SEPTEMER 6, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Kevin Poruban, Chairman; Carvin Hilliard; Doug Hempstead; Fred Bondi;
Bill Krummel

STAFF: Hal Alvord, Director, DPW; Lisa Bardon, Operations Mgr, DPW;
Richard Linnartz, DPW Principal Engineer

OTHER: Maria Genovese, Attorney; Lee Levey, Common Council

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Poruban called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

APPROVALS/AUTHORIZATIONS

1. Approve the Minutes from the Special Public Works Committee dated Monday, June 20, 2005.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2005.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Approve the minutes from the Public Works Committee dated July 5, 2005.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 5, 2005.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. HILLIARD).

3. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a License Agreement with Anthony N. Tscocanos and AMS Pizza, LLC, in connection with encroaching into the City of Norwalk’s air space for the purposes of providing access to the duct vent, for a term of five years.

Mr. Linnartz said this was a license agreement for the conversion of building space to restaurant space through the side of the building and the air space. It is a 5 yr renewable license agreement. It applies to the pizza business only. If the pizza business vacates the space, they take the ductwork with them.

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH ANTHONY N. TSCOCANOS AND AMS PIZZA, LLC, IN CONNECTION WITH ENCROACHING INTO THE CITY OF NORWALK’S AIR SPACE FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE DUCT VENT, FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with Nxegen, Inc., to replace the lighting at the Public Works Center with Energy Efficient Lighting at no capital cost to the City of Norwalk. This project will yield an estimate annual electric usage cost savings of $22,348 to be used to pay for the capital costs ($223,480 principal only) of the installation for a 6-year term.

** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH NXEGEN, INC., TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING AT NO CAPITAL COST TO THE CITY OF NORWALK. THIS PROJECT WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATE ANNUAL ELECTRIC USAGE COST SAVINGS OF $22,348 TO BE USED TO PAY FOR THE CAPITAL COSTS ($223,480 PRINCIPAL ONLY) OF THE INSTALLATION FOR A 6-YEAR TERM.

Mr. Hempstead asked if this was part of the Northeast Utilities reimbursement program. Mr. Alvord said no, and explained that they have been working with Nxegen on various projects throughout the City for 3 or 4 years. There is no investment required on the part of the City.

Mr. Krummel arrived at 7:46 p.m.

Nxegen will do all the installation. The project was not sent out to bid. There is a safety issue in the garage due to poor lighting.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO TABLE TO GET COMPETITIVE BID(S).

Mr. Alvord said the bid process would take months, and it would be next spring before anything gets done. Mr. Poruban suggested that the City do their own cost analysis, and during the course of the 6-yr term, have Nxegen offer changes, improvements, etc.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO TEMPORARILY WITHDRAW HIS MOTION TO TABLE.

Mr. Hilliard questioned Mr. Hempstead’s concern about the actual cost as it had not gone out to bid. There was difficulty in knowing competitive costs or what the savings would be without the bidding process in place.

Mr. Krummel said he wanted to propose that Mr. Lo and Mr. Sgobbo get the material that was presented already and have it reviewed in time for the September 13, 2005 meeting agenda.

In lieu of tabling and in lieu of any further delay, Mr. Krummel suggested that they vote on it. Mr. Alvord suggested that they take the bid that is the best value to the City. Engineering, fixtures and installation would then be an upfront cost to the city.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO TABLE TO GET THREE COMPETITIVE BIDS.
** MOTION DEFEATED WITH FOUR OPPOSITIONS (BONDI, HILLIARD, PORUBAN, KRUMMEL).

** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH NXEGEN, INC., TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING AT NO CAPITAL COST TO THE CITY OF NORWALK. THIS PROJECT WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATE ANNUAL ELECTRIC USAGE COST SAVINGS OF $22,348 TO BE USED TO PAY FOR THE CAPITAL COSTS ($223,480 PRINCIPAL ONLY) OF THE INSTALLATION FOR A 6-YEAR TERM.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (HEMPSTEAD).

5. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in connection with a Maintenance Agreement for the installation and maintenance of the lighting under the North Water Street Bridge, Ann Street Bridge and Marshall Street Bridge.

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTION WITH A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LIGHTING UNDER THE NORTH WATER STREET BRIDGE, ANN STREET BRIDGE AND MARSHALL STREET BRIDGE.

Mr. Linnartz said that this was to update the lighting on North Water Street, on Ann Street, and on Marshall Street, and to provide additional fixtures and new services. There is an agreement pending with the DOT for this installation. It is a maintenance agreement.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., (VHB, Inc.) to provide Pavement Engineering Services in connection with the Pavement Management Program for a sum not to exceed $150,000. Account No. 0906 4021 5777 C0021

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC., (VHB, INC.) TO PROVIDE PAVEMENT ENGINEERING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $150,000. ACCOUNT NO. 0906 4021 5777 C0021

Mr. Linnartz said that this is the agreement with VHB, Inc. for the road paving program. Mr. Bondi said that some streets should have been selected to be paved before others. Mr. Linnartz explained the procedure involved in the paving/street rehabilitation process. Mr. Alvord explained the information provided to residents if they call the Department with a paving problem.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with DW Transport and Leasing, Inc., for Project No., 229, to provide Road Sand, Street Sweepings and Catchbasin Grit Transport and Disposal for a sum not to exceed $30.48/ton for FY 2005-06, $31.29/ton for FY 2006-07 and $32.33/ton for FY 2007-08. Account No. 0140 42 5299

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH DW TRANSPORT AND LEASING, INC., FOR PROJECT NO., 229, TO PROVIDE ROAD SAND, STREET SWEEPINGS, AND CATCHBASIN GRIT TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $30.48/TON FOR FY 2005-06, $31.29/TON FOR FY 2006-07 AND $32.33/TON FOR FY 2007-08. ACCOUNT NO. 0140 42 5299.

There are no fuel surcharges involved. Ms. Bardon explained the bid document and the CPI. The cost would be $30.48 a ton for this fiscal year now and it will be adjusted in the CPI.

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AMEND THE ABOVE ITEM, STRIKING “$31.29/TON FOR FY 2006-07 AND $32.33/TON FOR FY 2007-08” FROM THE ITEM.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Authorize the Chairman of the Public Works Committee, Kevin Poruban, to forward proposed changes to Chapters 44 and 90 of the Norwalk City Code to the Ordinance Committee for consideration, public hearing and forwarding to the Common Council

** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE, KEVIN PORUBAN, TO FORWARD PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTERS 44 AND 90 OF THE NORWALK CITY CODE TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION, PUBLIC HEARING AND FORWARDING TO THE COMMON COUNCIL.

Mr. Alvord said the revisions were not provided to the committee for review. It won’t be scheduled for a public hearing. They are in the process of reviewing and updating all the ordinances that the DPW is responsible for. Chapter 44 establishes and gives a criteria for a department of fleet services. Currently, that department and a director for that department do not exist. The Fleet Services Manager and the fleet maintenance function is part of the DPW. They are recommending the elimination of Chapter 44 and the incorporation of the function of Chapter 44 into the DPW. Then they will update Chapter 90 by adding the staff functions and responsibilities for the Parking Authority and the Water Pollution Control Authority. Mr. Hempstead asked for copies, and Mr. Alvord said he will provide copies of both Chapter 44 and Chapter 90.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to purchase PECO Automatic Manhole Cutter and Extractor from Voelker Equipment Co., Inc. sole source procurement for an amount of $15,442.30. Account No. 0905 4031 5777 C0313

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO PURCHASE PECO AUTOMATIC MANHOLE CUTTER AND EXTRACTOR FROM VOELKER EQUIPMENT CO, INC., SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR AN AMOUNT OF $15,442.30. ACCOUNT NO. 0905 4031 5777 CO313.

Ms. Bardon said this is a new piece of equipment. It will allow for more productivity for manhole opening, repairs, etc.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

9a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Advanced Corp. for an On-Site Armor Cast Tank Repair at the Public Works Center, for a sum not to exceed $78,000.00.

9b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract with Advanced Corp. for On-Site Armor Cast Tank Repair at the Public Works Center, for a sum not to exceed $7,800.00.

** CHAIRMAN PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH ADVANCED CORP. FOR AN ON-SITE ARMOR CAST TANK REPAIR AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $78,000.00.

** CHAIRMAN PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE ORDERS ON CONTRACT WITH ADVANCED CORP. FOR ON-SITE ARMOR CAST TANK REPAIR AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $7,800.00.

Mr. Alvord said this is a new item to be added to the agenda. There was a problem with the diesel fuel tanks at the Public Works Center last winter. They have received a bid to repair the tanks. It will require a special appropriation. It will go before the next BET meeting for approval, and then Council for approval, in order to execute immediately to begin repairs before the winter season.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Hilliard left the meeting at 8:36 p.m.

DISCUSSION

10. Department of Public Works Open House

DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2005
TIME: 9 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
PLACE: PUBLIC WORKS CENTER

Mr. Alvord said that there are many activities planned for the day. There will be “touch a truck” with photographs, a continental breakfast and other refreshments. The Customer Service Staff will be available, with computer access to the city website. The DPW staff will be there, with one person per one piece of equipment to answer any questions. A slide show of various city projects will be shown throughout the morning. It will be held indoors in case of rain.

11. Engineering Division Report

a. Personnel

1. Traffic Maintainer II

Mr. Linnartz said the Traffic Maintainer has left to take another position.

2. Traffic Engineer

Mr. Linnartz said the Traffic Engineer will start on October 3. He will be invited to the open house.

3. Jr. Engineer

They have received 20 responses and they are down to 8 qualified people. Interviews will be conducted
shortly.

b. Project updates

1. 2005-2006 road repaving

The road repaving will begin in the Fall.

2. 2005-2006 patch program

The Fall patch program is underway.

3. Silvermine River Fisheries Enhancement & Bridge Replacement

The bridge replacement looks great.

4. Westmere, Perry, James bridges. They had a selection panel set up, and had a kickoff meeting with the State. Fee estimates are being prepared. Construction is scheduled for 2007 for all three bridges. The James bridge will not have staging; the Perry bridge will have staging.

5. Old Field/Witch Sewer Project

The Old Field/Witch lane project has been awarded and will start in mid-October.

6. Webster Parking Lot

Improvements have been made to the booth entrances and exits at Martin Luther King Drive and Washington Street. The work on the interior islands and change in traffic patterns is scheduled to begin in approximately two weeks.

c. Other

1. Consulting engineer for flooding issues.

Mr. Alvord said they requested $120,000 in the capital budget to hire a consulting engineer to handle multiple flooding issues, but it was not approved. The BET is asking for special consideration to hire an engineer. Upon approval, an RFP will be developed for a consulting engineer.

2. Utility Markouts

Mr. Linnartz explained the program, which is named “Call BeforeYou Dig”. It identifies where work is being done.

3. Permits program

Work continues on the permit procedures. Mr. Bondi thanked both Mr. Alvord and Mr. Linnartz for sitting in on the meeting with the contractors. There was discussion about the sediment being removed from the marinas on Water Street. The dredging was last done in 1997, and is due to be done again.

12. Operations Division Report

a. Personnel

1. Fleet Services

Ms. Bardon said they hired a mechanic on August 2. The position had been vacant since December. The Fleet Services Manager position will be resolved shortly when the termination goes through the State Board of Labor Relations. Mr. Raucher is acting Fleet Services Manager, and Mr. Caselli is acting Assistant Fleet Services Manager. There are 8 operations/maintainer positions open. There was a recent termination, a person is out on workmen’s comp, a person is on a job in Parks & Rec, and some are in the Combined Dispatch Center.

2. Temporary laborers

They have hired 5 temporary laborers, and some of them have come off of the Parks & Rec seasonal employment, and the standing list of laborer candidates.

b. Equipment issues

1. Snow Plows

The plows have been ordered.

2. Vacuum truck

The RFP will be going out shortly.

3. F-250 pickup trucks

The F-250 pickup trucks have not been delivered.

There was much discussion concerning the condition of the City’s fleet of cars. Chairman Poruban suggested that each member of the Committee contact Mr. Hamilton in Finance. It was agreed that a sense of the committee be made in the clerk’s report in the minutes. Mr. Hempstead made a suggestion to inform the Budget Director for the City of Norwalk that the City should pursue options for purchasing 5 vehicles.

4. Holder/Bobcat attachments

There was nothing to report.

c. Facility Issues

Repairs are being done to the skylight and the roof. Mr. Sgobbo’s group is clearing out the fumes from the offices.

d. Other

1. GPS vehicle tracking.

This has not been budgeted this year. An RFI was sent out for information from different manufacturers. It would be a huge labor savings, it would be internet-based, and there would be an increase in safety, liability, and efficiency. Preliminary estimates indicate a $50,000 upfront investment and yearly fees of $13,000.

2. Battery disposal fee.

The first page of the handout was the fee schedule. Council approved it on June 28. The current program runs two Saturdays a month at Volk Fire Station for small household batteries. Further discussion resulted in the decision to reduce the $1.00 charge for a bag of batteries to no charge (zero).

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO CHANGE THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR LITHIUM AND ALKALINE BATTERIES TO REFLECT NO CHARGE (ZER0).
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Alvord said he will check with Corporation Council regarding the need for a public hearing and adding it to their agenda for the 9/13 meeting.

13. Customer Service Center Report

Mr. Alvord said all staff is on board. City Works has been loaded on the server. There is a meeting scheduled for 9/13 with the Department Heads and the Mayor. They will introduce the staff, and they will develop the information needed for the Customer Service Center. The walk-in window is scheduled to open in November, after the staff training is complete.

14. Fire Department Training Area

The facility has been cleared out to accommodate the training area.

15. Oyster Park (landfill closure)

Malcolm Pirnie has submitted the design for the 1200 cubic yards of soil, and the Public Works Committee approved it. They submitted the landfill disturbance permit application to the DEP. More information is needed to complete the application, and then quotes can be obtained from contractors.

16. Action on any item discussed herein

Mr. Alvord said the budget books are available for committee members to take.

17. Next Public Works Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Public Works Conference Room/Room 225, Norwalk City Hall

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services

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