CITY OF NORWALK
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
FINANCE/PUBLIC WORKS/ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
JUNE 3, 2003
ATTENDANCE: Chris Perone, Chairman; Bruce Kimmel; Judith Rivas, Kevin Poruban; Carvin Hilliard
STAFF: Richard Linnartz, Acting Director DPW; Peter L. Romano, Assistant Director DPW.
OTHER: Ms. Cece, Olmstead Road Resident; Mr. Silverstein, Brenner
Road Resident; Ms. Berglund, 8 Singing Woods Court
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
8 Singing Woods Court Driveway Reconstruction
Mr. Linnartz stated that the City installed a storm drain along the Berglund driveway in 1968. The owner paved the originally driveway himself after waiting for the work to be done by DPW. DPW was to pay half the cost of the original driveway as part of being given the easement for the pipe. After 30 years, the driveway developed horizontal cracks. The Berglund driveway was paved with an overlay in 1999 by DPW. The family maintained the driveway for 30 years, as agreed, to avoid damage to the pipe underneath. There are cracks along her driveway that should not be present. She did not understand what the overlay meant with regard to maintenance. Mr. Linnartz commented that an overlay was only a topping, not a complete install of the driveway. Mr. Linnartz had a quote for $9,000 to repave the driveway and put a topping on it.
Ms. Berglund said it has been 30 years and she is now a widow and is finding it difficult to maintain the driveway. She said the City promised to pave the driveway once their home was built. It was not done by the City, so her husband did the work. The complaint resulted in the Council directing an overlay for the driveway in 1999. The work was performed four years ago and she presented pictures of the driveway as it looks now. Mrs. Berglund said her meeting with the Council promised a driveway. The final papers said an "overlay" which is a temporary fix. She did not understand the wording was not a full driveway with a new foundation, but only a patch.
Ms. Berglund's document was from the original, dated December 1998, discussion stating that the cost would be split for overlaying the driveway six months later in May of 1999.
Mr. Romano commented that there was no settling at the driveway where City work was performed. The pipe runs vertically along the driveway, not horizontally. There was no patching performed but an agreement, by memo, was sent to Mrs. Berglund that did not fulfill the need for a new driveway. She installed the original driveway and was not reimbursed. She said the memo was result of a discussion with Mr. Grumman.
Mr. Hilliard and Ms. Rivas left the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Mr. Kimmel stated that since she had put the driveway in without reimbursement, it would appear that the City should address the issue of the agreement that was not fulfilled to Mrs. Berglund's understanding.
Mr. Romano stated it would be close to $12,000 to put in a new driveway.
Mr. Poruban suggested obtaining the minutes for November and December of 1998 for both the DPW and the Council to find out the initial action by both parties.
Mr. Perone inquired whether DPW has replaced a driveway in the past. Mr. Romano stated that to obtain an easement, the homeowner would have had the driveway repaved.
Mr. Perone said that the minutes would be gathered so that it could be determined where the confusion took place. The item will be discussed at the next meeting in July. Ms. Linnartz will contact Ms. Berglund to attend.
North Taylor Avenue Drainage
Mr. Romano spoke with Conservation to start the permit process. They needed two items; permission from the property owners in order to walk the properties involved; and permission from the owners that they were aware of what DPW was doing. It was not for them to agree to anything, just information. DPW is in the process of getting these signed documents and they are being actively forwarded to Conservation.
Mr. Romano stated that he needed direction from this Committee. He needed to know whether there would be an assessment of these properties once drainage piping is installed. He summarized the issue by stating that two properties have a 12 inches pipe running through their land. If they are assessed for installation of a larger pipe, they will fight it, as they do not benefit from the change. They do not get water, no matter how much rain falls. The McGregor property floods. It gets water from the catch basins and the open channel. Mr. McGregor would be opposed to an assessment directly on his property. The wetlands are another issue. There would be a 200 foot intrusion into the channel. There are two other plans of runoff into the wetlands. There are no easements or legal obligation of the City to go into the wetlands. If the City takes an easement, it is obligated to cleaning out the pipes and the channel. He stated that if there is a large cleaning job, it is sent out to bid. There is no way to clean out a channel in the wetland.
Mr. Perone asked what the feeling would be of the property owners if they were assessed. Mr. Romano stated he did not know, especially the two properties that have piping running through them now. He said that if the assessment is imposed, the homeowner would have ten years to pay it.
Mr. Linnartz said that the Freeholders process would be used to determine the damage of the easement that would cause a reduction in property.
Mr. Perone asked what the long term cost would be for maintaining the easement. Mr. Romano said the City has a poor record of maintaining piping of this nature throughout the City.
Mr. Kimmel inquired about the flooding on Cranbury Road. Mr. Linnartz explained what took place to give the owners a release from flooding.
Mr. Romano summarized that DPW will be going to Conservation at the second meeting in June and a public hearing will be set. He was unsure of what Conservation would decide on the permit that has been requested.
Mr. Perone said this Committee has a responsibility to the homeowners.
Mr. Kimmel asked what the overall cost would be. Mr. Linnartz stated that three years ago it was $150,000. That figure would have to be updated.
Mr. Romano said determined upon what Conservation says, DPW may or not be able to go forward with this project.
Ms. Lauricella commented with regard to the project on North Taylor Avenue. She said that she and the neighbors would be lobbying the Committee. She said that they were disappointed that Conservation has not worked with DPW to make the project successful. She said it is mostly an engineering project. Dropping the water level will leave an unpleasant odor and an ineffective wetland. Some homeowners have had their properties evaluated and they have been reduced in value.
Mr. Linnartz stated that once DPW brings the water down to a certain point, then the neighbors would have to individually approach Conservation on how to improve their backyards. The drained wetland would then be able to take on the flood water.
Ms. Lauricella also suggested that the city agencies inquire whether some of the work could be paid for through grant money. Since it is over three years, she said it is time for the Council to step in and see why this project is still not moving forward to completion. She further stated that Ferris Hill contributes to the wetlands and that might be something to look into. She also said that limiting the consultant's work south of Benedict Street to determine if that area was part of the wetland is of importance. Mosquitoes are a real issue as well.
Mr. Kimmel asked whether other areas have come to the City, such as Burlington Court. Mr. Romano stated that they have and the pipes have been cleared and some of the areas have open channels.
Ms. Lauricella commented that this problem increased only in the last five or ten years. Many residents have lived there for 30 years and recall they did not have this water problem.
Olmstead Place Drainage
Mr. Romano presented a letter dated May 7, 2003, regarding flooding on September 2, 2002. Attorney Spahr's letter indicated no responsibility lay with the City with regard to the flooding on personal property. All claims were denied. Mr. Romano stated that there are homes that have illegal hookups that may have contributed to their problem.
Ms. Cece said there are three issues. One is the illegal hookups to the sewer system that affect the neighbors when it rains a lot. She said that Attorney Spahr's last paragraph in the letter actually leaves the claims open. He said the burden of proof is with the homeowners, not the City. She said that documentation needs to be pulled from the DPW files to show the system is at fault. Ms. Cece inquired whether money could be set aside for a study on this problem. She said that the flooding has caused mold and mildew. The only repairs have been "patches."
Mr. Kimmel asked what happened on this Memorial Day. Ms. Cece said there was only 2.5 inches versus 4.0 inches that caused bubbling up of water in the catch basins along the street and in basements. She said DPW cleaned the catch basins. She asked if the street cleaning for their street could be moved up from mid-June. The trees have dropped so much debris, the catch basins are clogged.
Mr. Perone suggested contacting the neighbors who are illegally hooked up to the city drainage plan. Mr. Romano stated that no one is grandfathered for hookup to the system.
Neighbors discussed where their homes sit on Olmstead and how the water fills up their yards and homes.
Mr. Romano said once a study is performed, it would be determined what it would take to get a 25-year storm pipe for control. Mr. Perone said his feeling was that if the Committee could do something in the next budget, a study should be performed.
Ms. Cece asked what would be the next step with their claim. It was suggested that the Claims Committee might be the next step. Mr. Perone suggested looking at the problem and pinpointing what and where it is.
Mr. Hillard returned to the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Ms. Rivas returned to the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
Mr. Linnartz stated that the cost could possibly be $150,000 to conduct a survey regarding the piping on Olmstead Place. Some proposals with preliminary costs would be gathered in order to prepare for financing next year.
Mr. Kimmel explained that this type of situation would not go to the Council against the legal counsel's rendering. He said there is nothing that requires approval or disapproval.
Ms. Cece said that in order to get the information through Council she would have to pull 40 years of information from DPW and other agencies involved.
Mr. Kimmel stated that this was the first time that he has seen an issue that is in Committee and is also going through Corporation Counsel.
Mr. Perone summarized that the Committee is not a legal entity. He suggested that the homeowners go back to DPW to obtain information on Olmstead Place relative to flooding. Mr. Romano commented that he can give them specific information on work performed on the storm drains, catch basins or pipe installation. Mr. Romano indicated that a letter from Ms. Cece would initiate the search for the documentation.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO DISCUSS BRENNER ROAD
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Romano stated that there is a small portion of Brenner Road in Wilton.
The Committee was asked last year to pave it. The reply was no. Mr. Grumman
found that it was never a street accepted by Wilton. As far as Norwalk is concerned,
it is private property. It does not belong to Norwalk. The road cannot be overlayed.
It has to be ripped out and reconstructed at approximately $4,000.
Mr. Silverstein brought in paperwork regarding Wilton stating it is not a Wilton
Street. Norwalk does plow all of Brenner during the winter months.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE PAVING THE OPEN SECTION OF BRENNER ROAD ENTERING
WILTON.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - MAY 6, 2003
May 6, 2003
** MS. RIVAS MOVED ACCEPTANCE OF THE MAY 6TH MINUTES.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
May 21, 2003- Joint Public Works Committee and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee
** MS. RIVAS MOVED ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES WITH CORRECTIONS.
The following corrections were made:
Page 2 removed paragraphs 6 and 7.
Page 3 paragraph 4, line 1, insert "asked" whether
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with the Lowest Responsible Bidder, for Project No. SS 2003-3, Proposed Sanitary Sewers to be Constructed on Crooked Trail Avenue, Barnfield Road, Roton Trunk Sewer Extension and Pipe Jackings under Metro North Railroad, for a sum not to exceed $550,730
Authorize the Acting Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to Complete Construction for Project No. SS 2003-3, Proposed Sanitary Sewers to be Constructed on Crooked Trail Avenue, Barnfield Road, Roton Trunk Sewer Extension and Pipe Jackings under Metro North Railroad Part A, for a sum not to exceed $55,073
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP,
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR PROJECT NO.
SS 2003-3, PROPOSED SANITARY SEWERS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON CROOKED TRAIL AVENUE,
BARNFIELD ROAD, ROTON TRUNK SEWER EXTENSION AND PIPE JACKINGS UNDER METRO NORTH
RAILROAD, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $550,730 AND;
AUTHORIZE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE ORDERS ON CONTRACT TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION FOR PROJECT NO. SS 2003-3, PROPOSED SANITARY SEWERS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON CROOKED TRAIL AVENUE, BARNFIELD ROAD, ROTON TRUNK SEWER EXTENSION AND PIPE JACKINGS UNDER METRO NORTH RAILROAD PART A, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $55,073.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a Lease Agreement between the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, and the City of Norwalk, Agreement No. 7.02-01(01), Rail File No. (102) 7001-MISC-560, and to execute any amendments, revisions or other documents relating to said Agreement
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED THE ITEM TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AND THE CITY
OF NORWALK, AGREEMENT NO. 7.02-01(01), RAIL FILE NO. (102) 7001-MISC-560, AND
TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS, REVISIONS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SAID AGREEMENT.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Approve the revised Freeholder's Report to Assess the Benefits and Damages resulting from the construction of Sanitary Sewers on Old Field Road, Old Field Place and a portion of Witch Lane for District 5, B2, Lot 194 on Old Field Road
Mr. Linnartz said that there is a house at the end of Old Field that was pumping to Highland Avenue. This is to extend the project to their property. This adds one more house to the end of the line.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE REVISED FREEHOLDER'S
REPORT TO ASSESS THE BENEFITS AND DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF
SANITARY SEWERS ON OLD FIELD ROAD, OLD FIELD PLACE AND A PORTION OF WITCH LANE
FOR DISTRICT 5, B2, LOT 194 ON OLD FIELD ROAD
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with FGB Construction for Project No. 4R 2003-1, Proposed 4R pavement Management Program, for a sum not to exceed $1,632,994.08
Authorize the Acting Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to FGB Construction for Project No. 4R 2003-1, Proposed 4R Pavement Management Program, for a sum not to exceed $163,299
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP,
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH FGB CONSTRUCTION FOR PROJECT NO. 4R 2003-1, PROPOSED
4R PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $1,632,994.08; AND
AUTHORIZE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE ORDERS ON CONTRACT TO FGB CONSTRUCTION FOR PROJECT NO. 4R 2003-1, PROPOSED 4R PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $163,299
Mr. Linnartz recounted who bid on the project and who was chosen. DPW recommended the project be given to FGB Construction.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Michelle Dalling and Daughter's to haul street sweepings for a sum not to exceed $14/ton
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO
ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO MICHELLE DALLING AND DAUGHTER'S TO HAUL STREET SWEEPINGS
FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $14/TON
Mr. Linnartz said this company began the work and will continue as the new budget unfolds on July 1, 2003.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Morande Automotive Family to purchase a utility vehicle for a sum not to exceed $30,000
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO
ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO MORANDE AUTOMOTIVE FAMILY TO PURCHASE A UTILITY VEHICLE
FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $30,000
Mr. Linnartz commented that his item was approved by the Board Estimate and Taxation on Monday, June 2, 2003. Mr. Kimmel suggested that the item go to the Council as a discussion item.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with Sound Construction for Project No. RD 2003-2, Proposed Concrete Sidewalk and Curbs at Various Locations and Woodward Avenue Streetscape Improvements, for a sum not to exceed $13,831
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP,
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUND CONSTRUCTION FOR PROJECT NO. RD 2003-2, PROPOSED
CONCRETE SIDEWALK AND CURBS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND WOODWARD AVENUE STREETSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $13,831
Mr. Linnartz stated that there are two parts to this contract. It is being reimbursed in part by Redevelopment. Sound Construction was recommended for the award.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to enter into a License Agreement with Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) to construct and maintain sanitary sewers in connection with the Roton Trunk Sanitary Sewer Project
** MS. RIVAS MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP,
TO ENTER INTO A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH CONNECTICUT LIGHT & POWER (CL&P)
TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN SANITARY SEWERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROTON TRUNK
SANITARY SEWER PROJECT.
Mr. Linnartz said this is a contract to use their property for the Roton Trunk Sewer Project. This allows the City to work on their property and it must be signed by the Mayor.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Fleet National Bank for the operation of an ATM machine at the South Norwalk Railroad Station for a 2-year period for a lease sum of $6,180 per year for fiscal year 2003-04 and to increase by 3% for fiscal year 2004-05
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A.
KNOPP, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH FLEET NATIONAL BANK
FOR THE OPERATION OF AN ATM MACHINE AT THE SOUTH NORWALK RAILROAD STATION FOR
A 2-YEAR PERIOD FOR A LEASE SUM OF $6,180 PER YEAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 AND
TO INCREASE BY 3% FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-05
This is a renewal agreement for the existing ATM at the railroad station.
Mr. Perone suggested bidding the process out to other companies who are in the business of ATMs. Mr. Poruban suggested putting out an RFP for an ATM in both City Hall and the railroad station.
Mr. Perone suggested not going with a two-year agreement with Fleet and going out to bid with an RFP. The question was whether Fleet would go month-to-month until a bidder was chosen.
** MR. PORUBAN RESCINDED HIS ORIGINAL MOTION.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO REJECT THE CURRENT BIDS AND PUT
OUT AN RFP FOR ATMS.
** MPU
Authorize the Acting Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to Star Construction, for Project No. RD 2002-2, Proposed Concrete Sidewalks and Curbs., for the repair of the water meter pit at the Public Works Center leaf site, for a sum not to exceed $5,300
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE ORDERS ON CONTRACT TO STAR CONSTRUCTION, FOR PROJECT NO.
RD 2002-2, PROPOSED CONCRETE SIDEWALKS AND CURBS., FOR THE REPAIR OF THE WATER
METER PIT AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER LEAF SITE, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $5,300.
.
Mr. Romano said this is for the sewage water treatment plant. This is a bilco
door that was damaged. Star Construction was the chosen bidder.
Mr. Prouban asked whether the door will be subject to salt and sand that would cause the doors to deteriorate. Mr. Romano said it has a 25-year warranty and that it would not be sanded or salted. A steel door would be more costly.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc., to provide professional engineering services, in connection with the Rehabilitation of the Wall Street Bridge, for a sum not to exceed $12,180
This is work that needs to be done under the bridge. There is a State grant at 39% to do this work. Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc. was chosen at $12,180.00 based on their experience. A scope and pricing document was submitted and DG was chosen.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, ALEX A. KNOPP,
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH DEWBERRY-GOODKIND, INC., TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES, IN CONNECTION WITH THE REHABILITATION OF THE WALL STREET
BRIDGE, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $12,180
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO DISCUSS THE CONTRACT WITH COFFEE
CREATIONS.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Kimmel said that the shop is not open for the 5:00 a.m. trains. The shop is not open as it should be. The trash IS not removed as it should be.
Mr. Linnartz stated there is a meeting with the vendor to discuss the trash issue and the time that they are supposed to open. Their contract designates the time they are supposed to be open each day. There will be a meeting at 2:00 p.m. on June 4, 2003.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alvina L. Richardson Decker
Telesco Secretarial Services
|
|
|