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| Public Works
Committee Actions |
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Bill Krummel, Chairman; Fred Bondi; Kelly Straniti; Doug Hempstead
(7:45 p.m.); Carvin Hilliard; Kevin Poruban
STAFF: Hal Alvord, Director of Public Works
CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing on proposed Public Works rate and fee revisions scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. There were no members from the public present. The Chairman then closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m..
PRESENTATION
Flooding video – Margaret Peterson
Ms. Margaret Peterson, 6 Gwendolyn Street, stated that she presented her case in May and her name and case never appeared in the minutes. Mr. Krummel stated that it should have been and that this evening her presentation would be included in the minutes. Ms. Petersen stated that she bought her house in December 2003 and it was flooded nine months after in 2004, then in 2005 and now in April, July 11, 12, 18, and August 27th of 2006. She then showed a video of the flooding in her garage and crawlspace. She stated that every time it rains it gets worse, the city sends a truck, they get out, and walk away. Ms. Peterson stated that there were many representatives present this evening from 25–39 Olmstead Road, Buckingham Place, Lockwood Road and Woodland Court. She continued that raw sewage is getting into the flooding. She stated that the drains are not working, water is coming out of the drains and there is no water is going into them. She stated that there were not enough drains and they were not big enough. Ms. Peterson reported that since July she has added a 16 foot piece of garage door in front of her garage driveway, sand bags, two sump pumps, and a 55 gallon drum under her gutters. She stated that Lisa Bardon told her to build a cement wall in front of her garage but the water would still go into her crawlspace. Mr. Krummel asked the Committee if they had questions. Mr. Hempstead asked if it was a combined system. Mr. Alvord replied that he did not think so even though sewage has mixed in with the storm water. He has not found a direct connection between them. He also reported that there was no record of a combined system at Buckingham Place. He stated that even though EPA mandated a separation of systems, some systems were still combined.
Ms. Peterson reported that she had been taking samples to the Health Department to prove the city was liable for sewage. She said a message was left on her answering machine from the Health Department stating that they were no longer to test samples from her property for ecoli because the sample was not accurate and future samples would not prove anything. She stated the issue was that she was not bringing samples to the Health Department on the day of the storm. She stated that the city is telling her they are not going to pay for the cleanup unless sewage was involved and now the Health Department will not taking any more of her samples. She said that the only service she gets from paying taxes is for garbage removal because the city does not snowplow her street. She stated that this was very aggravating and she was doing everything she could and asked what was going on. She added that she has spent all her own money and there was no help.
Mr. Krummel replied that they could not offer solutions this evening, but the Committee heard her. He asked if she had a home inspection before purchasing her home and she replied that she did and it mentioned water marks in the crawlspace as being normal. Mr. Bondi stated that he has lived behind Ms. Peterson’s house for 18 years and it is always flooded. He said there was sewage coming up but he thought the problem was fixed. Mr. Hempstead stated that there was no quick answer to this and money was put in last year’s budget to solve the drain problems.
Ms. Karen Randmer, 34 Buckingham Place, stated that they had a meeting with the Mayor and he had an engineering study. She asked if they knew how to solve the problem. Mr. Alvord replied that the study had not been done yet. Ms. Randmer asked why they could not work with the State because this was an emergency and they were going to get health problems from it. Mr. Alvord replied that the Governor had to declare an emergency in order to receive federal funding. Mr. Poruban stated that he has been doing research and that in Westport there were 20 to 30 homes that were declared an emergency area 1 ½ years ago and the State kicked in money and are raising these homes. He said that the Mayor had indicated that he had a conversation with the Governor. Mr. Poruban said that they have to get the engineering study back and the look at the options and the cost because if the city foots the bill on their own it would be very costly. Mr. Alvord agreed that when they have a solution, they will need funding to do the construction. Mr. Alvord stated that the timeframe to have the study completed was November. Mr. Bondi reported that nothing would be done until July 1, 2007 assuming they receive funding.
Mr. Dimetrius Ornone, 39 Olstead Place, stated that the bottom line was the cost factor. He said there were 17 raised ranches at the bottom of Olmstead Place that pay $5,000 to $6,000 a year in taxes to the city. He asked why the city was telling them there wasn’t any money. He stated that after the rain on August 27th he had to replace new carpet in his basement at a cost of $3,200 because of sewage and the total costs of damages he sustained were $10-15,000. Mr. Ornone stated that they have to take this into consideration and asked how much could they absorb. He said that enough was enough and they needed help. He said that what they went through on August 27th was a disgrace. Mr. Paul Loreau, Olmstead Place, stated that the pond across from his house overflows into catch basins that back up at the same time. He said that they found a blockage in 2000 and it was cleared, but now there was a blockage at the end. Ms. Donna Rustocki, 33 Olmstead Place, asked how the city could justify building new houses at Fitch Street that would create a bigger runoff problem. She stated that something had to be done, it was sad, and they had to appropriate the funds from somewhere.
Mr. Hempstead told the residents that one of the ways to make things happens was by being at this meeting tonight and staying on top of it. Mr. Alvord added there were a number of Committee meetings that they can find on the city website and they should show up at these meetings. Mr. Krummel stated that they made a point with the Committee, they were all neighbors, and they would do what they could. Mr. Bondi said it was important to put this in the budget and to get it passed, but it did not mean it would get passed.
Ms. Diane Cece, 37 Olmstead Place, stated that part of the issue was clearly related to maintenance and she would like to see the plan the city has for snow removal. Mr. Alvord replied that the no one in the DPW goes on vacation from November through April so the streets can get cleaned at those times and that after April 1st a lot people go on vacation. He said the bottom line was that there were not enough people and not enough equipment. Mr. Poruban stated that he had a conversation with the Fire Department and they will not pump unless it is an emergency because the do not want dirty water. He added that UCONN has been studying the increased rainfall in Connecticut and that there have been very fast heavy downpours in a short amount of time. He said that they need to check the storm drains.
Ms. Diane Collela, 44 Olmstead Place, said she noticed the moment it rains, a crew comes down her street, walks behind 45 Olmstead Place, and checks for something. Mr. Poruban replied that they are checking for blockage. Ms. Cece stated that it was important to be vocal. She also asked if they could be put this matter on the Committee’s agenda for follow-up at the next meeting. Mr. Krummel agreed to have this item on the agenda of the next meeting.
APPROVALS/AUTHORIZATIONS
1. Approve the Minutes from the Public Works Committee meeting of Tuesday, August 1, 2006.
The following change was made to the minutes:
Add under Attendance: Kevin Poruban called into the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Pg. 3: Second paragraph: Change plant to permit.
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2006 AS AMENDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR (KRUMMEL, STRANINI, HEMPSTEAD, BONDI) AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (HILLIARD, PORUBAN).
2. Approve the proposed Public Works rate and fee revisions and forward to Common Council.
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED PUBLIC WORKS RATE AND FEE REVISIONS AND FORWARD TO COMMON COUNCIL.
Ms. Straniti stated that she would like to see the Tree Planting Permit Fee in the amount of $75.00 reduced or eliminated. She explained that she thought the benefits outweighed the costs to the city when a private citizen wanted to plant a tree. Mr. Bondi stated that sometimes citizens place trees where they do not want them. Mr. Alvord stated that they have to send someone out each time to specify what type of tree is planted and inspect it. Mr. Poruban asked how many permits were issued to plant a tree last year and Mr. Alvord replied that there were no requests. Mr. Hilliard asked where the fee schedule costs came from and Mr. Alvord replied that every year they look at all the fees. Mr. Hempstead agreed with Ms. Stranini that he did not want to discourage volunteerism.
** MS. STRANINI MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED PUBLIC WORKS RATE AND FEE REVISIONS BUT TO ELIMINATE THE TREE PLANTING PERMIT FEE OF $75.00.
** MOTION FAILED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (HEMPSTEAD, HILLIARD, STRANINI) AND THREE NOT IN FAVOR (KRUMMEL, BONDI, PORUBAN)
The Chairman stated there was a Motion on the table to approve the proposed
Public Works rate and fee revisions and forward to Common Council. He then asked
for a vote.
** MOTION PASSED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (KRUMMEL, HEMPSTEAD, BONDI, PORUBAN) ONE
OPPOSED (HILLIARD), AND ONE ABSTENTION (STRANINI).
3. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Easement Agreement with Briar Street, LLC for access, construction and maintenance of storm drainage for a portion of Briar Street.
Mr. Alvord explained that this agreement was for an extension of the storm drain system.
** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH BRIAR STREET, LLC FOR ACCESS, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STORM DRAINAGE FOR A PORTION OF BRIAR STREET.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Authorize Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute any and all documents between the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, in connection with the Federal Local Bridge Program, F.A.P. No. BHZ-6102(4), State Project No. 102-315, Rehabilitation of Bridge No. 04440, for the Design of Westmere Avenue Bridge Over Farms Creek. This project is grant funded, 80% federal and 20% city.
5. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with URS, Inc., to provide design consulting services in connection with the Westmere Avenue Bridge Over Farms Creek for a sum not to exceed $11,118 (20% of the approved design fees of $55,590).
Account No. 0904 4021 5777 C0306
6. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute any and all documents between the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, in connection with the Federal Local Bridge Program, F.A.P. No. BHZ-6102(12), State Project No. 102-320, Rehabilitation of Bridge No. 04989, for the Design of the James Street Bridge Over the Silvermine River. This project is grant funded, 80% federal and 20% city.
7. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with URS, Inc. to provide design consulting services in connection with the James Street Bridge Over the Silvermine River for a sum not to exceed $39,079 (20% of the approved design fees of $195,350).
Account No. 0906 4071 5777 C0350
8. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute any and all documents
between the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, in connection
with the Federal Local Bridge Program, F.A.P. No. BHZ-6102( ), State Project
No. 102- , Rehabilitation of Bridge No. 04154, for the Design of the Perry Avenue
Bridge Over the Norwalk River. This project is grant funded, 80% federal and
20% city.
9. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with URS, Inc. to provide design consulting services in connection with the Perry Avenue Bridge Over the Norwalk River for a sum not to exceed $50,616 (20% of the approved design fees of $253,079).
Account No. 0906 4071 5777 C0350
Mr. Alvord reported that the grant from the State to repair the three bridges
was received as a package.
** MR. BONDI MOVED ITEMS FOUR THROUGH 9.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with the M.J. Losito Electrical Contractors, Inc., for Project No. DPW 2006-2, Under Bridge Lighting – North Water Street, Marshall Street and Ann Street, for a sum not to exceed $149,000.
Mr. Alvord reported that out of the six bids received the successful lowest bidder was M. J. Losito Electrical Contractors out of Bethel, CT.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE M.J. LOSITO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC., FOR PROJECT NO. DPW 2006-2, UNDER BRIDGE LIGHTING – NORTH WATER STREET, MARSHALL STREET AND ANN STREET, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $149,000.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute an Agreement with M.J. Losito Electrical Contractors, Inc., for Project No. DPW 2006-2, Under Bridge Lighting – North Water Street, Marshall Street and Ann Street, for a sum not to exceed $149,000.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH M.J. LOSITO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR PROJECT NO. DPW 2006-2, UNDER BRIDGE LIGHTING – NORTH WATER STREET, MARSHALL STREET AND ANN STREET, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $149,000.
ACCOUNT NO. 09 06 4021 c0380 (BID OPEN 9/1/06)
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Amendment to the
Agreement with Tighe and Bond to provide professional engineering services for
the design of the Infrastructure Improvements for the Reed – Putnam Redevelopment
Project for a sum not to exceed $147,000 plus $14,000 in reimbursable expenses
and to extend the time of completion to June 30, 2007.
Account No. CTDECD Special Act 01-02 Section 9 (d)(2)
Project no. 20022103005
Budget Line 1425 (Arch. & Eng.)
(The Redevelopment Agency administers the grant as approved by the CTDECD).
The Committee reviewed proposal amendment to the Agreement.
** MS. STRANINI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH TIGHE AND BOND TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE REED – PUTNAM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $147,000 PLUS $14,000 IN REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES AND TO EXTEND THE TIME OF COMPLETION TO JUNE 30, 2007. ACCOUNT NO. CTDECD SPECIAL ACT 01-02 SECTION 9 (D)(2), PROJECT NO. 20022103005, BUDGET LINE 1425 (ARCH. & ENG.) (THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADMINISTERS THE GRANT AS APPROVED BY THE CTDECD).
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with the
Town of Westport, Connecticut for the management and maintenance of Cranbury
Road and Sylvan Road North.
Mr. Alvord explained that a portion of Cranbury Road and Sylvan Road North splits with the town line of Westport. He stated that this would be a joint agreement with Westport for snow and ice clearance and road surface management/repairs.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF CRANBURY ROAD AND SYLVAN ROAD NORTH SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION BY THE LAW DEPARTMENT.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with
Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc. for the installation and operation
of Streetscaping waste containers.
Ms. Stranini stated that she did not like how the waste containers would look with advertising on them. Mr. Alvord reported that they could have some without advertising. He stated that the city would receive 8% of the sponsorship sales which would be $6,000.00 annually. He reported that they have 19 locations in the parks and 35 shelters to place the waste containers. Mr. Poruban asked if there would be a savings to the DPW Department and Mr. Alvord replied that it would because they would provide weekly pickups if needed.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING OF AMERICA, INC. FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF STREETSCAPING WASTE CONTAINERS.
** MOTION PASSED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (KRUMMEL, BONDI, PORUBAN, HILLIARD) AND TWO OPPOSED (HEMPSTEAD, STRANINI).
** THE CHAIRMAN MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA AND ADD TWO ADDITIONAL ITEMS.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with
Marquise Development Group, for Project No. RD 2006-1, Concrete Curbs and
Sidewalks at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $213,648.30.
Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders to Contract to Marquise
Development Group, for Project No. RD 2006-1, Concrete Curbs and Sidewalks at
Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $21,364.
Account No. 09 05/0721 5777 C0318 ($202,000)
09 06 4021 5777 C0351 (33,013)
The Committee reviewed the list of locations for curb and sidewalk repair. Mr. Hempstead asked if any school curbings needed to be addressed.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH MARQUISE DEVELOPMENT GROUP, FOR PROJECT NO. RD 2006-1, CONCRETE CURBS AND SIDEWALKS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $213,648.30 AND
TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE ORDERS TO CONTRACT TO MARQUISE DEVELOPMENT GROUP, FOR PROJECT NO. RD 2006-1, CONCRETE CURBS AND SIDEWALKS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $21,364.
ACCOUNT NO. 09 05/0721 5777 C0318 ($202,000)
09 06 4021 5777 C0351 (33,013)
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. RESOLUTION:
The Common Council hereby authorizes a change in the designation of the funding
source for $220,000 that was previously appropriated in the FY 2006-07 Capital
Budget for the Public Works Fleet Replacement from Federal/State Grants to Capital
Fund Balance.
Mr. Alvord stated that they plan to purchase a vacuum truck that holds 15,000
gallons.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO FORWARD THE RESOLUTION TO COMMON COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A CHANGE IN THE DESIGNATION OF THE FUNDING SOURCE FOR $220,000 THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED IN THE FY 2006-07 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FLEET REPLACEMENT FROM FEDERAL/STATE GRANTS TO CAPITAL FUND BALANCE.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
DISCUSSION
14. Engineering Division Report
a. Personnel
1) Junior engineer – 2 positions
Mr. Alvord reported that two vacancies exist and they had advertised and will begin interviewing eight candidates this week.
b. Projects
1) See attached project status sheet.
Mr. Alvord reported that they have 65 active projects.
c. Other
15. Operations Division Report
a. Personnel
1) Superintendent of Operations
Mr. Alvord reported that they have identified eight people for the Superintendent position and will interview shortly.
2) Fleet Services Manager
Mr. Alvord reported that they have had some difficulty getting this on the Personnel priority list. He stated that they have two candidates in-house.
b. Equipment
c. Other
OTHER
16. Support to schools.
Mr. Alvord stated that school support was not in the DPW budget last year and there wasn’t any process in place to organize the work in the schools. He added that a procedure should be established that a work order be submitted for every request for work at the schools. Mr. Poruban suggested that this be referred to the Mayor. Mr. Bondi agreed that the Director of Public Works cannot do any work at the schools until he receives a work order from the Board of Education. The Committee requested that Mr. Alvord draft a resolution and bring this item back to them at the next meeting.
17. Need for MIS retainer.
Mr. Alvord reported that the DPW budget for this year included a consultant for outside technical services and ongoing support. He stated, however that this request was not approved. He continued that the need still exists and he would like to submit a Special Appropriations Request in the amount of $50,000.
18. Status of Solid Waste consultant RFQ and related matters.
Mr. Alvord reported that the Statement of Qualifications was due tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. He said he hoped to have 25 statements of qualifications and will then get a selection team and interview at the end of the month. Ms. Stranini volunteered to be part of the interview process and Mr. Krummel agreed to be an alternate.
Ms. Stranini departed the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
19. Status of Public Power consultant RFQ and related matters.
Mr. Alvord reported that he was still working on the RFQ.
20. Dedication of Rosa Parks Arboretum – September 27, 2006.
Mr. Alvord reported that the Governor, Home Depot, and the U.S. Conference
of Mayors were some of the attendees expected at the dedication and it was turning
out to be quite an event.
21. Public Works Annual Open House – September 30, 2006
22. US Forest Service Visit – October 18, 2006
23. Action on any item discussed herein.
There was no action taken.
24. Next Public Works Committee Meeting:
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Public Works Library, Room 225, Norwalk City Hall
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:50 PM. TO DISCUSS THE
FLOODING ISSUE AND RESPONSE.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna DeVito
Telesco Secretarial Services
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