PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2018/02/21 MinutesPUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 – 6:30
P.M. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – TRAINING
ROOM MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Moreno called the meeting to order at 6:29 P.M. Aldermen
Michelle Moreno and Melanie Rummel were in attendance. Chairman Randy
Tack was not in attendance.
Staff in attendance included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Bob Ells,
Superintendent of Engineering; Dan Martin, Superintendent of Engineering; Brian
Pogachnik, Sanitation Supervisor; Michael Strong, Assistant to the City Manager
and Jim Lockefeer, Management Analyst.
Also in attendance was Jim Dudek, ComEd External Affairs Manager; Rommel
Noguera, Director of External Affairs; Paul Hamann, Resident of 511 Beverly
Place; Patricia Riess, Resident of 625 Beverly Place and Dorothy Thumler, Resident
of 551 Beverly Place.
II.APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 24, 2018 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
Alderman Moreno moved to approve the January 24, 2018 Public Works
Committee meeting minutes. Alderman Rummel seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
III.COMED / BEVERLY UPDATE – JIM DUDEK, COM-ED
Jim Dudek, ComEd External Affairs Manager, thanked the Committee for inviting
him to the meeting. He explained that he last spoke to the Committee in
December, 2017 in regards to the privately owned electrical facilities that relate
to the Beverly Place issue. He explained that he has been working with Assistant
to the City Manager, Mike Strong on the issue. Mr. Dudek then introduced his
manager, Rommel Noguera, Director of External Affairs. He explained that Mr.
Noguera has been very involved and engaged with senior ComEd leadership on
this issue.
Mr. Noguera explained that in September of 2017, ComEd worked with the City
to develop alternatives that residents could pursue, at a cost, to have their
privately owned facilities converted underground. He explained those
alternatives related to and were within ComEd’s current and existing policies. He
explained that as the conversation evolved internally at ComEd, senior
leadership knew that something had to be done to the existing regulation and
policies. He explained it is an older standing tariff that has not been revisited in a
long time. He explained that ComEd needed to look at this issue beyond Lake
Forest and include all other private residences that may be affected by the
current policies and regulations. He explained that this approach has made the
issue much more complex. He explained that he is the lead on this initiative. He
explained that there have been numerous challenges in working on the issue.
One challenge was determining and locating privately owned electrical
facilities. He explained that through the ComEd pole inspection program, data
has been collected on many private electric utility poles. He explained that
ComEd does have approximately 25,000 customer owned utility poles
throughout their territory. He explained that ComEd is still trying to determine
what percentage of customer owned utilities these poles reflect. Ultimately,
ComEd is trying to determine costs. He explained that his team is analyzing the
issue and needs to develop costs for their proposals and alternative proposals
that they will be presenting to the ICC. He explained one of the proposals being
developed is having ComEd take over all of the customer owned facilities. He
explained that this would come at a cost to ComEd and those costs still need to
be analyzed in order to be included in the ICC proposal. He explained that if this
proposal was to be accepted by the ICC, all of ComEd’s customers would
absorb and pay for the costs of taking over the customer owned utilities. He
explained that ComEd is only concerned with residential properties, not the non-
residential properties. He explained that another proposal ComEd is developing
is with new non-standard tariffs. He explained these tariffs would allow ComEd to
maintain and repair customer owned facilities at a cost to the customer who
owns the facilities. He explained that under current ComEd policies and
regulations, they do not have a mechanism that allows them to maintain and
repair customer owned facilities. He explained that in order to work on resolving
this issue, ComEd needs to bring numerous proposals and options to the ICC. He
explained that in total, five alternatives have been developed. The alternatives
still need to be vetted and approved by ComEd senior leadership prior to being
proposed to the ICC.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the costs in resolving the issue and how they
are spread out amongst ComEd customers. Mr. Noguera explained that every
ComEd customer would pay and absorb the costs if ComEd were to take over
every privately owned customer facilities. He explained that because of this
ComEd has developed the additional alternatives and proposals in case the ICC
is not in favor of that specific proposal. He explained the majority of customers
do not have customer owned facilities and therefore the ICC may see that
having those unaffected customers absorb the costs of ComEd taking over the
customer owned facilities as being unfair.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the second proposal and if under that option
only the affected customers who own facilities would be required to pay a rate
or additional fees. Mr. Noguera explained that essentially that would be the case
under the second proposal, however the specifics are still being developed. Mr.
Noguera explained that the remaining three proposals are all variations of the
second proposal. He explained that cost analyze still needs to be developed for
all of the proposals.
Mr. Noguera thanked the City for working with ComEd on the issue. He explained
that ComEd really would like to resolve the issue in the right way. He explained
that ComEd has been working on this issue for a number of months but because
of its complexity, ComEd still needs more time to develop their proposals prior to
bringing them to the ICC. He explained that they are looking for approximately
90 days to develop their proposals. He explained that he would look to keep the
City updated on a regular basis on progress made.
Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong asked Mr. Noguera if he could speak
to the process of establishing a new tariff and if the 90 days included the
proposals being brought to and reviewed by the ICC. Mr. Noguera explained
that the 90 days is just for ComEd to complete their analysis. He explained that
he could not speak to the regulatory process as he has no prior work experience
in ComEd’s regulatory division. He explained that once ComEd gets closer to
presenting the proposals to the ICC he can provide details on what the process
and timeline is from their regulatory division.
Alderman Rummel explained that at the last Public Works Committee meeting
the Committee and residents were told that a solution was going to be found in
60 days. She explained that it needs to be communicated to those same
residents that ComEd has requested another 90 days to complete their analysis
and also the number of days it may take to go through the ICC regulatory
process. She explained that a concern is if another big storm affects one of the
customer owned facilities in Lake Forest prior to this issue being resolved. She
explained that another letter will needed to be sent to the affected residents.
Alderman Moreno inquired about the best path in communicating with the
residents. Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong explained that prior
communication has been shared via mailings and emails. He explained that the
prior letter Alderman Rummel was speaking to was very effective.
Alderman Rummel asked if resident testimony would help ComEd in regards to
their issues with customer owned facilities, when ComEd presents their proposals
to the ICC. Mr. Noguera explained that at this point, ComEd was comfortable
with the proposed options that they were currently developing. However, as
ComEd progresses in their proposals and feels as though resident testimony
would be beneficial, he will reach out to City staff. Alderman Rummel explained
that she believes the affected residents would provide some persuasive
testimony about their safety concerns.
Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong explained that he would work with Mr.
Dudek on developing correspondence to the affected residents that would
explain and outline the request for an additional 90 days for ComEd to complete
their analysis. He explained that the list of contractors who work on residential
customer owned facilities will also be shared through this mailing again. Mr.
Dudek explained that the correspondence could also discuss the importance of
proactive maintenance to trees and branches near customer owned facilities.
Alderman Moreno inquired if the ICC meetings are open to the public. Mr.
Noguera explained that he was unsure but would check with their regulatory
department and would contact the City to share that information.
Alderman Moreno inquired if there were any members of the public who would
like to comment on the topic.
Resident Patricia Riess of 625 Beverly Place commented on the issue of customer
owned facilities and how she believes it is a public safety issue.
Resident Paul Hamann, commented on the timing of when the ComEd standard
of customer owned facilities was developed and ComEd line maintenance
practices.
The Committee thanked ComEd and the members of the public for their
comments.
IV. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF WATER PLANT INTAKE CLEANING PROPOSAL – DAN
MARTIN
Superintendent Martin explained that at the January 24, 2018 Public Works
Committee meeting, the Committee voted to approve the waiving of the bid
process for the two intake pipes at the Water Plant. He explained that this was
because there is one sole vendor that uses a patented process to effectively
and efficiently clean both intakes. The Committee directed staff to bring the
official proposal to the Public Works Committee in February and ask for their
recommendation to City Council to approve of the proposal. He explained that
the proposal has been obtained and is included in tonight’s meeting packet.
Staff has received a proposal from Northern Divers for $185,000. As part of their
proposal, Northern Divers has also agreed to hold their $185,000 cost if the City
was to contract with them again within the next five years. He explained that the
amount can also potentially be reduced if the City pursues Northern Divers jointly
with additional North Shore area water plants. He explained that $185,000 has
been budgeted in the FY18 CIP.
Alderman Rummel inquired if the City Attorney would review the proposal and
contract. Superintendent Martin explained that the proposal would be further
developed into a contract and reviewed by the City Attorney for the March 19,
2018 City Council Meeting. The contract would include all of the City’s required
general conditions.
Superintendent Martin explained that if the Committee moves forward in
proceeding with Northern Divers to the City Council, a City Council write-up
would be developed for the March 19, 2018 meeting. If approved by City
Council, Northern Divers would begin the cleaning process in mid-April prior to
the heavy summer pumping season.
Alderman Rummel motioned to recommend to City Council to proceed with
Northern Divers for the cleaning of the two water plant intake pipes for $185,000.
Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
V. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CURRENT EXPENSE TO DISPOSE OF CURBSIDE
RECYCLING MATERIAL – MICHAEL THOMAS
Director of Public Works Michael Thomas provided an overview and a history of
City recycling efforts. He explained that curbside recycling in Lake Forest began
in 1991 and up until 2008 all collected materials were separated by the
Sanitation Section at the curb. He explained that the City constructed a recycle
transfer ramp at the Compost Center during the summer of 2008 utilizing funds
from a DCEO state grant. He explained that the ramp allows for a hauler to
come into the City’s Compost Center and haul the mixed materials to their plant
where they will be separated. He explained that in the fall of 2008, the City
Sanitation Section began utilizing the transfer ramp. The City also began
collecting single stream recycling, expanded recycling curbside collection to
include cardboard, and entered into an agreement with Resource
Management to transfer and process the City’s single stream recycling. He
explained that either a 65 or 35 gallon cart was provided to residents in the fall of
2011 and 2012. At this time recycling curbside collection expanded to include
paperback books, wrapping paper, magazines, and junk mail.
Director Thomas explained that the Sanitation Section records and monitors
numerous data that has been compiled all the way back to 2000. He explained
that the data allows staff to track the cost per ton of disposing of refuse and the
cost per ton to process recycling materials.
Director Thomas explained that the City is currently facing a challenge as the
cost to transfer and process single stream recycling is now exceeding the cost to
dispose of the materials as refuse. He explained that China receives a majority of
the single stream recycling for processing. In July of 2017 the Chinese
government announced that it would ban the imports of mixed plastic, paper,
and many other scrap materials. He explained that the ban took effect in
January of 2018 and is aimed at cracking down to what China refers to as “large
amounts of dirty wastes or even hazardous wastes” mixed with recycling. He
explained that this is an issue that recycling collectors and processors are now
dealing with nationwide.
Director Thomas reviewed a line graph that showed a yearly history from the
year 2000 – 2017. The graph showed yearly averages of the City cost per ton to
dispose of refuse and the cost per ton for recycle transferring and processing. He
explained that in the past the City was generating revenue through its single
stream recycling program. He explained that in more recent years, single stream
recycling has become a City expense. Director Thomas then reviewed a similar
line graph that reviewed the past 12 months. He explained that the cost to
transfer and process recycling has been trending upwards and is now exceeding
the cost to dispose of it as refuse. He explained that the City currently pays
$39.50/ton to dispose of refuse and is expected to pay an estimated $47/ton
during the month of February to transfer and process recycling.
Director Thomas then reviewed a table of single stream recycling processors. He
explained that the City’s current provider, Resource Management, has been
very effective in meeting the City’s needs. He explained while it may seem like
there may be many recycling processors, many do not meet the City’s need as
a single stream processor. He also explained that some of the firms on the table
only process their own materials that they collect. He explained that staff is
researching the processing costs for Waste Management if the City was to use
them as a processor for single stream recycling.
Director Thomas explained that he spoken to the past City of Lake Forest Mayor
Jim Cowhey who is still active in the refuse and recycling industry. He explained
that China’s decision has effected the entire nation as the cost to process
recycling is rising. He explained that these prices change on a monthly basis and
therefore he does not know what the City will be charged in the future.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the market and how China was utilizing the
materials. Director Thomas explained that China has had a very strict tolerance
on processed recycling loads being uncontaminated by non-recyclables (.5%).
He explained that China is strict because they will sell their processed materials
as raw materials to manufactures.
Director Thomas explained that City staff has a very good working relationship
with Resource Management. They are very responsive and will come to the City
on short notice if additional hauling is needed. He explained that their cost to
process recyclables also contains the cost to haul the City’s materials.
Alderman Rummel inquired about hauling costs and if the City could utilize a
cheaper trucking firm to bring down the cost. Director Thomas explained that the
price to haul materials is put out to bid by Resource Management. He explained
that he believed that they select the lowest reputable bidder.
Alderman Rummel inquired if the City is sorting the recyclable materials. Director
Thomas explained that the City is not.
Director Thomas explained that staff’s recommendation is to continue to transfer
and process material with Resource Management. He explained that staff will
continue to monitor and research alternative processors. He explained that
another idea staff has discussed is raising the $8 a month resident sanitation fee
an additional $2 a month to help offset the cost to process recycling. He
explained that the current funds generated by the fee is utilized by the City’s
capital fund and not by the Sanitation Section’s operating budget.
Alderman Rummel inquired about what is going to be done budgetary wise.
Director Thomas explained that costs are calculated in January for the next fiscal
year’s budget. Superintendent Martin explained that some adjustments have
been made in the Public Works budget to try to account for this additional
expense. Director Thomas explained that a discretionary request for additional
dollars for recycle processing was also in part approved by City Manager Kiely
and the City’s Finance Department.
Alderman Moreno explained that the trend line for recycling is going up and that
increasing the City sanitation fee to $8 to $10 may not be enough. She explained
that she believes that the City will need to use the Sanitation data to be
somewhat predictive for budgetary purposes. Director Thomas explained that
staff will look to have a discussion with the City Manager and Finance
Department about potentially increasing the sanitation fee. Director Thomas
explained that it was very difficult to explain to residents, back when the fee was
implemented, that the sanitation fee was going to the capital fund and not
strictly to Sanitation. Alderman Rummel inquired about the fee being directed to
an enterprise fund. Director Thomas explained that could be a possibility.
Resident Paul Hamann commented on recycling and reducing the City’s
recycling program to one or two materials.
The Committee thanked Mr. Hamann for his comment.
Alderman Moreno asked if this topic should be shared with City Council. Director
Thomas explained that the presentation can be shared with City Council.
Alderman Moreno explained that the topic could also be a non-action item on
a future City Council agenda.
VI. PROJECT & OPERATIONAL UPDATES
GAS LIGHT CONVERSION PROJECT
Superintendent Martin explained that the Committee last discussed the gas light
conversion project at the January 24, 2018 Public Works Committee meeting. He
explained that City staff is moving forward with requesting bids for a used
directional bore machine. The used machine would be utilized for the entire
conversion project. He explained that the bid opening will take place on March
1, 2018. He explained that the Street Supervisor has been researching machine
specifications to ensure that the City purchases that right machine for the
conversion project. He explained that the bid was sent to 70 Vermeer dealers.
Superintendent Martin explained that staff is also working on revising the project
timing map and will bring that to the next Public Works Committee meeting. He
explained that some of the annually proposed areas had different amounts of
gas lights to be converted in a given fiscal year. He explained that this was
because some of the gas lights in certain areas are far less condensed and more
spread out. The lights that are more spread out are going to cost more to
convert due to the costs of more material.
Alderman Moreno inquired about using remaining funds in a given fiscal year to
begin the next fiscal year’s proposed conversion area. Superintendent Martin
explained that staff would look to utilize any remaining funds in a given year and
dedicate those to beginning the next year’s proposed area.
HIGHWOOD WATER PLANT ASSISTANCE
Director Thomas explained that the entire City Council received an email from
City Manager Kiely in regards to Highwood’s water plant. Director Thomas
explained that he and City Manager Kiely, have had ongoing conversations with
the City Manager of Highwood in regards to their water plant and the City
potentially selling water to Highwood. Highwood has explained that they have
an older water plant and that they are not looking to invest in any capital
projects at their water plant. He explained that Highwood may be looking to get
out of owning and operating their own water plant. He explained that when
Lake Forest staff last met with Highwood staff, Highwood discussed a recent
personnel issue and requested Lake Forest’s support. It was explained that
Highwood’s water plant had two fulltime operators. One of the operators has just
been released. Because of this, Highwood asked if a Lake Forest licensed water
plant operator could assist their operations at their plant. The City of Lake Forest
has developed an agreement with Highwood whereby the City of Lake Forest
would agree to operate the Highwood water plant two days a week.
Highwood’s remaining fulltime operator would then operate the plant five days
a week. Per the agreement, Highwood would pay the City of Lake Forest’s plant
operator overtime rate in addition to a 7% fee. Director Thomas explained that
over the past week, City of Lake Forest water plant operators have been going
to the Highwood plant to train at their plant. He explained that the Highwood
plant has older technology but operating is very straightforward. He explained
that each day the Highwood water plant is operated to fill its own water tower.
After their water tower is filled, the plant operations stop until the next day. He
explained that the City of Lake Forest is strictly operating the plant and will not
be investing any money into their plant infrastructure. He explained that he and
City Manager Kiely will continue to have discussions with the City Manager of
Highwood about potentially constructing a transmission main to Highwood to
supply them with treated water from Lake Forest. If Highwood does not move
forward with the transmission main proposal, the City will stop providing
Highwood water plant operation support in May of 2018 and they will need to
hire their own fulltime operator. Director Thomas explained that he believes
Highwood is very interested in investing in a transmission main and purchasing
City water.
Alderman Moreno explained that the overtime rate with an additional 7% sounds
like a fair rate. She explained that she wants to make sure that the rate we are
charging Highwood is enough. She also explained that any agreement with
Highwood has to be very clear that the agreement is only for labor. The City of
Lake Forest will not be liable for any of Highwood’s plant infrastructure. Alderman
Rummel explained that she reviewed the agreement and it seemed to consist of
all the necessary statements that Alderman Moreno explained. Director Thomas
explained that the drafted agreement was created and reviewed by the City
Attorney’s Office.
FALL, 2017 WESTERN AVE. WORK (LAUREL TO FRANKLIN) T.I.F. REIMBURSEMENT
Director Thomas explained that in October of 2017, Western Ave from Laurel to
Franklin was closed for storm sewer work and street resurfacing. He explained at
this time and prior to the road resurfacing occurring, the City’s Superintendent of
Parks and Forestry and the Forestry Supervisor inspected both sides of the road
and identified an issue. The issue was with the material that was used to backfill
the parkways on both sides of the street. The material consisted of clay, stone,
and old pipe. In addition, there were also no street lights planned for the east
side of Western Avenue. He explained that City staff put together a team effort
to purchase and install street light infrastructure and street lights. He explained
that the team also worked to remove the junk backfill material in both the islands
and parkways so that the material could be replaced with material that could
sustain parkway plants and trees. It was very important to complete all of this
prior to the resurfacing being completed. If this work was to be completed after
the resurfacing of the road, the road would likely need to be resurfaced again
due to the heavy machinery needed to remove and replace the junk backfill
material. He explained that included in tonight’s meeting packet are the
expenses that were incurred for the work. He explained Public Works and Parks &
Forestry did an excellent job in completing the necessary work in the very short
timeframe. He explained the engineered soil was very important to have in order
to properly plant the parkways. He explained that the list of expenses totals
approximately $51,000 with an additional $10,000 of plant material to be
purchased this spring.
He explained that the Finance Department explained that these expenditures
would need to be brought to City Council for Council approval in order to utilize
T.I.F. funds or that the Public Works Department would need to utilize dollars in
their current FY18 operating budget. Director Thomas explained that with the
end of FY18 approaching it would be difficult to find remaining dollars in the
Public Works operating budget to use to cover these expenses. He explained
that he may bring a proposal to City Council to request T .I.F. funds to cover the
expenses incurred. He explained that he has spoken to City Manager Kiely in
regards to this City Council proposal and City Manager Kiely was in agreement
that it should be brought to City Council. He explained that after some
additional review by City staff, he may ultimately seek City Council’s approval to
move T.I.F funds to Public Works to cover the expenses incurred.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the agreement with Focus Development and
if they would incur any of the expenses related to the work in October. Director
Thomas explained that all of the expenses were incurred by the City’s Public
Works Department. Focus Development was responsible for the storm sewer
infrastructure, curbs, sidewalks, and pavement. He explained that a very large
issue was that if Focus Development was to finish paving the street and then the
City was to go back and complete the work that was completed in October,
the street would be significantly damaged and need to be paved again.
Alderman Rummel inquired about how and why the junk material was utilized in
the first place. Director Thomas explained that he believed that there were
multiple plans and agreements being reviewed and revised by Focus
Development and the City. He explained that when the City’s Engineering
section reviews plans they review storm sewer infrastructure and street pavement
design. Street lights are not automatically required and were not on the plan set.
He explained that he wasn’t entirely sure why the use of junk material was
approved. Superintendent of Engineering Bob Ells explained that for standard
construction the backfill typically utilized is clay. He explained in addition to that
clay, six to eight inches of top soil is then used. The City of Lake Forest chooses to
use a more engineered soil that is more mixed. He explained that this soil helps
trees to grow better. He explained that Focus did bring in the standard clay
however the clay they brought in was of a very low quality mixed with parts of
clay pipes, a good amount of stone, and a few railroad ties. Superintendent Ells
explained that if that parkway was going to be just grass then the material that
was brought in might be ok. He explained though that trees would not grow in
that material.
Alderman Moreno and Alderman Rummel inquired about having Focus
Development pay for the expenses incurred by the City. Superintendent Ells
explained that he did not believe the related expenses were a part of the City
requirements and agreement with Focus. Director Thomas agreed with
Superintendent Ells. Alderman Moreno explained that a mandate needs to be
developed that any standard construction is required to meet the City standards
for backfill material and street lights so that this does not happen again. Director
Thomas explained that this was a lesson learned by City staff and that a closer
review for these items will be taken moving forward. Alderman Rummel
explained that if a substandard clay backfill was used by Focus, they should still
have to pay part of the City expenses that were incurred. Director Thomas
explained that he believed Focus would push back and say that they utilized
materials that were in approved City plans. Director Thomas explained that with
all of the negations, revisions, and back and forth between Focus and the City,
the street lights and backfill requirements were over looked. Alderman Rummel
explained that she agreed with Alderman Moreno in that a standard needs to
be developed going forward so that these items are a construction requirement.
Alderman Moreno explained that the standard needs to be a part of the City’s
Community Development Department.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the Hospital drainage issues and if the use of
clay in their construction is related. Director Thomas explained that the hospital
drainage issue is related to the IDOT and UP culverts on the east and west side of
route 41. He explained that City staff has been working with IDOT on clearing
debris and is now looking to work with the UP. He explained that addressing
those issues should help to alleviate flooding in that area.
SNOW O.T. & SALT USAGE UPDATE
Director Thomas reviewed a current to-date chart of the 2017-2018 snow season
that showed the number of snow events, total inches of snow, total overtime
dollars spent on snow operations, and the amount of tons of salt used. The chart
compared these totals to the past five City snow seasons. He explained that City
staff just received an additional 500 tons of salt. He explained that the City will
again look to work with Lake County to bid out and resupply salt in the
upcoming months for next year’s snow season.
Alderman Rummel explained that the City of Chicago utilizes beet juice in their
snow operations and inquired if the City could look to also utilize beet juice.
Director Thomas explained that a concern in utilizing beet juice is that the City’s
snow fleet apparatuses and equipment would need to change to
accommodate the use of beet juice. He explained that salt water is being
utilized right now to activate the salt that is being used on City streets. He
explained that when it is very cold out, the use of calcium chloride is needed to
activate the salt. He explained that the City experimented with beet juice
approximately 15 years ago. He explained that the City can look into utilizing
beet juice again and develop what the costs would be. He explained that staff
could research how other similar towns have successfully utilized beet juice.
Superintendent Martin explained that the Supervisor of the Streets Section and
other snow commanders have been monitoring the use of beet juice through
the many trainings that they attend. He explained that when the City tried
utilizing beet juice, it was icing up and making the roadways more slippery in the
areas it was tested in. He explained that a pilot program for the next snow
season could be implemented, however beet juice is costly to implement.
Ald erman Rummel recommended that Public Works continue to monitor and
explore the use of beet juice in City snow operations.
Alderman Moreno inquired if the snow update was also shared with the rest of
the City Council. Public Works Management Analyst Jim Lockefeer explained
that the update was sent to the rest of the City Council.
VII. OTHER
Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong explained and provided an update in
regards to securing easements in the Winwood area. He explained that this
stemmed from the SSA proposal to provide the neighborhood with sanitary
sewer. He explained that two easements had been executed by the
homeowners however they had not yet been accepted by the City. He
explained that those two easements will appear on a City Council agenda for
acceptance so that they are secured if a future project develops.
Alderman Moreno inquired if there were any conditional arrangements in the
easement agreements. Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong explained that
the agreements were standard.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no additional public comment.
IX. NEXT MEETING
Director Thomas suggested the next meeting be scheduled for March 8, 2018 at
6:30 P.M.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rummel moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works
Committee at 8:23 P.M. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Lockefeer Jr.
Management Analyst