PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Click here for Public Works Committee Action May 1, 2001
Click here for Public Works Committee Action July 1, 2001

MARCH 5, 2002

ATTENDANCE: Chris Perone, Chairman; Bill Wrenn (7:50 p.m.),

STAFF: William Grumman, Director; Peter Romano;

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING,

PUBLIC HEARING & JOINT MEETING - JANUARY 31, 2002

Page 1 of 6 – Joint Meeting Minutes

Mr. Kimmel should read as Chair of Finance Committee, not Matthew Miklave

Charles Willow should read Charles Wilhelm throughout the minutes

Page 6 of 6 - Delete third paragraph completely

** MS. OLMSTEAD-SAWYER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 5, 2002

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED ACCEPTANCE OF THE FEBRUARY 5,

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

AUTHORIZE MAYOR KNOPP TO EXECUTE AGREEENT WITH VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC.

Mr. Grumman stated that Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. has been the City’s consultant for the past seven years and are used to evaluate the road changes and paving in the City.

The contract details were discussed by Mr. Romano.

Mr. Romano said that the main function of VHB is that of quality control management. It is an annual agreement based on the tonnage proposed. An inspector is placed at the asphalt plant to provide quality products. There is a paving inspector put on the site along with the City inspector. They perform street investigations to analyze the pavement and take core samples. They will then produce a report with recommendations for the project at the best option for the dollar. They keep the City up-to-date on new options such as glassphalt like the roadway on Calf Pasture Beach. They will evaluate the roadway upon completion and address any problems that may have developed.

Mr. Wrenn arrived at 7:50 p.m.

Mr. Kimmel asked whether this process is bid out. Mr. Romano noted that there might not be a cost advantage in doing so. The size of the contract varies depending on the amount of tonnage anticipated to be used for the season.

Mr. Poruban asked if the bidding was required. Mr. Grumman stated that this is a professional service and is not required by the City to be bid out. They are consultants. Mr. Grumman and Mr. Romano commented that they are the only group who has come forward to do this type of work. They also know the town well since they have worked with the City for 20 years plus.

Mr. Kimmel suggested looking into competitive pricing with regard to this process.

Ms. Bayne suggested that there be a comprehensive comparison periodically with City projects.

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT.

RESOLVED, THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

** RESOLUTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

DISCUSSION

Expanding Solid Waste Collection Routes

Mr. Grumman explained the separation of districts and their tonnage per year. The fifth district is the largest and 4,845 tons are collected annually. In order to expand two crews would need to be added. Two garbage trucks and three men for each would be required. The final numbers are not in as to impact for the budget. Existing routes would have to be modified to revamp the system. Mr. Grumman will have a detailed report at the next meeting. An explanation as to how the system was developed from 1913 until now was explained to the Committee. Mr. Grumman distributed a preliminary proposal.

Mr. Kimmel stated that private pickup area residents pay between $350 and $450 per year for refuse removal. Mr. Grumman will obtain figures to compare with private pickup at the next meeting.

Planning Commission Acton on Capital Budget-Sidewalk Projects

Mr. Grumman said the staff had questions about the sidewalk projects. Sidewalks proposed for South Norwalk were excluded from the budget. He asked that when the Council reviews the budget (Item 17) reinstating $101,000 be considered. Mr. Romano will ask that the money be redirected to cover Main, Couch and McKinley Street projects.

Mr. Kimmel noted there was no money for sewer separation. Mr. Linnartz said that Couch is a $150,000 job, Willow Street is $50,000.

Mr. Kimmel asked about the money for the railroad station. Mr. Linnartz stated it would be for controlled gates. The East Norwalk station needs to have the little building removed and replaced with a prefabricated house.

Fleet Services

Mr. Grumman asked for $600,000 for three sweepers, three medium size dump trucks and an articulated arm for cutting brush. The Finance Director suggested buying three trucks. Mr. Grumman stated that replacing the street sweeper is more important. Funds remaining in the Capital budget would be reallocated for one sweeper and the arm and new money for the balance of equipment. The amount to be re-appropriated is $145,000, the results of savings on new equipment through the bid process. Mr. Grumman will seek the approvals to obtain the funding for the equipment.

Guide Rail

Mr. Grumman said the rails for Perry and Silvermine Avenue have deteriorated. Weathering steel-backed wood is being considered for replacing the old railings. A sign showing that the bridge narrows will be posted. There is money in the snow budget that will be requested for re-appropriation for new railings.

A Perry Avenue neighbor inquired about the narrowness of Perry Avenue due to the need for new rails on the road. She was concerned about safety and expending money for a short-term solution to a major project. Mr. Romano commented it would be a capital undertaking to widen the road. Mr. Grumman stated permission would have to be obtained from DEP and the Corp of Engineers because work would have to be done in the river.

A second neighbor felt that a metal railing would take away from the beauty of Perry Avenue. Mr. Romano stated that there is nothing to put the rail and posts into because there is no room at the edge of the road.

The question was raised whether this could be handled now as a safety issue and money allocated. Mr. Kimmel said the City is in the middle of Capital Budget negotiations and this item is not an emergency, but does need to be addressed. Mr. Grumman stated that drivers have to be careful to avoid the railing being demolished in a car accident. Mr. Romano is evaluating the situation and making a temporary solution.

The question was raised whether the project could be boosted up for a capital improvement. The Committee stated that if they write it up and come to a public hearing on the item can be looked into. There will be a survelliance of the road with suggested safety improvements.

** MR. WRENN MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO

** MOTION PASSED UNAIMOUSLY.

Mr. Wrenn asked Mr. Grumman about the tree planting project and costs. Mr. Grumman stated that there will be plantings around the railroad station and Henry Street. Next year there will be a tree inventory created. The volunteer group is reviewing where trees can be put on the State roads. There is a $15,000 item in the budget next year for trees. Mr. Grumman will have a report next month. It is hoped that the property owners and businesses will take care and maintain the planted trees along the State roads. There is no plan in place to maintain a tree that has been planted.

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO

** MOTION PASSED UANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Bryant commented that homeowners wanted to know whether there was a priority list for traffic calming to use the $100,000 that has been allocated. Mr. Linnartz presented a draft document itemizing processes for traffic calming. There are 10 to 12 streets that will be recommended for calming. These streets are used as "cut throughs" for fast driving and have high traffic volume in a residential area. After the Traffic Authority has been contacted and met with, the information will be published on the 18th of March. There are guidelines for putting speed bumps in a dead end street through the Freeholders Act included in the presentation. The residents will be taxed to pay for the traffic calmer since the City would not normally put a bump on a dead end street.

Mr. Poruban inquired about the generators being turned over to the 3rdTaxing District at the water plant. The Chairman will put the item on the agenda for the next meeting.

Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer inquired about the name change for Concord Street to honor Reverend Ball. Mr. Grumman stated that the information would go out to the residents for a public hearing.

The Chairman said that the dog pound is to be completed by month end. Mr. Romano said that contractor told him he would be finished this month.

ACTION ON ANY DISCUSSION ITEMS LISTED HEREIN

There was no additional discussion.

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina Richardson Decker

Telesco Secretarial Services

Back to Previous Page	Back to Home Page