HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_Public Works PipelineBy Emilie Kastner
Before beginning a construction project,
residents and contractors should be aware
of local ordinances.
The City follows the State standards for
noise issued by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. Different noise standards
exist for residential, commercial and
industrial areas. Projects in residential areas
are most restricted.
City ordinance 1040.03D states: “No person
shall engage in or permit construction and
repair activities involving the use of any
kind of electric, diesel or gas-powered
motor vehicles or machine or other power
equipment, audible beyond the property
line of the property where the activity is
occurring, except between the hours of 7
a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday,
and 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Sunday
and holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial
Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
and Christmas).”
Bigger projects or new commercial,
industrial or high-density residential
development may have more restrictions
as deemed necessary by the City Council,
especially when these projects are in close
proximity to single-family residential areas,
said Planning Director Cary Teague.
Noise can only be authentically measured
by the Health Department if it is long
lasting, such as that caused by a generator
or traffic, since the sound level-measuring
device used takes an hour-long survey
of the noise, said City Sanitarian Sherry
Engelman. Short, infrequent sound bursts
cannot be authentically measured.
“No construction noise is permitted before
7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on weekdays,” said
Chief Building Official Steve Kirchman. “If
the construction is happening during off
hours, we don’t need to measure the
noise to enforce the code. Residents
should call the Police.”
Keep it down! City enforces noise
ordinances for construction projects
Sidewalk MaintenanceSee Page 7 for details
Winter Parking Rules See Page 12 for details
Pipeline
(Continued on
page 11)
PUBLIC WORKS
Calling all artists! The City
of Edina wants water-
related artwork to feature
in its annual consumer
confidence report. Submit
yours to the Public Works
Department, 7450 Metro
Blvd., Edina, MN 55439,
before April 15, 2012.
22
The City of Edina’s Street Department sweeps Edina’s
streets to keep them looking neat and clean and to keep the
environment and waterways safe and healthy.
Each spring and fall, Edina’s streets are swept free of debris,
curb to curb. In the spring, once the snow has melted
away from the curb, the street sweepers go out in full
force. Sweepers remove salt, silt, trash and other debris,
preventing clogs in storm drains and pollution in rivers and
lakes.
Street crews do their best to sweep Edina’s streets twice in
the spring and once in the fall, weather permitting. Streets
are also swept continually through the summer.
It is important that residents not blow, rake or sweep leaves
and grass clippings into the street. The storm water system
and street sweepers cannot handle the added volume,
according to City of Edina Street Foreman Shawn Anderson.
Decomposing plant matter that enters lakes and rivers
encourages algae and harmful plant growth. Anderson says
that this harms wildlife, creates murky water and pollutes
rivers and lakes.
Any plant matter that is swept up is hauled to a company
that composts leaves and grass. Residents may be able to
have their yard waste composted by contacting their waste
hauler for more information about disposal.
For more information about composting, contact Recycling
Coordinator Solvei Wilmot at 952-826-0463. For more
information on street sweeping, contact the Public Works
Department, 952-826-0376.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Street sweeping keeps Edina beautiful and
the environment healthy
3
Drivers’ worst enemies seem to lurk around every corner
in the early spring. Nasty potholes can wreak havoc on
vehicles, so the City works to quickly fill them.
Potholes are formed by water seeping into cracks of
pavement and freezing in the winter. The water expands,
creating cracks and weakening the pavement. Traffic
driving over these weakened spots can cause pieces of
pavement between the cracks to loosen and dislodge,
creating a hole.
Throughout the year, the Street Department works hard
to fill these holes quickly to keep drivers and their cars
safe. During the winter, cold mix is used to temporarily
fix the holes. Cold mix is not permanent, but serves its
purpose until a hot mix can be used to patch potholes.
According to Shawn Anderson, City of Edina Street
Foreman, the “asphalt season” runs from early May to
the beginning of November, weather permitting. The
roadways must be warm and dry for hot mix to be used in
repair. Unlike cold mix, hot mix contains asphalt cement,
which creates a permanent bond when dry.
Each May, the Street Department goes on a “pothole
blitz,” patrolling Edina’s streets and repairing potholes as
they are seen. Thousands of potholes are repaired during
the pothole blitz. More than 140 tons of asphalt are used
in the repairs.
However, some potholes can’t wait until May. Residents
are urged to contact Edina Public Works and report
problem spots. The most effective way is filling out
the form online at www.CityofEdina.com/PublicWorks.
Reported problems are distributed to crews and given top
priority.
The City spends more than $100,000 annually on pothole
repair.
To report a pothole on a City road, visit the “Engineering
& Public Works” section at www.CityofEdina.com/
PublicWorks or call the Public Works Department at 952-
826-0376.
To report a pothole on a county road or highway or state
aid street, such as France, York and Vernon avenues, visit
Hennepin County’s website, www.hennepin.us, or call 612-
592-0300.
To report a pothole on a state road or highway, contact
the Minnesota Department of Transportation at 651-296-
3000 or visit www.dot.state.mn.us.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Street crews aim to repair
potholes quickly
4
By Jordon Greenlee
As trees shed their leaves, the City reminds residents
that they are responsible for collecting and removing the
leaves and other yard debris from within the confines of
their yards.
Residents should compost their leaves or contact
licensed haulers for proper disposal. Residents who have
made arrangements with a licensed hauler are required
to use paper bags or containers clearly marked as
“compostable.”
“Since January 2010, State law has required that yard
waste be placed in compostable bags,” said Recycling
Coordinator Solvei Wilmot. “Yard waste can no longer be
placed into plastic bags.
“Residents should check with their refuse hauler to make
sure that they are signed up for yard waste removal,
which is separate from recycling services.”
When residents rake and remove leaves from their yards,
they cannot dispose of leaves from their properties onto
City streets. “When we clean the streets, we would like to
clean the dirt, not leaves and debris,” said Assistant Public
Works Director Roger Glanzer about fall street sweeping.
The City of Edina will not remove or pick up compost,
tree branches, leaves or other yard waste collected from
residents’ properties. If residents choose to hire a private
lawn service to remove yard debris, contractors should
be advised of City ordinances to not dispose of residential
waste into City streets or gutters. Residents and private
contractors should properly dispose of leaves and other
yard debris to prevent damage to ponds and wetlands.
Residents are also encouraged to utilize collected yard
waste by generating mulch and compost that can be used
on lawns.
According to City Code Section 1200.02, “No person shall
obstruct, encroach upon, encumber, or interfere wholly
or partially, with any street, boulevard, alley, sidewalk,
easement, park or public ground.” Fallen leaves must be
kept out of City streets to help prevent clogging in storm
sewers which can lead to water runoff, backups and
flooding.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect gutters in front
of their properties and remove any debris that appears
to be blocking passage to storm sewers. By keeping City
storm sewers clear, residents can reduce damage to
neighboring lakes and ponds.
“If debris and leaves get into the storm sewers during
the winter, they will freeze up and clog drainage,” said
Glanzer. “Leaves, sticks and grass also pollute lakes and
ponds when they get into the storm sewer.”
For more information on leaf removal, contact Wilmot,
952-826-0463.
– Emilie Kastner contributed to this story
Residents required to take
care of their own leaves
5
By Jordon Greenlee and Emilie Kastner
Under the heavy weight of snow and ice, property
damage can easily occur over the winter months. One
of the most common and frequent property casualties
comes in the form of damaged mailboxes. Who is
responsible for the damage?
City plows can inadvertently cause damages, but so can
a variety of other things. Many mailbox damages are the
result of poor weather conditions, ranging from heavy
snow to excessive ice, or due to lack of maintenance.
When damage to a mailbox is caused by poor weather
or lack of maintenance, the City is not responsible for
replacing or repairing it.
Residents are encouraged to inspect mailboxes and posts,
as well as maintain and correct all prominent damages
before winter. “Most mailbox damages are the result of
rotten posts or a mailbox poorly anchored to the post,”
said Street Foreman John Scheerer.
During the winter months, residents should also
monitor the quantity of snow and debris surrounding
their mailboxes. After City plows have removed snow
from streets, residents should clear snow surrounding
mailboxes to prevent snow from becoming compacted
and creating future difficulties for mail delivery vehicles. It
is the responsibility of the homeowner to do the detailed
snow removal in front of the mailbox to assure continued
mail delivery.
The United States Postal Service has codes for Customer
Mail Receptacles. According to No. 3.1.4, “Customers
must keep the approach to their mailboxes clear of
obstructions to allow safe access for delivery. If USPS
employees are impeded in reaching a mail receptacle, the
postmaster may withdraw delivery service.”
The City evaluates complaints of damage on a case-
by-case basis, allowing residents the ability to have
residential property damages evaluated effectively. If
an inspection of a damaged mailbox determines the
principal cause was a result of a collision involving a plow
or other piece of City equipment, the Street Department
will replace and install a standard size, non-decorative
metal mailbox. If necessary, a 4-by-4-inch decay-resistant
wood support post will also be installed by the City in the
spring. Alternatively, the City will reimburse the owner of
a mailbox damaged by the City $50 for the replacement of
the mailbox and post.
In an average season, the City may receive as many as 50
to 70 calls in regards to mailbox damages, Scheerer said.
For more information, contact the City of Edina Public
Works Department, 952-826-0376.
Inspect your mailboxes before
the snow flies
6
When snow is heavy and City of Edina plow drivers begin
working to clear snow from streets, stakes sometimes
highlight hazardous areas. Marking stakes, used exclusively
in winter months, are installed by the City of Edina in
the fall and identify obstructions and reduce damage to
residential and City property.
While residents may submit a request for marking stakes
to be placed on their property, it is at the discretion of the
City to decide what locales require marking stakes to alert
plow drivers.
In the past, some residential properties have endured
damage due to unique weather and plowing conditions. As
a result, the City will not always place stakes in the same
location each year. Residential requests will be managed
and responded to on an individual basis.
As the City works to improve roadways and reconstruct
neighborhoods by installing curbs and gutters, fewer
stakes will be used.
“Our goal is to reduce the number of stakes that we put
in,” said Assistant Public Works Director Roger Glanzer.
“We want to be able to do a good job plowing. We put in
hundreds of them and it takes a lot of labor hours to put
them in and remove them.”
Stakes are typically removed late-March to early-April,
once the frost melts and the ground becomes soft enough
to pull the stakes out.
For more information on snow stakes or to request them
on your property, contact the City of Edina Public Works
Department, 952-826-0376.
– Compiled by Jordon Greenlee and Emilie Kastner
Plow drivers guided by
marking stakes
Snow plow drivers do their best each winter to clear
streets of snow. However, a boulevard is sometimes
damaged by a snow plow.
Any sod damage that is caused by plows will be repaired
by the City of Edina’s Public Works crews in the spring.
The City provides new sod, dirt or grass seed, but it is
the resident’s responsibility to water and maintain it.
John Scheerer, City of Edina Street Foreman, said that
a boulevard is designed for utilities and snow. The only
thing that should be in the boulevard is a mailbox.
Any other items or landscaping is at risk and the
responsibility of the property owner.
If a boulevard on your property is damaged by a snow
plow, contact Public Works through the online service
request form at www.CityofEdina.com/PublicWorks.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Boulevards designed for
utilities and snow
7
Because pedestrians use sidewalks to safely get from
one part of the community to another while exercising
and enjoying the outdoors, it is important that they be
properly maintained year round.
To keep pedestrians safe, sidewalks must be cleared of
all ice and snow during the winter. According to Edina
City Code 1200.03, “All snow and ice shall be removed
from a sidewalk by the owner of the property adjoining
the sidewalk within 48 hours of the cessation of the
precipitation.” This means property owners must clear
sidewalks of all snow or ice within two days of the end of
a snowfall.
If snow and ice are not removed within seven days after
receiving a written notice from the City, residents may be
charged for the cost of removal by the City, which could
exceed $300.
The City has some sidewalk plow routes. On these
sidewalks, the City will remove snow. France Avenue, York
Avenue, Gleason Road and 70th Street are examples of
these areas.
Once spring and summer come around, sidewalks may
need to be repaired. Sometimes, sidewalk panels move or
shift in the spring as the ground thaws. Property owners
are required to fix sidewalk hazards on their properties.
Residents can report trip hazards that need to be repaired
to the Public Works Department using the online service
request at www.CityofEdina.com/PublicWorks.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Boulevards designed for
utilities and snow
Obstructed sidewalks can
lead to injuries
8 It is often convenient to hire someone to plow a driveway.
Private snow plow contractors should be aware of local
regulations before they begin their winter work.
Private plows must not deposit snow into or across a
roadway. Any snow that is removed from a sidewalk or
driveway must remain on that property. If a property
owner is concerned about the landscaping, private snow
hauling may be a good option.
The City of Edina Public Works Department will monitor
private snow plowing contractors on a regular basis,
though the property owner is ultimately responsible.
Homeowners will receive a warning letter for violations
on the first offense. Upon a second offense, homeowners
may be subject to a fine of up to $700.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Hiring someone to plow?
Remember to check City regulations
Residents must remove snow from driveways,
walkways and sidewalks
As snow falls, residents can expect to see the familiar
sight of snow plows moving down streets and through
neighborhoods. As snow begins to pile in residential
driveways, shovels and snow blowers can be seen
uncovering hidden sidewalks and pathways.
While the City of Edina removes snow and debris from
streets, residents are responsible for shoveling snow from
walkways, driveways and sidewalks on their properties.
Any snow removed from walkways, driveways or
sidewalks must remain on the property. Snow cannot be
plowed into City streets or onto a neighboring property.
If a sidewalk exists on a private property, the owner is
responsible for plowing or shoveling the snow to prevent
injury of passing residents.
When clearing snow, residents should be cognizant of
snow accumulation on their properties, not allowing snow
piles to grow too high and become sight obstructions
for other vehicles and residents. In addition, residents
should also clear snow from around fire hydrants located
on private property. Fire hydrants must be visible and
accessible to emergency workers.
For more information, contact the City of Edina Public
Works Department, 952-826-0376.
– Compiled by Jordon Greenlee
9
In the event of a fire, time is essential. Firefighters need access to
fire hydrants to quickly put out a fire. Hydrants should be visible
and accessible at all times.
According to Minnesota State Fire Code, there must be a three-
foot cleared radius around all fire hydrants. Edina Fire Department
Fire Marshal Tom Jenson said the clearing must be free of both
snow and landscaping.
When landscaping, residents should keep in mind where they
plant. It is important to think about the future when planting
bushes, trees and doing other landscaping. Small bushes and
seedlings will grow and could hide a hydrant.
It is important to keep hydrants clear of snow in the winter. Snow
should be shoveled around a hydrant to provide adequate access
to its top and side discharges. Snow can be deposited to the side of
or behind the hydrant.
If a hydrant is not shoveled out, Jenson says to do the “neighborly
thing” and shovel around it. It is not necessarily the property
owner who’s responsible for the hydrant, even if it’s on his or
her property. A hydrant can help save lives at any house in a
neighborhood.
With about 2,000 fire hydrants in Edina, it’s clear why everyone is needed to help. Neither the City nor the Fire
Department has the time or resources to shovel them all.
“The big thing is to expose the hydrants so they can be found and accessed,” Jenson said. “They are not meant to be
hidden. That’s why they are painted red.”
Jenson said a fire truck holds about 750 gallons of water. When putting out a fire, that water can be depleted in fewer
than four minutes.
For more information regarding fire hydrants, contact Jenson at 952-826-0337.
City urges residents to keep
fire hydrants visible
10
By Jordon Greenlee
To ensure the safety of citizens, the City of Edina uses a
snow plowing and ice control policy.
According to the policy, the City will begin snow and ice
control operations at the discretion of the Edina Street
Foreman, who continually monitors snow accumulation,
snow drift and ice conditions on City roadways. Snow and
ice control activity is costly, so snow plows will generally
not be dispatched for a snowfall of less than 1.5 inches.
“Each storm is different and it takes both proactive and
reactive thinking that the City has to do,” said Public
Works Street Foreman Shawn Anderson. “Sometimes
we have to wait it out and sometimes we have to fight it
during the storm.”
When there is more than 1.5 inches of snow on the
roadway, the Street Division will plow snow in a way that
minimizes traffic obstructions for residents. Typically, the
center of roadways will be plowed first, moving snow
away and off traffic lanes. On two-way streets, snow will
be plowed from left to right. On one-way streets and
boulevards, snow will be plowed based on snow storage
availability and in consideration of emergency vehicles.
Anderson will determine specific roadways in need of
snow removal by City trucks. Snow removal will begin
after snow plowing operations, and may be further
delayed by weather conditions, personnel and budget.
When removed, snow will be hauled to designated snow
storage areas.
The City’s snow plowing policy highlights priority roadways
and streets to be plowed. The City has effectively
outlined a system to classify streets based on street
function, traffic volume and importance to welfare of the
community. High-volume routes that act as access roads
for emergency vehicles are labeled as “Red Routes” and
will be plowed first. Routes providing access to schools
and commercial businesses will then be plowed, followed
by low-volume residential roadways, and finally alleys and
City parking lots.
Snow and ice control operations will be conducted
during safe weather conditions. During poor weather
conditions, snow plows will be removed from roadways
at the discretion of the Public Works Department’s Street
Division. Factors that may delay snow and ice removal
include severe cold, significant wind, limited visibility and
storm duration.
The City will use sand, salt and other chemicals to prevent
hazardous ice conditions. The City maintains select
sidewalks in Edina, and residents and property owners are
responsible for removing snow and preventing ice hazards
from sidewalks adjoining their properties.
“The big reason it’s an ordinance is that sidewalks are
a big way for people to get around in the City,” said
Assistant Director of Public Works Roger Glanzer. “People
need to be able to walk on the sidewalks rather than
walking in the streets because it can be very dangerous.
It’s especially important for handicapped people to get
around.”
For more information, call the City of Edina Public Works
Department at 952-826-0376.
– Emilie Kastner contributed to this story.
Snow plowing and ice control practices
help ensure safety
11
Many children enjoy playing outside after a fresh
snowfall. While this may be fun, it could be dangerous if
precautions are not taken.
It is important that children remain safe and do not
make snow forts or tunnels or play on snow piles near
roadways. Plow drivers cannot tell where tunnels or
forts may be or if children are in them.
“Snow plow drivers are watching the road,” said John
Scheerer, City of Edina Street Foreman. “Drivers can’t
always see if kids are in forts.”
In addition, plowed snow can be very heavy. It can weigh
enough to collapse a tunnel or fort and injure children
inside them. Hidden forts are even more dangerous
when plow drivers go “winging,” pushing the snow
further off the street to make room for more plowed
snow.
If children want to build a fort, Scheerer recommends
they build it near the house, never near a roadway. Forts
should also be built without a top that could collapse.
Forts and tunnels should be reported to City of Edina
Public Works using the online request form at
www.CityofEdina.com/PublicWorks or by calling 952-
826-0376. Public Works personnel will work with the
property owner to remove the fort or tunnel.
– Compiled by Jordan Gilgenbach
Safety is key to winter fun
“Noise” continued from cover
The City receives about six construction-related
noise complaints per month, which is a low number
considering the large amount of construction projects
under way at any given time, Kirchman said. Although
the Health Department is ultimately responsible for
noise regulation, it is usually the Building Inspections
Department that coordinates compliance with
contractors.
The first step in resolving complaints relating to
construction noise is to inform the contractor.
Contractors generally aim to retain positive
relationships with the City and community in order
to maintain good reputations and be approved for
future building projects. However, if this initial step
is ineffective or the noise is outside of permissible
hours, a contractor should be reported to the Police
for disturbing the peace.
“Contractors cannot be cited unless the noise
violation is observed by the police,” said Kirchman.
“Police officers are familiar with these calls and will
respond quickly. If residents call too late, after 7 a.m.,
enforcement is limited because it is within the lawful
hours of construction.”
To report a construction-related noise violation
outside of permissible hours, as specified by the
City Ordinance, call the Police Department’s non-
emergency phone number at 952-826-1610.
12
To prevent damage to vehicles from snowfall and plows
and the inconvenience of citations and towed vehicles, the
City encourages citizens to remain informed about local
parking laws and restrictions.
According to City regulations, no vehicle may be parked
on a City street, highway or alley under a variety of
conditions:
• When 1.5 inches or more of snow has fallen. Once
streets and roadways have been plowed to the curb
line, residents can then park vehicles on designated
roadways.
• For six hours after a snowfall has ended, unless City
traffic signs specifically allow vehicles to park on
roadways.
• From 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 through March 31.
Cars parked on the street during winter months impede
snow plow drivers from effectively removing snow from
City streets. By adhering to City regulations, residents can
avoid unwanted parking tickets and towing of vehicles.
City ordinances are strictly enforced. The Edina Police
Department records and tracks vehicles not in compliance
with City ordinances and regulations. When a vehicle
is in violation of winter parking regulations, the Police
Department sometimes issues a warning by means of an
explanation card to the owner of the vehicle. If the Police
Department encounters the vehicle violating regulations a
second time, the owner will be issued a citation.
During significant weather conditions and snow events,
if a vehicle is obstructing the path of a plow, the Police
Department will attempt to locate the owner. If an owner
cannot be found, the City will tow the vehicle.
For more information, contact the
Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
– Compiled by Jordon Greenlee
Residents asked to follow
winter parking rules
Edina Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility ∙ 7450 Metro Blvd. ∙ Edina, MN 55439 ∙ 952-826-0376 ∙ Open 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday