Public Works & Facilities Commission

PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 TIME: 7:00 P.M. MUNICIPAL BUILDING ROOM 208 MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT Members Present: Councilman Carl. R. Chisem Councilman Sebastian Giuliano Councilman Thomas Serra Councilman Gene Nocera Staff Present: William Russo, Director of Public Works Christopher M. Holden, P.E., Deputy Director of Public Works Joseph Samolis, Director of Planning, Conservation & Development Absent: Councilman Philip Pessina Others: David Coleman, 179 Butternut Street Nathan Gertcher, Engineer for Butternut Street Project Tony Trotta, Middletown Resident Chair Chisem opened the Public Works & Facilities Commission meeting at 7:00 P.M. Chair Chisem requested a motion to approve the minutes dated February 15, 2018. Motion to approve the minutes was seconded and approved unanimously. Deputy Director Holden stated that the information handed out regarding the Butternut drainage issue should be discussed at this meeting. Councilman Serra made a motion to waive the rules to add this topic to the agenda before correspondence. Councilman Serra also noted that Mr. Trotta, a member from the public present at the meeting, have a chance to speak during this time as well. Motion to allow both discussions was seconded and approved unanimously. Director Russo mentioned that item 5e, Route 9 Construction Discussion, was added when the agenda was amended. Councilman Serra made a motion to allow for this discussion as well. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: Deputy Director Holden spoke in regards to the Butternut drainage issue. He stated that Mr. Coleman had purchased the property at 179 Butternut Street which is where much drainage comes down. After some investigating to figure out where the water was coming from, it originally appeared that it was coming from the cemetery. Since it was perplexing that that much water would be coming from off of the cemetery, they decided to dig deeper. They found that Sunset Terrace and Intown Terrace actually drain through a drainage pipe out into the cemetery property. There is also some dramatic erosion at 179 Butternut Street where some of the pipes are dislodged near the road. Much of this settlement gets carried down to the City property which effects storm water sampling. Mr. Coleman had an engineer, present at this meeting, evaluate this area to determine whether or not the drainage can handle all of the water. Nathan Gertcher, (firm name unclear) project manager of engineering and environmental services out of New Haven, Connecticut, discussed the drainage and erosion issue in further detail using an aerial map. Possible solutions were looked into by some in-house staff. Drainage and drainage reconfiguring should be added to Sunset Terrace along with drainage infrastructure to help limit the discharge. At this point, the existing network will be able to be assessed to see what needs to be upgraded to support the additional Stormwater runoff. Councilman Serra asked what the drainage issue will cost to correct. Nathan stated that assuming that no new structures are needed; it will cost $30.00 per linear foot. Councilman Serra stated that he will not support an appropriation. The funds can be found in the bond fund balance or have the funds rearranged. Deputy Director Holden mentioned the additional costs for removing and reconnecting the drainage on the Butternut Street property. He was wondering if those costs can be footed by the owner, David Coleman. David responded saying that he will give it some serious consideration. In building the 5 new 4-unit buildings plus the site work improvements for that parcel, he figures he will be anywhere between 2 million and 2.5 million dollars. In lieu of any additional costs, the cheapest solution for Mr. Coleman would be to eliminate the two buildings on the property and leave the drainage issue as is. This will still leave the issues at the cemetery and the City Yard. The Commission discussed how they would rather Mr. Coleman fix the drainage issues and have the property be used to its full potential since it will benefit more than just himself. Councilman Nocera asked if this project will affect Butternut Pond and if it will be connected with the Parks bond. Deputy Director Holden stated that it will definitely clean up the sediment going into the pond. Director Russo stated that the numbers will be discussed with the Engineering Department along with the plan review. Councilman Serra made a motion to endorse the project to move forward as long as an appropriate bond is used for funding so that no appropriations are needed. The drainage leading towards City Yard will have to be included on the plans to fix the drainage issues as well. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. This item will be added back on to the agenda for next month. Tony Trotta, Middletown resident, stated his concerns with the sidewalk between his house and his next-door neighbors not being shoveled after a snow storm. He wanted to know where he can go to have this issue taken care of. He mentioned how he has called and gone to the Public Works Department multiple times to reach out to the Conformance Inspector and has gotten no response. He was told that the inspector would stop by which did not happen. Tony showed pictures of the un-shoveled sidewalk to the Commission and stated that he wishes to have the neighbor be fined per the City ordinance. Director Russo stated that the plowing did not end until 9:00 P.M. last night. The ordinance states that homeowners have 24 hours to remove any snow off of their sidewalks. He sent Rick Romano to the house earlier today and had to tell him to leave since the neighbor was not courteous towards the situation. After hearing Rick’s story, it appears that there is a real neighborhood dispute. The property line is unknown since there are no pins marking the territory. Each neighbor is stating that the snow is not on their property. Rick will be back to the property first thing in the morning as he has been many times. If the sidewalk is not shoveled in the morning, the process will begin towards having it removed. The City will have to shovel it, the person responsible will be fined and property lines will be determined. CORRESPONDENCE: Director Russo stated that there is no correspondence at this time. NEW BUSINESS: a. 2018-2019 Budget – Director Russo stated that his budget meeting was postponed with the Mayor from yesterday to tomorrow. He wanted the Commission to take a look at the few changes that have been made since last fiscal year. Director Russo stated that Local 466 is getting 2.5% raises. Single stream recycling used to be free, however, now there is a $31,350.00 charge to the City which comes out of the General Fund. The only thing that is paid for now is cardboard; there is a charge to dispose of everything else. A Public Safety Mechanic at the regular Master Mechanic pay has been added to the budget since the current mechanics are fixing a total of 130 cars. There will be documentation available at the next Public Works and Facilities Commission meeting for the Commission to view in further detail regarding this position. Another additive to the new budget is the charging stations for the electric cars. The maintenance and the cars came from a three year grant. After the three years is up, the City has to pay $20,000.00 annually. A part time, 20-hour position for a custodian for Oddfellows and Green Street Arts Center was added totaling $22,000.00 until they are leased or sold. Heating, air conditioning and maintenance lines were added for each building for $35,000.00 each. The lease states that the lease holder is responsible for all of the maintenance.  In total, Public Works Department will be undergoing an increase of $181,000.00 in the operating budget. Director Russo stated that he will be presenting this to the Mayor tomorrow and then on April 17, 2018 it will be presented to the Common Council. b. Building Permit Refund – 522 Maple Shade Road; $157.86 – Councilman Serra moved that the refund be given to the applicant for 522 Maple Shade Road. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. c. Middlesex County Historical Society 33rd Annual Antique Car Show / Flea Market – A motion was made to move approval for the Middlesex County Historical Society 33 rd Annual Antique Car Show / Flea Market. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. d. Naming of Palmer Field Press Box – Jim Bransfield – Councilman Serra questioned whether or not the son’s name, Dana Bransfield, goes on the press box. Director Russo stated that Dana’s name is located inside the press box. He believes that Middletown High will be asking this Commission to name their football press box after Jim Bransfield as well. The naming of the press boxes, if approved, will be: “Jim Bransfield football press box” and “Jim and Dana Bransfield baseball press box.” The Commission agreed to wait for approval until Middletown High School approaches the Commission for the naming of their football press box. At this point, all three press boxes will be able to be approved after one public hearing. Councilman Serra moved that this Commission endorses what the Board of Education does. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. e. Route 9 Construction Discussion – Director Russo stated that there is a public hearing on March 22, 2018 for the Route 9 construction. Councilman Serra stated that he heard that the Commissioner was not going to fund this project. He also wanted to know what responsibility falls upon this Commission and if there is any input on this. Deputy Director Holden stated that Police and Fire have had input at prior meetings with the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.). One of the major topics of conversation was getting around the corner of Main Street and Washington Street. Some additional provisions in that turning area will allow for larger trucks to make it around the corner. Originally there were parking spaces in the spot where the bump-out will be added. Therefore, no additional roadway will be taken by adding the turn lane into the plans. This will also reduce the amount of time it takes to cross the street so that there will be more green light time going down Main Street so that more cars will flow through. Deputy Director Holden stated that the traffic circle and the elevation will be gone; instead, a flyover will be added. There will be a few properties affected by these changes and they have already been met with. Some may have to relocate their business to be able to obtain those properties. Director Russo mentioned that he believes this project will begin in the fall. Councilman Giuliano stated his concerns with the new construction and how the back-up from the bridge will still be an existing issue. Councilman Serra asked Deputy Director Holden what in his opinion, as an engineer, can be improved so that the Middletown residents will have an answer when they ask about these difficulties especially concerning the bump outs. Councilman Nocera stated that the bump outs are changing Main Street forever. Deputy Director Holden stated that he believes the design is good and that the bump outs are only going where the cars are parked. They will not go beyond the end of where the cars are parked. No lanes will be reduced, only dead space behind the parking stalls will be taken. Deputy Director Holden stated that there will be an off-ramp on Rapallo Avenue. The end of the street, going west, will be converted to a one-way. Joe Samolis, Director of Planning, Conservation and Development, stated that since there will be increased traffic due to this change, in order to accomplish the potential increase in the traffic flow, the bump outs will be needed. Councilman Serra questioned his opinion and wants to know who the flow would be helpful to. Deputy Director Holden stated that when exiting the off-ramp there will be a two-way option. Rapallo Avenue heading towards Eli Cannon’s will be a one way to Eli Cannon’s. There will be two lanes at the light and one lane for parking. The two lanes at the light will consist of a right turn only lane and a 3-way turn on the left hand side. The signal light will be changed at the intersection of Grand Street and Main Street so that so that the traffic flow from both sides will not be going at the same time. Councilman Serra asked Director Samolis if this project is funded. Director Samolis stated that they have money for the planning stages, but as of right now there is not an earmark specifically for this project. He believes that it will be funded down the road which is why they are still moving forward with it. He indicated that the pedestrians will benefit from these changes with the safer crossing areas. Another benefit which is not shown on the map copy is the walkover almost like a skyline from the Riverview Center over to the river front.  Director Russo stated that he just wanted Deputy Director Holden to inform the Commission on the plans for the Route 9 Construction Project. There will be a meeting held with them on March 22, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. at Middletown High School if anyone is interested in attending. OLD BUSINESS: a. February 2018 Public Works Overtime Report – Councilman Serra asked what is left for funds for the Public Works overtime. Director Russo said that $265,000.00 was used out of Town Aid. The General Fund consists of $106,000.00. This last storm probably went over the Town Aid funds, however, the numbers have not been determined as of yet. Once it is determined, Director Russo will have to present them to the Finance and Government Commission and he will email the numbers to this Commission as well. It will then have to go to the Common Council for their April 2018 meeting. b. February 2018 Building Permits – Director Russo stated that the revenue side is projected at $550,000.00 for permits which was met this year with total revenue at $658,000.00 so far with another three months to go. OTHER: a. February 2018 Monthly Report – Highway Division – The Public Works & Facilities Commission reviewed their February 2018 monthly reports for the Highway Division. Deputy Director Holden gave a quick update on road projects. Next week, the bids will be opening for the Millbrook Road Construction project. The Old Mill Road project is in the pre- construction phase which will be starting soon. Councilman Serra stated that the Commission and/or the Department should come up with some streets relative to the bottom line number and prioritize streets that could be done using those numbers. For example, how much it would cost to do an overlay on certain streets that are in need of attention. The list can then be prioritized and the numbers can be discussed. b. February 2018 Overtime Report – Parks Division – At this time, there is no overtime report for the Parks Division for the month of January 2018. Director Russo stated that Parks overtime is in good standings. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: As there was no further discussion, a motion was made to end the meeting. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The Public Works & Facilities Commission meeting adjourned at 8:21 P.M.