City Council Preview - March 16, 2009

A preview of the Monona city council meeting City Council 3/16/09.

The council will be deciding Seed v. Sod as the standard terrace restoration after city street reconstruction projects. At the last meeting the council discussed the quality of the seed and top soil. Upon further review, I have reservations about the proposed switch from sod to seed as the 'standard' application (I use the quotes because in reality the city has gone back and forth and back and forth - Winnequah Road was seeded in 2006 as was Baskerville/Thunderbird in 2004; the last two years the city paid for sod).

Sod costs twice as much as seed. 'Wow', you say. Not so fast my fine feathered friend. The cost difference in 2009 is projected to be about $5,500 more for sod out of a total project cost of $1.9 million or just under 0.3%. Moreover, individual property owners would be able to opt for sod at their own cost, which will increase city administrative costs.

Installing sod will provide a superior end-product with less erosion, complaints, fewer weeds, and so forth.

For all the, uh, dirt, see the staff report: Agenda Item G1a., Street and Utility Improvements Terrace Restoration.pdf

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Another item would approve No Parking on Bridge Road near Metropolitan Lane. Makes good sense to me.

Agenda Item G1b., Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Bridge Rd.pdf

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An apparently controversial item for some people is Reallocation of Capital Funds for the Purchase of Plow Truck. The capital budget included construction of a cold storage shed at the Public Works garage. The estimates came in well over budget. The plow truck that was proposed for replacement in 2010 and would be advanced one year is a 1988 model. And this purchase was already planned and is not just a way to spend money that we found in the back room.

Agenda Item G1c., Reallocation of Capital Funds for the Purchase of Plow Truck.pdf

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The council will revisit Replacement of 911 and Emergency Dispatch Equipment. The cost is now up to $132,485 (about $35,000 over the budgeted amount). I've stated before and repeatedly that we should have spent the funds we budgeted in 2008 to study how to provide 911 dispatch. The council decided not to do so, the mayor agreed (or was it t'other way 'round?) and now the 911 equipment is decrepit. The police chief and Public Safety did a thorough job selecting the recommended system.

Agenda Item G1d., Approval of Replacement of 911 and Emergency Dispatch Equipment.pdf

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The tentative agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 311 is on for immediate action after a closed session.

Agenda Item G2c., Approving the Terms of Contracts with the International Association of Firefighters Local 311.pdf

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Likewise, the purchase of One Police Vehicle is on for immediate action. After further research at the request of the council, particularly Alderman Speight, the police chief is recommending purchase of a Toyota Camry Hybrid ($23,140). Big kudos to Chief Ostrenga for his continued willingness to try something new.

For more info see: Toyota Camry Hybrid - Overview Hybrid Cars and 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid Reviews, Pictures and Prices - U.S. News .... (US News: "The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks 3 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 42 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.").

Agenda Item G2d., Purchase Approval of One Police Vehicle.pdf

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The previously blogged "Class B" liquor license for Edo Garden is on for a first reading. LRC Gives Boost to Edo Japanese Steakhouse

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Finally, the council will consider a imposing Two-Hour Parking on Metropolitan Lane for a short 42' stretch by Inland Boats. My only question is why the two-hour limit needs to apply at all times rather than just during regular business hours.

Agenda Item G2f., Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning 2-Hour Parking on Metropolitan Lane.pdf

The council will also receive reports on:
1. Update on Erosion Control Measures at MSP Senior Housing Construction Site.
2. Discussion of Enforcement of Tagging/Graffiti at Local Businesses.
3. Update on Belle Isle Lift Station.