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I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2000 Page 3 Council Business. continued The Rate Study commits the reserves of the enterprise services to help finance costs. The reserves of the Water and Sewer services are sizeable enough to accommodate this commitment without jeopardizing the financial health of the reserves. The Reserves total about $1,SOO,OOO. The planned use of reserves for the stormwater service need to be carefully monitored owing to its small size and the large capital needs of this enterprise. Samuelson said the report is very thorough and appreciated the staffs hard work. Egan thanked staff members Kathy Nordstrom and Dianne Fiebiger for their efforts. Samuelson noted New Brighton is right in line with neighboring communities' utility rates. Motion by Samuelson, seconded by Hoffman, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE 2000 CUSTOMER CHARGES FOR UTILITIES. S Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. City Engineer Les Proper presented the bid award for Project 00-1, Street Reconstruction. The project includes the reconstruction of 14th S1. between Silver Lake Rd. and Long Lake Rd. Staff recommends that 14th St. be reduced in width from the existing 44 ft. to 38 ft. (2-11 ft. driving lanes and 2-8 ft. parking lanes). The reduction in width would be achieved by leaving the north curb in place while moving the south curb line S ft. to the north. The reduction would create a 6-8 ft. grass boulevard between the south curb and sidewalk for snow storage and pedestrian safety. Other advantages would be an increase in green space and traffic calming. Three very good bids were received with the low bid from Midwest Asphalt in the amount of $1,669,600.24. Stinson Blvd. is jointly owned by New Brighton and Fridley, and Fridley has agreed to enter into a construction agreement. Olson said the advantages to the 44 ft. width involve increased street area for pedestrian use, no need to shift center line, wider parking and driving lanes, and parking comfort. Disadvantages include limited snow storage, less green space, more storm water runoff, and reduced pedestrian safety. Advantages to the 38 ft. width include improved snow storage, traffic calming, reduced storm water runoff, pedestrian safety, and reduced pavement installation and maintenance. Disadvantages involve shifting the centerline 3 ft. to the north, pedestrian travel closer to traffic, and additional concrete curb and gutter. Either option promotes a safe roadway, and State standards for residential collector streets is 38 ft. width and the 44 ft. width is above and beyond State recommendation. Samuelson asked how would the additional costs ($18,000) for the 38ft. width be absorbed. Olson said the additional costs would be City responsibility, and involve replacement curb and gutter, additional sodding, and driveway extensions. Karen Mann, Public Safety Commission (PSC), said the PSC recommends the 38 ft. width to promote pedestrian safety associated with the nearby school. Brian Bates, 1967 14th St., does not support the narrowing and feels the 38 ft. width will reduce sight lines and maneuver ability. Olson does not feel existing sight lines will be affected, but agrees maneuvering is more difficult with a narrower street. Samuelson added that other recently narrowed streets have shown increased sidewalk usage. Council Business 2000 Utility Rate Study Resolution 00-039 Project 00-1 Street Reconstruction 14th St. Width Report 00-114 Resolution 00-040