PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2019/06/11 Minutes
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019 – 6:30 P.M.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES TRAINING ROOM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Raymond Buschmann called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Alderman Melanie Rummel was in attendance. Alderman Moreno arrived at 6:35
P.M.
Staff in attendance included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Dan
Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; Bob Ells, Superintendent of Engineering;
John Gulledge, Chief Water Plant Operator; Mike Tiegs, Assistant Chief Water
Plant Operator and Jim Lockefeer, Management Analyst.
Also in attendance was Brian Hackman, Water Plant Project Manager, Strand
Associates.
I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 4, 2019 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the Committee’s previous discussion on
the Deerpath Streetscape Project and the higher engineering costs associated
with pursuing a grant. Director Thomas explained that the design approach
associated with the ITEP grant, following the federally required state IDOT
process, requires a phased design approach. This phased design contains far
more steps and additional work than a traditional, locally funded design.
Alderman Rummel inquired how the Rte. 60 Bike Path discussion concluded at
the end of the last meeting. Director Thomas explained that it was
recommended the topic be incorporated into the Rte. 60 corridor planning
efforts. He explained a grant could be applied for after the City completes
phase I design. Chairman Buschmann requested that the statement be added
to the April 4, 2019 minutes.
Alderman Rummel moved to approve the April 4, 2019 Public Works Committee
meeting minutes subject to the incorporation of the recommended addition to
the minutes. Chairman Buschmann seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
II. UPDATE OF THE WATER PLANT PROJECT AND REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL
TO CITY COUNCIL FOR A REQUEST TO USE THE REMAINING PROJECT CONTINGENCY
DOLLARS – DAN MARTIN & BRIAN HACKMAN, P.E. STRAND ASSOCIATES
Superintendent Martin introduced Brian Hackman with Strand Associates. He
explained that Mr. Hackman has been overseeing the Water Plant Project and is
the Project Manager. Superintendent Martin also introduced John Gulledge, the
City’s Chief Water Plant Operator and Mike Tiegs, the Assistant Chief Water Plant
Operator. He explained that he has asked Mr. Hackman to provide the
Committee with a comprehensive review of the project since the project is now
substantially completed. He explained that staff was also seeking the
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Committee’s recommendation to City Council for use of the remaining project
contingency funds.
Mr. Hackman provided the Committee with an overview of the Lake Forest water
system and the Water Plant project schematic. He provided a detailed overview
of the project components and their locations. He highlighted the many plant
efficiencies that have now been realized in completing the project. Mr.
Hackman reviewed the original 2015 project schedule and how the actual
completed milestones matched up to that original schedule. He was happy to
report that the project team was able to stay on schedule and meet many of
the original deadlines. Mr. Hackman reviewed many construction in progress
pictures and explained each picture in detail. Mr. Hackman reviewed the below
project budget overview:
The Committee, City staff, and Mr. Hackman had discussions on the various
project components, challenges associated with the project, efficiencies that
have been realized in completing the project, the City’s sanitary sewer system,
and the Water Plant’s intake valve cleaning program.
Mr. Hackman reviewed the below chart that outlined the recommendations for
the use of the project contingency money.
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The Committee, City staff, and Mr. Hackman had discussions on the long term
performance testing program and the value of that data. The Committee and
City staff had discussions about the project bond and the repayment schedule.
The Committee recommended that Elizabeth Holleb be prepared to answer
questions related to the project bond. The Committee and City staff had
discussions about the scheduling and funding of the replacement of the asphalt
access driveway.
The Committee thanked Mr. Hackman, Mr. Gulledge, Mr. Tiegs, and the rest of
the City staff for their efforts in completing such a significant project. The
Committee recommended that a City Council tour of the Water Plant is
coordinated as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council the
request to use the remaining project contingency dollars. Alderman Moreno
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
III. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE
AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE CITY BUILDINGS’ JANITORIAL SERVICES
CONTRACT – DAN MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that a drafted City Council write-up on the
topic was included in the Committee’s packet.
The Committee had discussions about where the topic should be placed on the
City Council agenda. The Committee suggested that the topic should be
placed outside of the consent agenda do to the low bid not being accepted.
The Committee discussed the Mayor and City Manager making the final decision
on where the topic is placed on the agenda.
The Committee and City staff reviewed the City’s janitorial building coordinator
group and how that group serves as the liaison between City building staff
personnel and the janitorial firm in recording and reporting building issues. The
Committee and City staff discussed the current janitorial service contract and
the service level provided by the firm.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council the award
of the janitorial contract to the lowest and responsible bidder, Multisystem
Management Company. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
IV. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL DESIGN SERVICES
AGREEMENTS FOR BOTH THE ROSEMARY AND RINGWOOD RAVINE PROJECTS –JIM
LOCKEFEER
Public Works Management Analyst Jim Lockefeer explained that drafted City
Council write-ups on both topics were included in the Committee’s packet.
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Mr. Lockefeer reviewed the Ringwood Ravine Repair Project. He reviewed the
project area location and the issues within the project area that are in need of
repair. He explained that staff is seeking the Committee’s approval in
recommending to City Council a design services agreement with Bleck
Engineering Company, Inc. to provide engineering design services for the
Ringwood Road Ravine Project in an amount not to exceed $44,500. He
explained that on September 4, 2018 City Council approved the City Manager
to enter into a professional agreements with Bleck Engineering Company, Inc.
and Hey & Associates, Inc. for professional public ravine engineering services. He
explained that those agreements were the result of an RFP process staff
underwent to select two engineering firms that would be used going forward to
complete ravine project designs. He explained that each ravine area is unique
and very challenging. Therefore, the RFP process was important in identifying two
firms that had high qualifications and prior ravine design experience. He
explained that there is an FY20 design budget of $45,000 available for the design
repair of the Ringwood ravine repair and that the proposal came in slightly under
budget.
Mr. Lockefeer reviewed the Rosemary Ravine Repair Project. He reviewed the
project area location and the issues within the project area that are in need of
repair. He explained that staff is seeking the Committee’s approval in
recommending to City Council approval of design services agreement with Hey
and Associates, Inc. to provide engineering design services for the Rosemary
Road Ravine Project in an amount not to exceed $77,750. He explained that
there is an FY20 design budget of $50,000 available for the design repair. He
explained that staff was recommending funding the budget overage of $27,750
out of the FY20 Storm: Bluff, Ravine, & Ditch Improvements. He explained that the
budget overage was do to additional structural repair work that was needed
that was not revealed until a more detailed analysis was completed.
The Committee and City staff had discussions on some of the specific issues at
each project location that were in need of repair.
The Committee and City staff had discussions in regards to the proposals
developed by each firm. Mr. Lockefeer explained that these firms both executed
professional service agreements with the City back in September. These
agreements were reviewed by the City attorney’s office prior to final execution
by the City Manager.
The Committee and City staff had discussions about the historical significance of
the failed headwall within the Ringwood Ravine Repair Project area. City staff
explained that the headwall could not be seen or accessed by the public. The
Committee requested that the historic significance of the wall is researched and
that an effort is made to preserve the wall as long as the infrastructure in the
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area is not jeopardized. It was explained that the completed projects should be
ascetically pleasing.
The Committee and staff had discussions about the City’s public responsibility in
making the repairs to the project areas. Mr. Lockefeer explained that staff met
with the City Attorney and each project area respective design firm to discuss
ownership and responsibility. He explained that prior to that meeting each firm
completed surveys of their project areas. Mr. Lockefeer explained that at this
time staff believes that this repairs are the City’s responsibility. He explained that
once design is finalized the same group will meet again to discuss the City’s
responsibility before any construction begins.
The Committee and staff had discussions about pursuing appropriate grants for
project construction, once the designs are complete.
The Committee and City staff had discussions on the required permits and
environmental assessments required for the project areas.
The Committee and City staff reviewed how having each firm complete a
project will help staff develop an understanding of each firm’s strengths.
Alderman Moreno motioned to recommend approval to City Council the
awards of the design services agreements for both the Rosemary and Ringwood
ravine projects. Alderman Rummel seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
V. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL PHASE I DESIGN
SERVICES FOR THE WAUKEGAN & WESTLEIGH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT – BOB ELLS
Superintendent Ells reviewed the past discussions that surrounded the project. He
explained that a design for the intersection improvements was originally
completed by Baxter & Woodman in 2010. The proposed improvements will
increase the traffic flow and safety at this intersection by widening the roadway,
constructing dedicated left and right turn lanes and adding pedestrian signals,
cross-walks, sidewalks, and ADA accessible curb ramps. He explained that in
January of 2020 Lake County Council of Mayors Surface Transportation Program
(STP) funding will be available and that this project will be a good candidate for
the program. He explained that an approved phase I design is required to be
completed prior to submitting a project proposal through the program. He
explained that while the City completed a preliminary design there are other
design aspects that need to be completed in order to meet the requirements of
a phase I design. Superintendent Ells reviewed the Baxter & Woodman proposal
of an amount to not exceed $75,000 to provide phase I engineering design
services for the Waukegan Road and Westleigh Intersection Improvements
Project. Superintendent Ells explained that there is a $60,000 FY20 project budget.
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He explained that staff was recommending to use the leftover funds from the
annual street resurfacing program to fund the $15,000 budget overage. He
explained that if this project is selected for STP funding, federal dollars can be
used for the needed Phase II design update (estimated at $75,000), construction
and construction engineering in an 80% federal/20% local funding formula.
The Committee and City staff had discussions on the project scope, project
components and intersection safety.
The Committee and staff had discussions on Baxter & Woodman’s prior
experience in working on the project. Superintendent Ells that staff is seeking an
exception from Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.1J – Professional Services
Existing Relationship. The Committee recommended that the existing relationship
is outlined in the City Council write-up.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council approval
to City Council phase I design services for the Waukegan & Westleigh Road
Intersection Improvement Project. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
VI. WEST FORK CULVERT ISSUE / LETTERS SENT – DAN MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that the letter included in tonight’s packet as
well as the additional materials has been sent to 29 homeowners on the west
side of West Fork Drive. He explained that at the request of a homeowner in the
area, City staff investigated the berm storm sewer culverts located in the
backyards of these properties. He explained that these culverts were installed in
1988 as part of an agreement initiated by the 29 West Fork neighbors to
construct a berm between the Tollway and the western edge of the West Fork
Drive backyard properties for screening and noise purposes. He explained that
the purpose of the letter was to bring to the attention of the homeowners this
agreement as well as their ownership of the culverts. Superintendent Martin
explained that the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the agreement and found
that the City did not own or have any maintenance responsibilities associated
with the culverts.
The Committee and City staff had discussions about the language used in the
agreement.
The Committee and City staff had discussions about how the City may be able
to support the neighbors if the majority would like to move forward in clearing
and cleaning their culverts.
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VII. NEW CONTRACTOR FOR WAUKEGAN ROAD ASPHALT SIDEWALK – MICHAEL
THOMAS
Director Thomas explained and reminded the Committee that this is a majority
resident funded project. He explained that the resident’s preferred contractor,
Performance Paving, had informed the resident that they would no longer be
able to provide construction services for the project. The resident has now been
working with Peter Baker & Sons for construction services. Director Thomas
explained that the new contractor will be required to complete and submit the
required IDOT documentation for the project. He explained that once the
resident arrives at a final price with the new contractor, City Council would need
to approve of an agreement.
City staff and the Committee reviewed the City’s costs associated with the
project and project timing.
VIII. EXTENSION OF LANDFILL TIPPING FEE AGREEMENT – MICHAEL THOMAS
Director Thomas explained The City disposes all of its solid waste collected both
on the residential routes and the weekend Compost Center, at one of two
landfills within Lake County. Waste Management operates its landfill in Grayslake
and Advanced Disposal operates theirs in Zion. The City has traditionally utilized
whichever landfill provided the least expensive disposal rate. For the past
seventeen years, Advanced Disposal has charged a lesser rate. He explained
that it has come to staff’s attention that Waste Management has entered into a
definitive agreement under which a subsidiary of Waste Management will
acquire all outstanding shares of Advanced Disposal. The transaction, which was
unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is
expected to close by the first quarter of 2020, subject to the satisfaction of
customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by a
majority of the holders of Advanced Disposal’s outstanding common shares.
He explained that the acquisition will result in Waste Management owning both
landfills in Lake County.
Director Thomas explained that in an attempt to control Lake Forest’s disposal
costs for an additional five years beginning in 2022, staff contacted the General
Manager of Advanced Disposal’s landfill to inquire about extending the existing
agreement before the acquisition is finalized. The General Manager reviewed
the request with Advanced Disposal’s management and agreed to an
additional five years at the conclusion of the current agreement.
The Committee and City staff had discussions about the annual increase in the
tipping fees associated with the agreement.
IX. “MEET THE FLEET” – FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 – JIM LOCKEFEER
Management Analyst Jim Lockefeer explained that the Public Works Department
would be hosting its third annual “Meet the Fleet” event Friday, June 14 at the
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Municipal Services Building fleet garage. He explained that the event is free
family event that has been well attended in the past.
X. SALT PRICES – MICHAEL THOMAS
Director Thomas reviewed the below chart of salt bids obtained by the Village of
Arlington Heights
He explained that the Lake Forest purchase price for FY19/20 salt is $64.88 per ton
through the Lake County Bid. On March 18, 2019 City Council approved the
purchase 3,600 tons. He was happy to report the much lower cost per ton the
City was able to receive.
XI. N. WESTERN AVENUE AREA STORM SEWER PROJECT – MICHAEL THOMAS
Director Thomas explained that this topic was brought up at the third ward
meeting. He explained that there were upset residents who believed that their
area storm sewer project of Burr Oak, Thomas Place, Franklin, and Western Ave
needed to be advanced. He explained that this project was identified in the
2014 Baxter & Woodman storm sewer analysis. He explained like all major storm
sewer projects, the projects are funded every three years unless City Council
approves to advance the project. He explained that Aldermen Preschlack and
Goshgarian both feel as though the project should be advanced. Director
Thomas explained that in order to provide a project estimate, the area would
need to be further investigated. He explained that no project design has been
completed.
The Committee and City staff had a discussion on project scope, how long a
project design would take to complete, and how the project could potentially
be budgeted.
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
XIII. NEXT MEETING – TBD
Director Thomas reviewed pictures of the North Beach Access Road projects and
provided an update on accomplishments as well as the current work being
completed. The Committee and City staff had discussions on the project
landscaping and the health of the existing oak trees.
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Alderman Rummel inquired about the status of the coal tar based sealant topic
being reviewed by the Lake Forest Collaborative for Environmental Leadership
(LFCEL). Jim Lockefeer explained that the group meets quarterly and still has not
yet had an opportunity for the topic to appear on an agenda. He explained
that he would follow up with Alderman Preschlack about the request of the
Public Works Committee to review the topic at the next LFCEL meeting.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the Lake Michigan Watershed Group.
Superintendent Ells explained that he attended the kickoff meeting and will
continue to attend the meetings going forward. He explained that the focus of
the group right now is identifying the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
plan. The Committee and City staff had discussions about raising awareness of
the plan and its goals.
Alderman Rummel reviewed concerns about the magnitude of impervious
surfaces being installed as the result of commercial and residential projects and
developments being completed. She inquired about an impermeable surface
ordinance requiring a lot to not exceed a certain percentage of impervious
surface. The Committee and staff had discussions about how this percentage
could potentially be obtained, the challenges in adopting an ordinance of this
nature, and Lake County’s Watershed Development Ordinance. Alderman
Rummel explained that she would like to seek further discussion on the topic.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rummel moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works
Committee at 10:33 P.M. Chairman Buschmann seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Lockefeer Jr.
Management Analyst