PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2014/11/19 MinutesPUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 – 6:00 P.M.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING – 800 N. FIELD DRIVE
MS TRAINING ROOM
MEETING MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Cathy Waldeck called the meeting to
order at 6:03 p.m. Aldermen Tack and Moreno were present.
City staff in attendance included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Dan
Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; and Donna Dunn, Assistant to the
Director of Public Works.
II. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 22, 2014 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES: Alderman Moreno moved to approve the minutes of the October 22,
2014 Public Works Committee Meeting as written. Alderman Tack seconded the
motion, which carried unanimously.
III. WATER WELL CODE AMENDMENT: Director Michael Thomas reviewed the draft
Code amendment for the installation of water wells on residential properties for
irrigation purposes. He noted that there is some information that needs to be
added to the Code based on a conversation he had earlier today with a local
well company. Director Thomas clarified that many of the regulations pertaining
to wells are dictated by the Lake County Health Department and the State of
Illinois.
The Committee asked about the depth of residential wells for irrigation. Director
Thomas replied that they are approximately 180 feet deep. The Committee also
discussed that the Code should allow for contiguous parcels totaling five or more
acres, to be allowed to apply for an irrigation well permit. Additionally, the
Committee is interested in special consideration for historic estates with
elaborate grounds and gardens that may be under the required five acres.
Finally, the Committee would like further staff discussion regarding
decommissioning wells should a parcel or zoning lot be subdivided or sold. The
Committee questioned if there should be language that the City may require
that a well be decommissioned subject to review. Director Thomas stated that
staff would discuss this with Director of Community Development Cathy Czerniak.
Once updated, staff will provide the Committee with a new draft of the
proposed Code amendment.
No motion was required.
Public Works Committee
Meeting Minutes from November 19, 2014
Page 2 of 3
IV. REVIEW OF CITY SNOW PLAN: Director Thomas reviewed the proposed Snow &
Ice Control Plan for the upcoming winter season to include the priority of
operations, personnel being utilized in the program, and changes from last year.
He explained that Snow Command will be run by the Building Maintenance and
Parks Section Supervisors, who would be assisted by the Water & Sewer Utilities
Supervisor and Cemetery Sexton. Additionally, there will be more consistency in
routes and personnel in the upcoming season. The night shift has been
expanded and will provide coverage seven days per week. The “Snow Bird”
contract has been renewed and will be used to assist with cul-de-sac routes.
Director Thomas added that landscaping companies will be contracted to hand
shovel and salt primary City buildings and properties. Sidewalks in school zones
and along main roadways will be snow blown concurrent with street plowing.
The remaining sidewalks will be plowed after.
In terms of personnel, Director Thomas noted that Engineering Assistants will be
utilized on a regular basis throughout the winter. They will be released from snow
operations during the day as quickly as possible so that they can work on
engineering plans for capital projects occurring next spring and summer.
Building Inspectors from Community Development will also be used, if needed.
Superintendent of Public Works Dan Martin has been working with the
management for Market Square on snow removal operations in the Central
Business District. The contractors for Market Square will push snow piles into
corner parking spots for the City to haul away overnight or during the early
morning hours.
Director Thomas added that this is the final year the City will be able to stage
snow at the former Municipal Services site. Staff is exploring other locations
where potential damage to a roadway, parking lot, turf, and noise will not be an
issue. The Compost Center is a possible location for these operations, though it
will add a considerable amount of travel time. City staff will perform time trials
this year to assist in analyzing its options. Superintendent Martin will work on
revising the contract for the Compost Center to include allowing room for snow
piles when it comes up for renewal next year.
Finally, Director Thomas commented that all the critical items for snow are
complete and that staff is in the process of working on training and prepping
equipment.
No action was required.
V. OTHER ITEMS: None.
Public Works Committee
Meeting Minutes from November 19, 2014
Page 3 of 3
VI. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
VII. NEXT MEETING WATER PLANT UPDATE AND REVIEW OF PROPOSED FY2016 CAPITAL
EQUIPMENT: Director Thomas will send out an email confirming a meeting of the
Public Works Committee on December 10, 2014 prior to the City Council
meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Waldeck motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:40
p.m. Alderman Tack seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Dunn
Assistant to the Director of Public Works