City Council - Public Works Committee

CHICOPEE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE APPROVED 8-25-2014 MEMBERS Fred Krampits Frank Laflamme Shane Brooks Gary Labrie Gerry Roy MINUTES June 18, 2014 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 6:30 PM at City Hall, Council Chambers, 4th floor, City Hall Annex. Members Present Krampits, Laflamme, Brooks, Labrie, Roy Also Present Daniel Garvey (Associate City Solicitor), Councilor Tillotson, Councilor Vieau, Tom Shea (Chief Operator), Steve Frederick (City Engineer), Jeff Neece (DPW Superintendent), Kate Brown (Planning Director), Chris Chaban (Assistant City Engineer), Victor Anop (Assessor), Bob Lemay (Senior Operator). In compliance with the open meeting laws the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. ITEM #1 ORDERED THAT the City Council consider ways to deterring motor vehicle access at the end of Raymond Avenue to protect the levy dike system along the Connecticut River. Joseph Turnbull, 60 George Street, and Normand Boyer, 82 Raymond Avenue were present at the meeting. They both stated that people trying to access the dike or just thinking that there is a cut through to the next street drive through their properties. Tom Shea stated that he doesn’t want to install any type of gate or electric poles because he feels that it will make Mr. Turnbull’s and Mr. Boyer’s properties look unattractive. He further stated that it’s very important that anyone who sees vehicles trespassing should contact the Police Department immediately. Motion made by Councilor Brooks and second by Councilor Laflamme to approve the following recommendations: 1. Install “No Access” or “No Outlet” sign at corner of Raymond and George Streets 2. Brush cut back at 42 George Street next to the dike 3. Residents to contact Police when they see unknown vehicles Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #2 ORDERED THAT the Public Works Committee meet with DPW and Chicopee Electric Light to address safety issues at the intersection of New Ludlow Road and Montcalm Street. 1 Dan Maciolek, Field Engineer, CEL was also present. Councilor Roy stated that there have been numerous accidents at this intersection. He further stated that he is not certain what at this intersection if anything is causing the accidents. Councilor Laflamme asked to see the accident reports for this intersection. He stated that it would like to look at the reports to see if there are any similarity that may indicate what improvements should be made to the intersection. Steve Frederick stated that he will ask the Police Department for the reports and he will analyze them. He spoke of redesigning the intersection. He further stated that the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission had prepared a report of the top dangerous intersections in the area and Montcalm and New Ludlow Road is not on this report. Committee felt that Steve Frederick should have the opportunity to review the accident reports before any recommendation be made. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and second by Councilor Brooks to table. Motion passed. ITEM #3 ORDERED THAT the City of Chicopee surplus the following City Parcels: Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 1 Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 2 Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 15 Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 1 is further described as .052 acres located on the east side of Meadow Street at the corner of Shaw Park Avenue. FY 2014 assessed value is $1,500. Zoning is Business A. Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 2 is further described as .043 acres located on Meadow Street abutting parcel 277-1 to the south. To the north of parcel 277-2 is an abandoned section of Roy Street – ownership undetermined. FY 2014 assessed value is $1,200. Zoning is Business A. Assessor ID Map 277 Parcel 15 is further described as .052 acres located on the west side of Meadow Street between Roy Street and Shaw Park Avenue. FY 2014 assessed value is $1,500. Zoning is Business A. Chester Dudek and Stephen Witkiewicz were present at the meeting. They abut the property in question. Steve Frederick stated that this is not an abandonment of a paper street or public right of way. This is a lot. Victor Anop stated that Mr. Witkiewicz has been paying taxes on this property. These parcels cannot be developed. Chris Chaban stated that the departments that have been contacted all responded that they have no interest in these parcels. After some discussion the committee felt that these parcels should be auctioned by the Treasurer’s Office and not go through the Council. Motion made by Council Laflamme and second by Councilor Brooks to table for review by the Law Department. Motion passed. 2 ITEM #4 ORDERED THAT the Superintendent of Public Works meet with the Public Works Committee to explain the work being done on the resurfacing project and what streets will be done. Jeff Neece stated that all CSO projects are resurfaced at the end. He further stated that this discussion is for Chapter 90 funding. He asked the committee to recommend the streets to be resurfaced from the list attached. The committee recommended the following streets: Broadway, Court, Crestwood, James, Grove, and Main. The approximate cost is $595,000.00 Motion made by Councilor Brooks and second by Councilor Laflamme to approve the six streets. Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #5 Minutes – September 18, 2014. Motion made to approve. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM. 3