PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2019/07/23 Minutes
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 23, 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.
Aldermen Melanie Rummel and Michelle Moreno were in attendance.
Staff in attendance included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Dan
Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; Bob Ells, Superintendent of Engineering;
Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry; Brian Joyce, Supervisor of
Engineering; Bernard Pondexter, Engineering Assistant; Jason Wicha, City
Manager; Pete Siebert, Fire Chief and Jim Lockefeer, Management Analyst.
I. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 11, 2019 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Rummel explained that there was a word-ordering mistake in the
Waukegan Road Sidewalk Project section of the minutes.
Alderman Rummel moved to approve the June 11, 2019 Public Works
Committee meeting minutes subject to incorporating the recommended word-
ordering revision. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
II. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL ARCHITECTURAL
SERVICES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LOCKER ROOM RENOVATION PROJECT – DAN
MARTIN
Superintendent Dan Martin explained that Fire Chief Pete Siebert was in
attendance at tonight’s meeting to assist with answering questions related to the
topic. Superintendent Martin reviewed a presentation on the topic.
Superintendent Martin reviewed the existing Fire Department locker room plan
layout and the existing conditions. He explained the challenges associated with
the existing conditions as well as the ADA violations associated with the locker
room. He reviewed the updated locker room design concept plan that was
developed and created by FGM Architects (“FGM”) in 2017. He reviewed the
estimated project budget developed by FGM and the FY20 project funding
source for FGM to complete the project design. He reviewed the below chart
and explained that the current budget would fund project design, however, the
current budget would not fully fund construction.
Superintendent Martin explained that staff was requesting the Public Works
Committee to recommend approval to City Council a design services
agreement for the Fire Station Locker Room Renovation Project with FGM
Architects, in an amount not to exceed $43,150. He explained that in 2013 a City
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facilities ADA audit was completed and revealed many ADA violations within the
locker room. He explained that any type of maintenance or replacement of
fixtures within the locker room triggers a full renovation because of the ADA
compliance violations. He explained that the renovations are also needed
because a City female firefighter employee has to currently use a converted
bathroom as a locker room until new locker room is built. Fire Chief Pete Siebert
explained that the City might also hire additional female firefighters in the near
future based upon the City’s recent fire fighter testing that was completed.
The Public Works Committee and staff discussed the existing female locker room
arrangements, the construction process, temporary locker room arrangements
during construction, public bathroom access at the Public Safety Building (PSB),
FGM’s design of the conceptual plan, FGM’s overall firm experience, and
updating the project construction budget.
Superintendent Martin explained that staff is seeking an exception from
Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.1J – Professional Services Existing
Relationship in recommending FGM Architects. He explained that FGM was
selected for the PSB lobby project through a request for proposal process. He
explained that FGM completed the Fire Locker Room Renovation Project
conceptual plan for $8,000 in July 2017. FGM was approved to create the
conceptual plan in 2017 because of their vast experience in designing other PSB
improvement projects.
The Public Works Committee and City Manager Jason Wicha discussed City
Council agenda item’s specific location on an agenda if an exception or a
waiving of the formal bid process is requested. Mr. Wicha explained that this is
something that is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. He explained that the
Mayor typically decides where items appear on the agenda. The Public Works
Committee discussed the Fire Station locker room topic appearing on the
omnibus section of the City Council agenda. There was consensus amongst the
Committee that there would be no issue in the topic appearing on the omnibus.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council the award
a design services agreement for the Fire Station Locker Room Renovation Project
with FGM Architects, in an amount not to exceed $43,150. Alderman Moreno
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
III. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL DESIGN SERVICES FOR
THE DEERPATH STREETSCAPE PROJECT – JIM LOCKEFEER
Management Analyst Jim Lockefeer reviewed a presentation on the topic. He
explained that the at the April 4, 2019 Public Works Committee meeting, the
Committee agreed that the project should be submitted through the ITEP grant
process and that staff should initiate the required request for qualifications (RFQ)
process to identify a landscape and engineering design team. He explained that
the RFQ process had to follow IDOT requirements in order to apply for ITEP
funding. He reviewed the RFQ process and explained that it required interested
landscape architect firms to team up with a professional civil engineering firms to
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form a team and submit one proposal. He explained six teams submitted a
proposal and four of the six teams were selected for an interview. He explained
that interviews were held by a City staff comprised RFQ team and that the
interviews focused on; overall team approach, streetscape project experience,
local project experience, ITEP/IDOT experience, historic district project
experience and the overall public engagement approach. Mr. Lockefeer
explained that following the interviews the staff RFQ team ranked the top three
teams in the following order based on their qualifications; Lakota & Thomas,
Bergmann & Gewalt, and Hitchcock and Baxter & Woodman. He explained that
all three teams were extremely qualified and could meet the City’s project
needs. He explained that per the required IDOT procedures, staff then reached
out and requested a project proposal amount from the top ranked team, Lakota
& Thomas. Unfortunately, the Lakota & Thomas proposal received came in
significantly over budget. Upon receiving the high proposal, the staff RFQ team
decided not to initiate any negotiations with the team because of the significant
cost difference between their proposal and the City’s project budget. Following
the IDOT procedures, the staff RFQ team proceeded to request a proposal from
the second ranked team, Bergmann & Gewalt. The Bergmann & Gewalt team
proposal initially came in slightly over budget. Since there was not significant cost
differences between their proposal and the City’s project budget, staff initiated
negotiations. He explained that very quick negotiations resulted in the revised
Bergmann & Gewalt team proposal coming in slightly under budget. Mr.
Lockefeer explained that the staff RFQ team was confident in selecting the
Bergmann & Gewalt team to complete phase I design of this project because of
their overall project experience and all of their local project experience.
The Public Works Committee and staff had discussions on the Lakota & Thomas
proposal, the Bergmann conceptual plan, Civic Beautification’s involvement
with the project, Civic Beautification’s review of the Bergmann conceptual plan,
team streetscape project experience, project public involvement, and the
project limits.
Mr. Lockefeer explained that staff was requesting the Public Works Committee to
recommend approval to City Council design services agreements for the
Deerpath Streetscape Project Phase I Design with Craig Bergmann Landscape
Design, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $40,850 and Gewalt Hamilton
Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $108,500. He explained that the
total FY20 project design budget is $150,000 and that the total amount
requested is $149,350.
Alderman Moreno motioned to recommend approval to City Council the award
of the design services agreements for the Deerpath Streetscape Project Phase I
Design with Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $40,850 and Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $108,500. Alderman Rummel seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
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IV. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL OF A HYDRANT PAINTING
3-YEAR AGREEMENT – DAN MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that there are 1,400 City owned fire hydrants on
the water distribution system to provide fire protection to homes and businesses
throughout the community. He explained that on an annual basis, the Water &
Sewer Section inspects and flushes each hydrant to ensure they are operating
properly. He explained that additional preventative maintenance includes the
annual fire hydrant painting program. He explained that fire hydrants are
recoated approximately every seven years in order to prevent the paint coating
from failing between painting cycles.
Superintendent Martin explained that this program is bid through the Municipal
Partnership Initiative (MPI). He explained that the City, along with ten other
communities developed a joint bid for 2019 fire hydrant sandblasting and
painting. Three bidders provided proposals, however, one bidder did not supply
a bid deposit. Therefore, their proposal was rejected. Alpha Paintworks, Inc. was
the lowest bid of the remaining two bidders at a total three-year cost of $53,400.
The Public Works Committee and City staff had discussions on listing the project
as having obtained competitive pricing for the proposed services within the City
Council write-up.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council the award
of a three-year contract with Alpha Paintworks, Inc. for fire hydrant painting
services included in the FY2020-2022 operating capital budget for the sum
of $53,400. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
V. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL AWARD OF BID FOR THE
2019 STIRLING HALL DOOR REPLACEMENT PROJECT – DAN MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that the Stirling Hall exterior doors on the north
main entrance and west side entrance at the Stirling Hall building were last
replaced during the 1999 renovation project. He explained that the work was
completed 20 years ago did not include replacing the existing wood door
frames that are now failing at the hinge points from many years of stress and
wear from supporting heavy doors. He explained that the frames no longer have
suitable strength to anchor the hinge screws from the multiple door
replacements over the years. He explained that the metal doors and door
hardware were also worn and fatigued, causing the doors to sag and rub at the
door edges and thresholds. He explained that the replacement of these doors
and frames will restore the integrity of these highly used entrances and provide
for a more secured building.
Superintendent Martin explained that in June, 2019 staff initiated a public bid
process for the replacement of the exterior doors and frames on the north and
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west entrances at Stirling Hall. He explained that four contractors attended the
mandatory pre-bid meeting and that staff received four bids for the installation
of the new doors and frames. He explained that the apparent low bid was from
TDS Door for $33,800. He explained that TDS Door has done favorable work for
the City before.
The Public Works Committee and staff had discussions on project funding, the
two different recommended FY20 funding sources, and the project contingency.
Alderman Moreno motioned to recommend approval to City Council the award
of bid for the 2019 Stirling Hall door replacement to TDS Door Company in the
amount of $33,800.00 with a contingency of 5% or $1,690.00. Alderman Rummel
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
VI. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL OF A ROAD STRIPING
CONTRACT – DAN MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that the City conducts an annual thermoplastic
lane marking program. He explained that the City’s program divides the City into
four zones. A zone of road striping is completed on an annual basis.
Superintendent Martin explained that the City, as a member of the Northwest
Municipal Conference (NWMC), also belongs to the Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative (SPC). The SPC is made up of 134 communities in the Northwest
Municipal Conference, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association,
the DuPage Mayors Conference, and the Will County Government League. One
of SPC’s annual joint purchasing initiatives is the thermoplastic lane marking bid
for member agencies. The City has been participating in the thermoplastic lane
marking for the last 18 years. SPC’s lane marking specifications meet IDOT
standards. Bids and selection of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder are
approved by IDOT. He explained that the 2017 SPC/IDOT thermoplastic lane
marking contract was awarded to Superior Road Striping, Inc. He explained that
bidders were required to submit three-year contract unit costs. He explained that
the Contract is on the last year of the three-year contract. Under this contract,
Superior Road Striping agrees to all terms and conditions as set forth in the
specifications contained within the contract and Superior Road Striping must
comply with all IDOT rules and regulations. He explained that the cost for the
City’s 2019 contract for striping and marking is $94,000.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend approval to City Council the
approval of a contract with Superior Road Striping to provide thermoplastic lane
marking for $94,000. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS
VII. REVIEW RESULTS OF 2018 INFLOW & INFILTRATION STUDY; SEEK FINAL POLICY
DIRECTION FROM COMMITTEE – MICHAEL THOMAS & BRIAN JOYCE
Director Thomas introduced Brian Joyce, Supervisor of Engineering and Bernard
Pondexter, Engineering Assistant. He explained that Mr. Joyce has reviewed the
2018 Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Study that detailed all of the public and private
issue areas. He explained that the study not only identifies the issue areas but
also identifies estimates of total flows associated with issues and an estimated
rehabilitation cost.
Director Thomas and Mr. Joyce reviewed the below chart of public issue areas
recommended for rehabilitation.
Director Thomas explained that in order to request homeowners to make their
private repairs, there needs to be a public repair program in place. He explained
that prior to the study, staff did not envision substantial public rehabilitations.
Unfortunately, the study revealed far more repairs that are needed at a higher
cost then staff originally anticipated. He explained that currently there is $100,000
budgeted in FY20 to complete public repairs. The estimated total to complete all
the public repairs defined in the study is $458,925. He explained that smoke
testing within other study areas is already close to completion and another study
report will be produced. He explained that staff believes that this study area will
show similar recommended repairs at a similar cost.
Staff and the Public Works Committee discussed potential public area repair
funding sources that included using watermain replacement funds to complete
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repairs. Staff and the Public Works Committee reviewed the benefit of
completing the public repairs.
The Public Works Committee recommended that staff develop further public
repair funding scenarios and plans for the upcoming budget meetings. It was
also recommended that the repairs be further researched to ensure that the
most cost effective repair methods are being completed.
Staff and the Public Works Committee discussed the upcoming September City
Council workshop meeting.
Director Thomas and Mr. Joyce reviewed the below chart of private issue areas
recommended for rehabilitation.
Mr. Joyce explained that the repairs were split into two different programs; quick
fix and long-term. He explained that the quick fix program represents repairs that
are not viewed as being too costly to a homeowner. The long-term program
represents higher costs repairs that may be more cumbersome to a homeowner.
City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed the types of private repairs
needed and their associated estimated costs.
City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed the potential for multiple
repairs needed at one property, cost share programs, the opportunity for private
repairs to be bid with public repairs, and a public education program.
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City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed enforcement in requiring
private repairs to be made. Director Thomas explained that in the past, repairs
were required to be made and if a home was non-compliant, the City would
potentially turn off the homes water as a means of enforcement. Management
Analyst Jim Lockefeer explained that the City Attorney’s office reviewed this as
an enforcement option. He explained that the City Attorney’s office
recommended not using water shut off as an enforcement option. It was
recommended that instead a fine be imposed.
City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed extended repair deadlines
for property owners who have more costly repairs and the ability for homeowners
to prove hardships.
City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed the imposed fine on a non-
complaint property acting as a lien on the property.
City staff and the Public Works Committee discussed the timing associated with
requiring private repairs, the need to outline identified issues as code violations,
and sending the final approved policy to every Lake Forest property owner.
The Public Works Committee requested that staff reviews the comments shared
tonight and develop an I&I policy draft.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
The Public Works Committee and City staff had discussions on the Waukegan
Road Sidewalk Project. Discussions occurred on the project scope, the project
contractor, project funding, and project timing.
VIII. WESTERN AVENUE & DEERPATH ROAD RAILROAD CROSSING CLOSURE – AUGUST 8TH
TO AUGUST 18TH – MICHAEL THOMAS
Director Thomas explained that the railroad crossing at Western Ave and
Deerpath will be closed by the railroad for maintenance from August 8, 2019 to
August 18, 2019. He explained that during this closure there will be numerous
temporary railroad closure signage put up by and required by the railroad.
IX. UPDATE ON OLD ELM / TIMBER STORM SEWER & FOREST HILL WATER MAIN PROJECT -
MICHAEL THOMAS
Director Thomas introduced Engineering Assistant, Bernard Pondexter. Director
Thomas explained that Mr. Pondexter has been managing the Old Elm / Timber
Storm Sewer & Forest Hill Water Main Project. Mr. Pondexter provided the
Committee with an overview of completed project milestones. He explained
that the project has been going extremely well and that the contractor
completing the work has been extremely professional. He explained that the
project will be completed by the end of August.
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X. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
XI. NEXT MEETING – TBD
Alderman Rummel explained that she would like to investigate that idea of
incorporating green infrastructure with the North Beach Access Road Project.
She explained that incorporating permeable pavers, bioswales, and native
plantings during the north beach parking lot construction could be a great
opportunity for the City. The Committee and City staff reviewed and discussed
the idea.
The next meeting date of August 22, 2019 was agreed upon.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rummel moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works
Committee at 9:28 P.M. Chairman Buschmann seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Lockefeer Jr.
Management Analyst