HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8 - Council Memo Sunfish Gate1
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE: 10/01/2013
CONSENT
ITEM #: 8
AGENDA ITEM: Automatic Gates Sunfish Lake Park
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Bouthilet, Public Works Director
THROUGH: Dean Zuleger, City Administrator
REVIEWED BY: Cathy Bendel, Finance Director
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS: (if removed from consent)
- Introduction of Item .................................................................................................... Staff
- Report/Presentation .................................................................................................... Staff - Questions from Council to Staff ............................................................ Mayor Facilitates - Public Input, if Appropriate ................................................................... Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion .............................................................................. Mayor & City Council - Discussion ..................................................................................... Mayor & City Council - Action on Motion .................................................................................. Mayor Facilitates
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
It is respectfully requested the City Council, as part of the Consent Agenda, authorize expenditure to
purchase and install automatic gate at Sunfish Lake Park.
BACKGROUND AND STAFF REPORT:
Previously the City had an agreement with a resident adjacent to the park, where for a nominal fee of
$1.00 a day he would open and close the entrance and exit gates at Sunfish Lake Park. He was a retired
gentleman and was diligent to assure the gates were open/closed or would inform the Staff to cover times
he was not available. When he moved the Staff was unable to recruit anyone else for this duty, and hence
the gates have been open year round 24/7.
Over the last few years increases in after hour illegal activities and incidences have been cited by the
Washington County Sheriff. These include a murder victim’s car abandoned, suicide, underage drinking,
illegal fireworks and sex crimes (confidential/victim/protection). Staff has also received reports from
nearby residents (primarily Park Meadows) concerning late night activities, gatherings, fireworks and
vehicles spinning circles in the parking lot.
The Washington County Sheriff identified the difficulty of patrolling the park, due the long driveway.
The new gate would be timed to open at sunrise and closed at sunset (adjusted periodically). It also
includes a key pad allowing deputies, emergency vehicles and staff afterhours access. The gates could be
set to allow a grace period which would allow exit for a predetermined time after closing.
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BACKGROUND AND STAFF REPORT: (continued)
It is proposed the gate be installed on the existing entrance driveway parallel to the park sign. The
driveway would be widened to allow two-way traffic through a 24’ gate opening. The existing exit drive
would be removed and turf restored to grade. Beyond the gates, a crossover lane would divide the
driveways back to the existing one lane entrance and exit road.
The road re-configuration would be done by Public Works personnel and equipment. The road base
materials (millings) were acquired at no cost from the Highway 5 maintenance project.
Three gate styles were reviewed by the Park Commission. A slide gate, a parking ramp style gate,
(up/down arm) and a barrier swing gate similar to the entrance/exit at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Consensus of the Parks Commission was the barrier gate best fit the application and park environment. At
a September 16th meeting, the Park Commission voted 6-0 to approve up to $18,000 for the purchase of a
swing arm gate for Sunfish Lake Park. This would be a CIP funded purchase and is the low quote
provided from three vendors, coming in at $11,075.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the purchase and installation of a 24’ automatic barrier gate at Sunfish Lake Park from,
Security Access Systems, for the not to exceed price of $11,075.00
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Cost Estimate from Security Access Systems, Inc.
2. Draft diagram of the gate and footings