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| Public Works
Committee Actions |
MARCH 1, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Kevin Poruban, Chairman; Bruce Kimmel; William Krummel; Carvin Hilliard
STAFF: Hal Alvord, Director of Public Works; Lisa Bardon, Operations Manager
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
APPROVAL/AUTHORIZATIONS
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005 AS AMENDED.
The following correction was made: Page three, last line of the first paragraph, correct to Wall Street Bridge.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULE TO ADD A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING
FLOODING.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Kimmel explained that he had received a telephone call from Kimberly Davis regarding a flooding problem in the Comstock Hill area. He noted that work on the curbing had been completed there but still the flooding is a big problem.
Kimberly Davis of 43 Comstock Hill Avenue referred to the many emails she had sent and received to and from the DPW over 2004. She explained exactly where the problem occurs and that the flooding has become so bad that her yard has had so much water on it she is very concerned about the septic fields. She referred to photographs.
Mr. Kimmel asked Ms. Davis what the DPW had told her they would do.
Ms. Davis replied that they would clear out the catch basin, that did improve the situation for a while but it soon filled up again after the next rainstorm.
Mr. Alvord stated that it is a dry well and is not connected to the drainage system; by clearing it out would only alleviate the problem for a very short period of time. He added that there is no money in their budget to connect the dry well to the drainage.
Mr. Kimmel asked how much it would cost to do this.
Mr. Alvord said that it depends on the distance and what materials they find beneath the surface. He added that they feel frustrated because they are aware of these problems but are unable to do anything about them.
Ms. Barton stated that she would follow up with Mr. Linnartz. After an explanation of the current permitting problems with the DEP and EPA she suggested the best solution would be to find the nearest storm drain and connect to that, she added that they should be careful not to push the problem elsewhere.
Mr. Kimmel noted his concern about the number of flooding problems that have occurred around the city; he described the special appropriation procedure that would be allocated for emergencies.
Mr. Krummel asked if they could compile a list of all of the complaints. He also asked how long the water takes to evaporate from Ms. Davis’ yard.
Ms. Davis replied that the water stays for months, reiterating her concern about the septic fields.
Mr. Krummel suggested that this could be a health hazard.
Mr. Alvord explained that at some point the fields wouldn’t leach properly as they will become saturated.
Ms. Davis thanked the Committee for listening to her concerns.
John Cagney asked about the current situation of the O’Sullivan property and the change to the footpath. He said he was aware that this had come before the DPW and that it was referred to Planning and Zoning an 8-24 referral.
Mr. Alvord stated that this is currently being considered by Planning and Zoning.
At this point in the meeting the committee referred back to the agenda.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SAFETY MARKINGS FOR PROJECT NO. RD 2003, PROPOSED PAINTED PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND LEGENDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND SCHOOLS, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-05 FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $46,000. ACCOUNT NO. 01 4023 5269
Mr. Alvord stated that this is with regard to their annual striping contract for epoxy-based paint.
Ms. Barton referred to the letter in the packet noting that are holding their price.
There was discussion regarding the purchase of a striping vehicle as this would pay for itself over a short period of time.
Mr. Hilliard agreed for the amount of striping to be done it would be wise to get the truck.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH D.W. TRANSPORT AND LEASING, INC. TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION OF YARD WASTE MATERIAL FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $1,167,766. THE AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT IS FOR THREE YEARS BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008
Ms. Barton noted that this is regarding the contract with D.W. Transport – she referred to the draft amendment in the packet stating that it has not been approved by the Legal Department. She added that there is a provision in the contract to extend the contract for three years but if they wanted to do this it would have to be executed by April 1, 2005. She went through the details of the draft amendment.
There was discussion on yard waste and leaf removal.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH FUSS AND O’NEILL TO EVALUATE THE POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE MID BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON STEVENS STREET AS REQUESTED BY THE NORWALK HOSPITAL, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $3,600. ACCOUNT NO. 01 40 30 5258
Mr. Kimmel suggested that as not all the committee members are present this evening that this item be sent to the full Council to allow the opportunity of debate.
Mr. Krummel indicated that he was concerned about the wording noting that something should be added about the cost-sharing portion.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO AMEND THE ITEM BY ADDING: IN THE SECOND LINE AFTER
THE WORD SIGNAL “OR OTHER SAFETY MEASURES” AND AFTER THE LAST WORD ADD “, DIVIDED
EQUALLY WITH THE HOSPITAL”.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
DISCUSSION
5. Engineering Division Report
a. Street Opening Program Road Restoration Costs
Ms. Barton referred to the information in the packet passed to her from Mr. Linnartz regarding the costs.
Mr. Alvord added that this is an update that they add to the contracts for companies installing cables underground (for example). The fee schedule is based on a formula and the rates depend on the cost of material – this is the latest memo to go out to the contractors.
b. Wall Street Bridge Update
Ms. Barton referred to the letter in the packet from Mr. Linnartz sent to the DOT. She indicated that the drawings are 98% complete and available for review.
c. Witch Lane, Old Field Road Sanitary Sewer Project
Ms. Barton noted that this will be advertised this week and if all goes well Mr. Linnartz will be able to discuss the contract award at the April meeting.
d. Soundkeeper
Mr. Alvord stated that last year they had been approached by Soundkeeper to test filters in their storm drains and that they have identified two areas in the city where this will occur. He explained how the money had been appropriated through congress and instead of going to Soundkeeper it has come straight to the city of Norwalk. It will take six weeks for the grant to be approved so by the summer the filters should be in place. Mr. Alvord added that Soundkeeper will install and maintain the filters for one year.
Mr. Hilliard said this was great for the city long term, as it will help to maintain the quality of the water.
6. Operations Division Report
a. City Wide Cleanup Project
Ms. Barton said that the city wide clean project means that the DPW will be providing labor support and trucks for residents to dump roadside litter. She added that a number of businesses have got involved and organizing groups of people, along with many neighborhood groups.
Mr. Krummel asked about hazardous waste.
Ms. Barton said that this is a problem. She noted that during the last meeting they had discussed how to better handle this situation. With reference to dealing with hazardous waste (car batteries, oil, old refrigerator etc) Mr. Hempstead had asked (at the last meeting) if a $1 increase could be added to the tipping fee. If they were to build a special waste-recycling center that dollar would cover the debt service on it; she suggested that this is something that should be considered.
Mr. Alvord said this is something that would save the city money as people dump this stuff and the city has to pay to dump it.
b. Public Works Center Roof
Ms. Barton stated that the need for a new roof at the DPW center is becoming a crisis. The leaks were patched but now there are more leaks again and only last week a stream of water came into the elevator shaft. The roof is metal held together by grommets it is when the grommets rot away that a leak occurs. She added that this is not budged for and that she wanted to bring it to the attention of the committee as the leaks are causing more problems like moldy sheet rocks, computers and printers being dripped on and if this is not addressed more problems will occur.
Mr. Kimmel asked how much it would cost to repair the roof.
Mr. Alvord noted that repairing the roof is not the solution it has to be replaced, as it can no longer be maintained.
Ms. Barton added that they have been in contact with a contractor to get figures on replacing the roof and would like the committee to consider this option.
Mr. Kimmel stated that this should be considered during the April meeting.
7. Budget Update
a. Status of Operating Budget Development for FY 05-06
Mr. Alvord stated that he had received today an update from the finance department that the recommended budget for FY 05/06 would be below the number they had originally asked for. He said that no progress can be made with this number and what progress has been made will go back and highlighted some of the inconsistencies within the recommended budget. Mr. Alvord also noted that it has been requested that the DPW be responsible for outdoor dining although no resources have been supplied. He listed the four reasons how DPW could be concerned with outdoor dining but suggested it should be shared between Planning and Zoning, the Health Department and DPW as each department has some technical interest.
b. Status of Capital Budget Development for FY 05-06
Mr. Alvord stated that there is no change from last month.
OTHER
There was no other business this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Kye
Telesco Secretarial
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