Loading...
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2013/02/19 Minutes PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 – 5:15 P.M. CITY HALL – 220 E. DEERPATH COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEETING MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: Chairman Kent Novit called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M. Aldermen Catherine Waldeck and David Moore were present. City staff in attendance included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Bob Ells, Engineering Supervisor; Dan Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; Mary Van Arsdale, Director of Parks & Recreation; Robert Kiely, City Manager; Brian Joyce, Engineering Assistant; Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry; Elizabeth Holleb, Director of Finance; and Donna Dunn, Assistant to the Director of Public Works. II. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 3, 2012 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES: Alderman Waldeck moved to approve the minutes of the December 3, 2012 meeting as written. Alderman Moore seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. III. ROUTE 60 MEDIAN CONCEPT PLANS: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry Chuck Myers presented conceptual plans for the Route 60 Median Project. Three options were presented to the Committee. Staff recommended the Committee approve Option A, which was the plan sent to IDOT for approval. Mr. Myers explained that he received a letter from IDOT giving conditional approval for Option A. The cost of Option A is $230,000, which includes a 10% contingency. Option B, as presented, was similar to Option A in planting, but includes a wall within the curb. The wall adds $175,000 to the cost of the project. Option C is minimal planting and the least costly of all options. Mr. Myers explained that soil and irrigation are critical and will need to be addressed in any of the options selected. The Committee discussed the three options, the permitting process, and staff’s recommendation for Option A. Mr. Myers explained that the start of construction is weather-related and that the medians have to dry out Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes from February 19, 2013 Page 2 of 3 enough to remove the trees. After tree removal, excavation will begin. Staff would like to install the plants by May with in-house personnel. The Committee also discussed the participation of the stakeholders, the public, local Garden Clubs, and nearby subdivisions. The medians have been discussed at City Council and homeowner groups near Route 60 have sent information out to their residents for feedback. The Civic Beautification Committee also reviewed the landscape plans. Alderman Moore moved to endorse Option A, as recommended by staff. Alderman Waldeck seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. STATUS OF ENGINEERING RE-ORGANIZATION: Director of Public Works Michael Thomas reviewed the reorganization of the Engineering Section and the original goals of the restructure. Mr. Thomas noted that the restructuring has been successful and that he recommends continuing with it. Robert Ells, currently Engineering Supervisor, would become Superintendent of Engineering. Dan Martin would become Superintendent of Operations. Both Superintendents would work together on a daily basis. Mr. Thomas also recommends that the contract for professional engineering services with GeWalt Hamilton continue. The Committee questioned if any projects have been delayed as a result of waiting for the engineering firm. Mr. Thomas replied that there have been no delays and that the engineering firm has been very responsive. Alderman Waldeck moved to support the recommendations in the memorandum presented by Director Thomas. Alderman Moore seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. OTHER MATTERS: Winter Road Salt Usage Update: Director Thomas discussed the salt usage for the winter season. In March, staff will request approval to participate in the State bid process. The City committed to purchase 1,100 tons of salt this year, and the price has dropped 20%. There is approximately 750 tons remaining in inventory. The Committee asked if salt usage has been typical this winter. Mr. Thomas stated that salt usage this winter was light in comparison to years past. Roadside Boulder Policy: The Committee discussed the current roadside boulder policy, which requires a permit, a minimum size for boulders, and Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes from February 19, 2013 Page 3 of 3 a specific distance from the roadway. There are boulders throughout the City that are not in compliance. There is currently no enforcement of the boulder policy. The Committee will evaluate the options for addressing this issue in the future, however, the Committee recommended staff include an article reviewing the policy in an upcoming Dialogue newsletter. VI. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: None VII. ADJOURNMENT: Alderman Waldeck moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works Committee at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Moore seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Donna Dunn Assistant to the Director of Public Works