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
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Meeting Minutes from February 19, 2013
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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
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Meeting Minutes from February 19, 2013
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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