03-27-2014 Agena and Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item No. 6B M E M O R A N D U M To: Parks & Recreation & Forestry Commissioners From: Nick DeBar – Director of Public Works & Don Peterson – Public Works Supervisor Date: March 27, 2014 RE: Public Works Staff Report The following is a synopsis of recent activities and events of the Public Works Department. General Personnel Chris Atkinson started as Maintenance Worker in the Parks subdivision on March 3, 2014. Chris was hired to fill a new maintenance worker position that was added as part of department restructuring after the elimination of the parks supervisor position. Seasonal maintenance workers will also be evaluated in mid- April and begin sometime in mid-May. The Project Coordinator position is advertised and applicants will be reviewed in mid-April. This is a new position in the Engineering Division focused on coordinating design and completion of construction projects, including park and facility improvements. Maintenance Parks maintenance staff continues to battle snow storms and finding room for future snow storage on streets and in parking lots. The warmer weather is helping reduce the height of snowbanks but also brings additional work with ensuring catch basins are clear and melting snow is not damaging park buildings. Mowers are having preventative maintenance performed in anticipation of turf maintenance needs. Weed whips, leaf blowers, chain saws, and pruners and also being tuned up and tested. Park buildings are also being evaluated for maintenance and updating needs. Forestry Public Works will be soliciting consulting services for forestry activities in the coming month. In addition to providing forestry expertise with the Tree Disease and Pest Control Ordinance, the consultant will be working on the MnDNR grant related to removing existing ash trees and replanting a new tree on public ways and lands within a one-mile radius of the Shoreview infestation. Projects The following projects are planned this year. Updates from previous meetings are shown in red. Silver View Park • Relocate Disc Golf Course: A new 9-hole course is proposed to be constructed in the NW corner of the park. Involves clearing trees, installing new tees and targets, and removing existing course items and restoration. 2014 Budget: $25,000 (Park Dedication Fund) – includes $2,000 BBC contribution for improving disc golf tees (Mar. 2011). Public Works met with disc golf course designer on 2/6 to discuss new layout. Significant trees to be identified when fairer weather exists, after which the design process can move forward. Public Works has not cleared brush or fallen trees due to snow plowing events and deep snow pack. High value trees will be identified in the next month after which the disc golf course designer will begin laying out a new course. • Reconstruct Trailways: Involves reconstruction of the asphalt trails with an engineering pavement section and grading/drainage corrections. Will require professional engineering services and obtaining permanent trailway easements from Scottland Green apartments. 2014 Budget: $200,000 (Spec. Projects Fund). • Shelter Building Improvements: Involves replacing west side roof gable sheeting and interior improvements to the floor, lighting, and other miscellaneous repairs and upgrades. 2014 Budget: $10,000 (PDF) + $3,500 (General Fund).