, but stated that he worried that the St. Paul Water Department could put pumps in or make other changes that would impact this use as was done previously with a City trail improvement in another location. Keis noted that the City has had a good relationship with the Water Department over the years, and stated that he had less concern about a change in their use of this area. Don Bowman, resident of the City, part-time employee of the City's Recreation Department, and full -time St. Paul Water Department employee, reported that he discussed this issue with the Water Department's engineering department. Bowman stated that while he cannot speak for the Water Department, it was his impression that the Water Department did not have a concern with the City's use of their property in this area. Bowman pointed out, however, that any use agreements likely have waivers that would allow the Water Department to make any improvements on their property as they deem necessary. Bowman pointed out that the City and Water Department have had a good, long - standing relationship, and it was his impression that the Water Department had no concerns with the project. Blesener asked about the $190,000 estimate for the project. Krumm indicated that the estimate has been $172,000 with contingency plus the cost of bringing water and sewer to the building. Blesener noted that $172,000 less the $47,000 in reductions listed by Krumm would bring the project down to $125,000. Blesener acknowledged a letter received from the Little Canada Recreation Association wherein they commit $10,000 toward the project. Blesener indicated that given the City's $150,000 original budget ($10,000 has been spent leaving $140,000), some of the reductions could be added back into the project. Montour asked the cost to bring water and sewer to the building. The Director reported that the work has already been done as part of the Little Canada Road improvement. The added cost for connections will bring the total cost to $25,000. Montour asked about the addition of a retaining wall behind the building. The Director noted that the wall would clean up the site and prevent additional erosion; however, it was not necessary in order to construct a new warming house. Montour asked if the retaining wall should be done now. Krumm reported that there is no economy of scale in doing the retaining wall at the same time as the warming house. However, there would be better access to the area if both projects were done at the same time. Krumm indicated that he obtained an estimate for a versa -lock retaining wall in the amount of $8,800. The wall would extend 12 feet past the building on each end and would be 4 feet high. 4