PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2018/08/28 Minutes1
0PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2018 – 6:30 P.M.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES - SAVANNAH CONFERENCE ROOM MINUTES
I. 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; Bob Ells,
Superintendent of Engineering; Dan Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; Julie
Tappendorf, City Attorney and Jim Lockefeer, Management Analyst.
II. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 25, 2018 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Moreno explained that she had minor grammatical changes to the
minutes that she was going to send to Public Works Management Analyst Jim
Lockefeer. Chairman Buschmann moved to approve the June 25, 2018 Public
Works Committee meeting minutes subject to Alderman Moreno’s edits being
incorporated. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
III. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF REVISED I.G.A. WITH HIGHWOOD FOR SHARED WATER
PLANT OPERATOR SERVICES – MICHAEL THOMAS & JULIE TAPPENDORF
Director Thomas explained that the topic was previously reviewed by the Public
Works Committee on June 25, 2018. He explained that the Committee tentatively
approved the IGA subject to the City Attorney’s review of the indemnification
clause within the IGA. Director Thomas explained that City Attorney Tappendorf
worked with the City of Highwood’s Attorney and came to the compromise to
include mutual indemnification within the drafted IGA.
City Attorney Tappendorf explained that her original request to Highwood was
for a one way indemnification for just the City of Lake Forest. She explained that
it was expected that Highwood was going to make the same request back. She
explained that it is very common practice to see mutual indemnification
language within IGAs. She explained that she believed that it was a reasonable
provision.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the risk of liability for Lake Forest with City
employees operating facilities that are not City-owned. He explained that he
believed that the City of Lake Forest had more at stake with City employees
operating under this agreement. City Attorney Tappendorf explained that in her
discussions of the IGA with Highwood’s City Attorney, this topic was reviewed.
She explained that Highwood wanted the indemnification to be mutual since
they are bringing in employees that they do not directly control and manage.
She explained that Highwood took the approach that this is a risk.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if indemnification language existed in the current
agreement with Highwood. City Attorney Tappendorf explained that there was
no indemnification language. She explained that there was a waiver of claims
provision. She explained that the original agreement was very simple.
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Chairman Buschmann inquired about a worst case scenario claim in that a Lake
Forest operator causes a major malfunction at the Highwood water plant. City
Attorney Tappendorf explained that the waiver of claims provision is still included
within the drafted IGA. She explained that if simple unintentional negligence
occurs, the waiver of claims provision would protect the City of Lake Forest from
the City of Highwood.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if the IGA would undermine tort immunity. City
Attorney Tappendorf explained that it would not.
Alderman Moreno explained that the employee operating in Highwood would
need to know that he is operating on the City of Highwood’s behalf.
Alderman Rummel inquired about insurance. City Attorney Tappendorf
explained that both municipalities have insurance and have been listed as
additionally insured.
Director Thomas explained that there are approximately three to five Lake Forest
water plant employees who will take turns operating the Highwood water plant.
Every water plant is required by the IEPA to have a Class A water plant chief
operator. He explained that Highwood has formed an agreement with Highland
Park so that a Highland Park operating employee serves as the Highwood Class
A chief water plant operator. He explained that the chief operator is in charge of
the plant and all other operators working at a water plant report data to the
chief operator. The chief operator sends and signs off on the required data to
the IEPA. Director Thomas explained that the agreement with Highwood thus far
has worked out very well. He explained that there are two City of Lake Forest
water plant operating employees who will most likely retire in three to five years.
He explained that from a succession plan standpoint, this IGA will work very well
for the City of Lake Forest water plant operations. The new employee
recommended as part of the IGA will spend his/her time learning the Lake Forest
water plant system. The two employees who are closest to retirement will be
spending the time at the Highwood water plant. Both of these employees have
a great deal of experience in operating older water plant systems like the
Highwood system.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if Director Thomas was comfortable in the mutual
indemnification and waiver of claims language in the drafted IGA. Director
Thomas explained that he was comfortable with the drafted IGA.
Chairman Buschmann explained that the long term goal is to support Highwood
while continuing to push to sell them water via the Lake Forest water plant.
Director Thomas explained that the proposed IGA rate will cover approximately
77% of the new employee (all in) that is hired by the City of Lake Forest.
Alderman Moreno inquired if there was yearly rate escalator language in the
IGA. Director Thomas explained that there currently was no escalator language
and that he would work with the City Attorney to incorporate the request.
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Alderman Moreno inquired about requiring the submission of quarterly
performance reviews and if there was any value in doing so. City Attorney
Tappendorf explained that the City does have the ability to terminate the IGA by
providing six months’ notice.
Chairman Buschmann explained that there was Committee consensus in moving
the IGA forward to City Council subject to including the rate escalation
language.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the long term plan to sell the City of Highwood
water. Director Thomas explained that as part of forming the original agreement
with Highwood, the cost of installing a necessary transmission main was shared
with Highwood. At this time Highwood explained that they would not be able to
support the project. Director Thomas explained that Highwood’s water rates
have been historically low. In order to fund a transmission main, their water rates
would need to increase. He explained that the drafted IGA agreement may give
Highwood the time it needs in order to fund a transmission main project.
Alderman Rummel explained that she received a call from a Lake Forest resident
who was frustrated with the Lake Forest public safety pension fee appearing on
the water bill. She explained that City Council may need to review this topic.
Chairman Buschmann explained that it could be discussed at a later date.
Alderman Moreno inquired if the Lake Forest operating employees operating the
Highwood plant would be responsible for the quality of Highwood's water.
Director Thomas explained that Highwood’s chief water plant operator is
ultimately responsible for the water quality.
IV. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL RAVINE ENGINEERING SERVICES R.F.P. –
JIMMY LOCKEFEER
Public Works Management Analyst Jim Lockefeer explained that a drafted City
Council write-up on the topic was included in tonight’s meeting packet. He
explained that City staff is seeking the Committee’s approval to move forward in
recommending the City Manager enter into a professional services agreement
with Bleck Engineering Company, Inc. and Hey and Associates Inc. for
professional public ravine engineering services. He explained that if the topic is
approved by the Public Works Committee tonight, the topic will be brought to
City Council for approval at their next meeting.
Mr. Lockefeer explained that The City of Lake Forest regularly contracts with
outside service providers to perform professional engineering services for various
projects. As the City continues to experience heavy rains, public ravine issues
and subsequent projects are expected to occur on a more regular basis. In an
effort to improve efficiency and provide consistency on City projects, City staff is
seeking to establish an agreement that will designate two engineering firms,
Bleck Engineering Company, Inc. and Hey and Associates Inc., to provide
professional ravine engineering services. Either firm may be selected, however,
the firm selected will depend on the firm’s availability and the project type.
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He explained that professional engineering services for ravine projects will
include project design, the development of construction documents, and the
procurement of all necessary permits.
He explained that an example of a project that City staff expects the selected
professional engineering services firms to complete would be the design of a
project related to ravine erosion that is threatening existing City-owned storm
sewer infrastructure. The firm would need to design and develop all the related
construction documents in order for the City to place the project out to bid.
Mr. Lockefeer reviewed the RFP process in recommending Bleck Engineering and
Hey & Associates Engineering. He explained that in late July, the RFP was
released by the City, published in the Lake County News Sun, and posted on the
City’s website. On August 10, 2018, eight submittals were received and a
selection committee, comprised of City staff, was formed to review and
evaluate the written responses. After careful consideration, Bleck Engineering
Company, Inc. and Hey and Associates Inc. were selected by the selection
committee as the successful candidates. The basis for the selection was that
Bleck Engineering and Hey & Associates met, and surpassed all qualifications
outlined in the RFP. Both firms also had extensive experience with local and
municipal ravine projects. Bleck Engineering Hey & Associates also presented
reasonable fee schedules associated with their proposed project teams. He
explained that all eight submittals received met the minimum qualifications
outlined in the posted RFP. All the submittals received made the process very
competitive.
Mr. Lockefeer explained that a FY 2019 and future funding source to pay the two
engineering firms for ravine related design work would be the Capital
Improvement “Ditch and Ravine Improvement” fund. He explained that the FY
2019 Capital Improvement Program includes an annual allocation of $130,000 for
Ditch and Ravine Improvements from which some professional ravine
engineering services may be paid. He explained that work may also be paid
from other budget accounts as applicable, but any single project for which
services exceed $20,000 will be separately approved by the City Council. He
explained that the agreements with Bleck Engineering Hey & Associates Inc. is
intended to be for a period of three years, which will include the option of two
additional, one year terms.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about ravine ownership. Mr. Lockefeer explained
that the majority of the ravines in Lake Forest are privately owned. He explained
that the City does own and maintain some public ravine areas like the North
Beach Access Road ravine, Cemetery Ravine, and the Water Plant ravine.
Director Thomas explained and reviewed the Public Works Department summer
intern ravine program. He explained that one intern was tasked in inventorying
and evaluating all the ravines within Lake Forest. He explained that another legal
intern, who was currently in law school, was brought in to research property and
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subdivision records for ravine ownership and City easement records. He
explained that the legal intern developed ownership research on approximately
half the properties adjacent to the ravines. He explained that this research,
along with the City Attorney’s review, will be very important in determining if a
ravine issue is public or private.
Director Thomas explained that as part of the ravine inventorying process, the
engineering intern discovered approximately 60 ravine blockages. He explained
that the majority of these blockages are on private property. Superintendent
Martin explained that as part of this process City staff would like to work on
developing a ravine management program. As part of this program, City and
private ownership responsibilities would be outlined. The City could potentially
require a resident to maintain their portion of their ravine. If a resident does not
complete the necessary work to clear their ravine jam, the City could pay to
have the work completed and bill the property owner later.
Alderman Rummel inquired why the ravines are not the responsibility of Lake
County Stormwater Management. She also inquired about the large
development occurring in southeastern Wisconsin and its potential effect on
Lake Forest drainage. Superintendent Ells explained and reviewed the tributary
area for which water in Lake Forest drains to ravines and then Lake Michigan. He
explained that there are other watersheds located within Lake Forest that drain
to either the West or East Skokie Drainage Ditch. He explained that the Wisconsin
development would not necessarily affect the watersheds within Lake Forest.
Superintendent Ells explained that it is all Lake Forest properties draining into Lake
Forest ravines.
Alder man Moreno inquired if the $130,000 allocated would be awarded to the
two engineering firms. Director Thomas explained that City staff is using the
$130,000 for both engineering and construction. He explained that the majority
of the $130,000 will be used for construction. He explained that no money will
automatically be awarded to these firms. The money paid to these firms will be
on an as-needed basis as projects occur.
Chairman Buschmann recommended the drafted write-up includes language
that outlines project efficiency as a major reason why the City would enter into
these agreements with the recommended engineering firms. He also
recommended that the term “public” is used when describing the ravine project
areas within the write-up.
Chairman Buschmann explained that there was Committee consensus to move
forward in bringing the topic to the next City Council meeting to seek approval
subject to the Committee’s suggested edits to the draft write-up.
V. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF A THREE-YEAR HVAC PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
CONTRACT – DAN MARTIN
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Superintendent Martin explained that City staff is seeking the Public Works
Committee’s review and approval of a three year bid contract for HVAC
preventative maintenance services. He explained that in tonight’s meeting
packet there is a drafted City Council write-up that will be finalized if the
Committee approves moving forward with the topic for the next City Council
meeting.
Superintendent Martin explained that the City’s HVAC preventative
maintenance program keeps approximately 480 pieces of HVAC equipment in
29 facilities operating efficiently by extending the equipment’s life, ensuring its
reliability, and reducing operating costs. The pieces of equipment serviced
consist of furnaces, boilers, chillers, pumps, air handlers, condensers, cooling
towers and exhaust fans. The program is comprised of four quarterly
maintenances: two comprehensive maintenance services for spring and fall
start-ups and two maintenance services to check systems and change filters.
He explained that for a number of years the entire program was contracted out.
In 2012, as a cost saving measure, the City’s Building Maintenance Section
implemented a hybrid HVAC preventive maintenance program where in-house
staff is used to maintain some of the equipment. HVAC contractors continue to
service all facilities with air conditioning along with facilities that have larger
complex systems and facilities. Smaller, residential type heating systems are
serviced using in-house Building Maintenance staff. The City facilities with
commercial heating and cooling systems are contracted to firms that have
personnel with technical resources and expertise to maintain complex systems.
The service contract covers the fall heating start-up maintenance on twelve City
buildings and the spring cooling start-up on eighteen City buildings. The mid-
summer and late-winter quarterly maintenance on all 29 facilities will be
performed by in-house Building Maintenance personnel. In addition, contractors
respond to emergency “no heating” or “no cooling” calls.
Superintendent Martin explained that during the winter months of 2018, the City
joined forces with Buffalo Grove to develop a joint bid for the 2018 HVAC
Preventive Maintenance Contract as part of the Municipal Partnership Initiative
(MPI hereafter). MPI is a program that takes advantage of economies of scale
by securing low bid prices among neighboring municipalities who bid similar
projects each year. On May 8, 2018, the City received six, MPI bids for the HVAC
Preventive Maintenance contract. The City of Lake Forest bid included Gorton
Community Center’s HVAC equipment in order for them to achieve the same
purchasing power opportunity using the MPI program. Gorton’s bid amount of
$7,344 is budgeted in the Gorton Operating budget.
Superintendent Martin explained that the contract was advertised in the
newspaper and fifteen companies were invited to the pre-bid meeting; six
companies submitted bids. The YMI Group was the lowest bidder for both
municipalities and was brought in for an interview. It was determined during the
interview process that YMI Group did not have sufficient resources to meet the
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minimum requirements of the contract. He explained that they have a total of
eight service technicians in which seven are still currently in the apprenticeship
program. None of their techs have working knowledge of Johnson Control
Systems, which are the controls for five of the City’s larger facilities. YMI Group is
headquartered out of Elk Grove Village and does very little work in the northern
suburbs making it difficult for them to respond to emergency calls in a timely
manner. He explained that the vendor did not participate in the pre-bid facility
walk through to get an understanding of the various access points and locations,
resulting in questionable prices given for some buildings.
Superintendent Martin explained that the second lowest bidder, First Point
Mechanical Services, has considerable experience working in The City of Lake
Forest buildings, having performed maintenance in a majority of the City
buildings over the past decade. In addition, their knowledge of the City’s HVAC
systems and control software will account for significantly less involvement from
City personnel needing to guide a new contractor to each location’s
equipment.
Superintendent Martin explained that the contract terms are a maximum of
three years, subject to acceptable performance by the contractor reviewed at
the end of each year. The additional two years cannot exceed a two percent
increase per year. In addition, a written request must be submitted to include
documentation, justifying the need for the increase.
Superintendent Martin explained that the three-year contract would total
$151,177.64. He explained that the amounts were budgeted through various
building operating accounts. He explained that if the contract is awarded, First
Point Mechanical would begin this November to perform the heating start-up
maintenance.
Alderman Moreno inquired about First Point Mechanical being one of the higher
bidders for Buffalo Grove and if Buffalo Grove would be contracting with First
Point Mechanical. Superintendent Martin explained that he believed that Buffalo
Grove was pursuing a contract with a firm who bid lower for their needs. He
explained that both municipalities were not required to select the same firm
through the bidding process.
Alderman Moreno inquired about the contract and if a drafted contract will
appear before City Council. Superintendent Martin explained that if City Council
approves of awarding a contract, the contract will be developed and reviewed
by the City Attorney.
Alderman Moreno inquired about First Point Mechanical’s work experience with
other municipalities. Superintendent Martin explained and reviewed that First
Point Mechanical has and does complete work for municipalities. Alderman
Moreno recommended that the firm’s municipal work experience is included in
the final City Council write-up.
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Chairman Buschmann explained that there was Committee consensus to move
forward in bringing the topic forward to the next City Council meeting.
VI. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO WAIVE THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE
WAUKEGAN ROAD SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT – BOB ELLS
Superintendent Ells explained that this topic will most likely appear on the
upcoming City Council meeting agenda. He explained that this topic is the
resident donor funded project. He explained that staff was still working to get the
final necessary paperwork from the donor and their contractor in order to move
forward with the project. He explained that the donor requested that their
preferred paving contractor be used to complete the sidewalk project. He
explained that the donor was informed that the request requires City Council to
waive the bidding process. Superintendent Ells explained that the City does not
have any direct experience with the preferred contractor, however, the
contractor has completed work locally.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the contract with the contractor and if the
cost seemed reasonable and if the City would be reimbursed. Superintendent Ells
explained that the proposal submitted by the contractor was below the City’s
cost estimate. He explained that the City would be reimbursed by the private
donor.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the project limits. Superintendent Ells
explained that the original project limits was from Route 176 to Middlefork. As
part of this project, City Council agreed to pay the costs associated with the
project design. This original project area is referred to as Phase I. He explained
that after this was approved, the donor requested that the southern project
point be extended to Deerpath. City Council approved additional dollars to
have this Phase II be designed.
Alderman Moreno inquired if this contractor would be held to the same standard
as other firms who enter into a contract with the City. Superintendent Ells
explained that the standards will remain the same. Director Thomas explained
that the contractor will be monitored by the City’s Engineering Section similarly to
other City projects and programs.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the timeline for the project.
Superintendent Ells explained that construction for Phase I will be completed this
fall. Phase II will be completed in the spring.
Chairman Buschmann explained that there was Committee consensus to move
forward in bringing the topic to the upcoming City Council Meeting.
VII. REVIEW & DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE CURB TYPES ALONG OLD ELM FOR THE
PROPOSED OLD ELM / FOREST HILL / TIMBER / GREEN BAY ROAD STORM SEWER
PROJECT – BOB ELLS
Superintendent Ells explained that there is an existing project scheduled in FY21
to improve the storm sewers in the topic area. He explained that the drainage
improvements will help the residents on the north side of Old Elm from Timber to
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Green Bay. He explained that there is no curb and gutter in that area and when
it rains, the residents have roadside gravel wash up into their parkways.
Superintendent Ells explained that the project scope relates more to improving
the storm sewer system than the curbs. As part of the drainage improvements
curb and gutter is also going to be installed.
Alderman Rummel inquired about installing curb and gutter on Old Elm from
Timber to Western. Superintendent Ells explained that installing curb and gutter
that far was beyond the drainage improvement project.
Alderman Moreno inquired about the south side of Old Elm. Superintendent Ells
explained that area belongs to Highland Park. He explained that City staff met
with Highland Park to inform them that this project was occurring. He explained
that Highland Park will also be installing curb and gutter when the City drainage
improvement project is scheduled to occur. He explained that Highland Park
recommended the installation of a flatter type curb structure. Superintendent Ells
reviewed pictures of the recommended curb structure that has been utilized
elsewhere in Highland Park. He explained that Highland Park has used this curb
structure in areas where road width is small and features a lot of bike traffic. The
flatter curb structure is more biker friendly and also eliminates the need for the
roadside gravel. He explained that the road edges would also be contained via
this flatter curb and that the curb would still convey stormwater to the existing
roadside drainage ditch. He explained that the additional costs associated with
changing the project design from traditional raised curb and gutter to the flatter
curb and gutter would be minimal.
Alderman Rummel inquired how the stormwater would be conveyed to the
storm sewer with a flat curb. Superintendent Ells explained that the water would
not be conveyed to a storm sewer. Instead the water will go over the flat curb
edge into the existing drainage ditch. Director Thomas explained that in order to
move forward with this idea, the existing ditch would need to be re-ditched. He
explained that new culvert pipes under the residential driveways would also
need to be replaced as part of this project.
Director Thomas explained that the flatter curb has recently been reviewed with
the City’s Streets Section and Water & Sewer Section Supervisors. They believe
that during heavier rains the ditch may not be able to effectively capture all of
the water that a raised barrier curb would. Director Thomas explained that the
flatter curb structure would be more accommodating to the bikers, however, the
ditches may not convey high volumes of storm water as traditional barrier curb.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the ditch if a traditional barrier curb is
installed. Superintendent Ells explained that the ditch would be re-ditched with
new culvert pipes and driveway aprons installed. The stormwater with the
traditional curb will be conveyed to a new storm sewer system pipe.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about the improvements that would need to be
made to the ditch if the flatter curb structure is installed. Director Thomas
explained that the ditch would need to be re-ditched in order to obtain proper
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conveyance elevation. He explained that new culverts under the residential
driveways would also need to be installed. Director Thomas explained he
believed that the cost to redesign the project to incorporate the flatter curb
would be $15,000.
Alderman Rummel explained that there is traditional curb from Route 41 to
Green Bay and that there is traditional curb throughout Whispering Oaks. She
explained that visually the flatter curb would be a change. She explained that
she is more concerned with the residents who live along Old Elm who are
dealing with this flooding issue than the bikers. She explained that she favors the
traditional curb and gutter standard. She explained that she would encourage
obtaining input from the residents in the area.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if there is a construction cost difference between
the two options. Superintendent Ells explained that staff is still working to obtain
that information. He believes that the construction difference may be minimal.
Alderman Rummel inquired if the gutter portion of the traditional curb and gutter
standard could be made narrower. Superintendent Ells explained that the gutter
is important in conveying the stormwater. He explained that if it is made narrower
more water will be conveyed via the Road.
Director Thomas inquired if the Committee would be concerned if the traditional
curb and gutter method was used on the north side of the road and the flatter
curb was used on the south side. Alderman Rummel explained that would be a
concern.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if the flatter curb structure has been utilized in
Lake Forest. Superintendent Ells explained that it has not.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the installation of a bike path down Old Elm.
Superintendent Ells explained that a bike path would need an additional five
feet on both sides of the road. He explained that it could be done, however, it
would be very expensive.
Alderman Rummel explained that she recommends engaging all the residents
on the north side of Old Elm from Green Bay to Western about the curb structure.
Chairman Buschmann inquired about widening east of Green Bay to the same
width west of Green Bay. Superintendent Ells explained that would need to be
reviewed in order to obtain an estimate.
VIII. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER FACILITIES ON THE DEERPATH GOLF COURSE –
BOB ELLS
Superintendent Ells explained that this topic is related to the State pump station
project at Deerpath and 41. He reviewed a map of the project area with the
Committee and highlighted the temporary construction easement areas
requested by the State in order to construct the project. He explained that the
project will pump the water that floods Deerpath to a new detention pond on
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the City’s golf course via a storm sewer. The pond will be a new water feature.
Superintendent Ells explained that the City Attorney has reviewed the temporary
easement documents that the State is requesting Mayor Lansing execute.
Director Thomas explained that the project is scheduled to begin between
December of 2019 and February 2020.
Chairman Buschmann explained that there is Committee consensus in moving
forward in bringing the topic to the upcoming City Council meeting to seek
approval.
IX. PROJECT UPDATES – BOB ELLS & DAN MARTIN
• SMOKE TESTING PROJECT
Superintendent Ells explained that the smoke testing has been completed in all
of the project areas. He explained that the firm who completed the smoke
testing is currently working on reviewing the collected data to develop their final
report. He shared and reviewed a preliminary report with the Committee.
Chairman Buschmann inquired if Staff was surprised at the results. Director
Thomas explained that he was surprised at the amount of public defects
identified. He explained that Staff will be getting more detailed information from
the firm about the public defects.
Superintendent Ells explained that the firm will be developing a much more
detailed summary of every identified defect. He explained that the data before
the Committee tonight is very preliminary. Superintendent Ells explained that the
Committee will continue to be updated on the project.
• GAS LIGHT PROJECT
Superintendent Martin explained that the horizontal boring equipment has been
procured and that Streets Section Staff has been trained on the use of the
directional boring machine. He explained that the program began in the
neighborhood by Old Mill, Ridge, and Shawford. He explained that there are 34
lamps in the area. He explained that to-date, approximately 4,500 linear feet of
poly conduit has been installed. The Street Section had also fully converted four
gas lights near Old Mill. Staff will continue “pulling” poly conduit as long as
weather permits before the winter months. The Streets Section will then transition
to installing electric wiring and will retrofit gas lamps in this area to electric over
the winter months.
Superintendent Martin explained that the project is going very well and is off to a
good start. He explained that as the Street Section employees get more
comfortable in the conversion process, the process and project will move along
at a quicker rate.
• WAUKEGAN ROAD SANITARY SEWER
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Superintendent Ells reviewed a map of the sanitary sewer system outside of the
Winwood neighborhood. He explained that this area was the past potential SSA
to bring the homeowners in the area on septic to a sanitary connection. He
explained the SSA was voted down by the homeowners in the area. The City’s
septic ordinance was revised and updated to outline the specific triggers that
would require a homeowner to connect to sanitary sewer.
He explained that as the City has been working with the private donor on the
Waukegan sidewalk project, Staff has reviewed the area and investigated
bringing the sanitary sewer across the Waukegan Road sidewalk. This separate
proposed project could occur at the same time the sidewalk project occurs in
preparation for when the first property owner in the Winwood area is required to
connect to sanitary sewer. He explained that the project was estimated at
$127,000 and placed out to bid. The low bid came in at $190,000. City Manager
Kiely explained to Staff that at that cost, the City would not be moving forward
with the project at this time.
X. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
XI. NEXT MEETING – September 24, 2018
Alderman Rummel inquired about the Beverly ComEd issue and if there was any
update from ComEd. Director Thomas explained that the City recently received
an e-mail from ComEd that explained their two recommendations had been
reviewed and approved by Com-Ed internal leadership. He explained that their
recommendations are progressing.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the status of the leaf blower topic. Director
Thomas explained that Superintendent Myers would be bringing the topic to the
next Committee meeting.
Alderman Rummel inquired about the proposed Lake Road SSA. Director Thomas
explained that the topic currently is in the hands of the neighbors. The neighbor
meeting was held and the SSA process and estimated costs were shared with
the neighbors. If the neighbors are interested in moving forward, the City is
requesting that a petition is submitted demonstrating majority support for the
project.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rummel moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works
Committee at 8:58 P.M. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Lockefeer Jr.
Management Analyst