Public Works & Facilities Commission

PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 TIME: 7:00 P.M. MUNICIPAL BUILDING ROOM 208 MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT Members Present: Councilman Carl. R. Chisem Councilman Sebastian Giuliano Councilman Gene Nocera Councilman Philip Pessina Absent: Councilman Thomas Serra Staff Present: William Russo, Director of Public Works Christopher M. Holden, P.E., Deputy Director of Public Works Others: Chair Chisem opened the Public Works & Facilities Commission meeting at 7:00 P.M. Chair Chisem requested a motion to approve the minutes dated March 14, 2018. Motion to approve the minutes was seconded and approved unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: CORRESPONDENCE: a. Complete Streets Committee Thank You Letter – Director Russo stated that the Complete Streets Committee sent a letter and he wanted the Commission to know about it. The Committee voted to endorse the plans developed by Chief Engineer, Thomas Nigosanti, for a bicycle route along deKoven Drive, East Main Street and Millbrook Road. They stated in the letter that the support of the City is much appreciated. The requested that they receive a schedule of the work to be done when it is available. Once Police and Public Safety approve of this work, then this Commission will be able to approve of the bike route. NEW BUSINESS: a. Winter Overtime Appropriation – Director Russo stated that the last three snow storms caused a decrease in the snow budget. The Public Works Department overtime is in good standings. The Parks Department overtime is about $9,000.00 short. The Department is looking for $125,000.00 to replenish the accounts for things such as tires, meals, mailboxes, etc. A motion was made to move approval of the Winter Overtime Appropriation. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. b. Harbor Park Fishing Event – Director Russo stated that the Harbor Park Fishing Event will be of no cost to the City. The event just needs approval from this Commission to host the event at Harbor Park.  A motion was made to approve of the Harbor Park Fishing Event. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. c. Multi-use Trail Ordinance – Deputy Director Holden stated that the multi-use trails are a combination of biking and walking. There are several throughout the City already including the Westlake Bikeway and the Mattabassett Trail. The definition of Multi-use Trail has been updated in the ordinance, 214-40 – Multi-use trail regulations. There was also some concern regarding the recreational use of River Road between the Silver Street intersection and the Eastern Drive intersection. It was being debated whether or not that road should be considered multi-use trail since it is a public road that is closed. Based on the security concerns, it will be removed from the multi-use trail. As multi-use trails expand, the ordinance will be updated accordingly and will include a list of multi- use trails. A motion was made to approve of the multi-use trail ordinance. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: a. March 2018 Public Works Overtime Report – Director Russo stated that the overtime in March was mostly for the 4 Nor’easters in Connecticut. b. March 2018 Building Permits – The Public Works & Facilities Commission reviewed their March 2018 Building Permits. Director Russo stated that $550,000.00 was the projected amount and the Department is well over $600,000.00 currently with the busy season still ahead. OTHER: a. March 2018 Monthly Report – Highway Division – The Public Works & Facilities Commission reviewed their March 2018 monthly reports for the Highway Division. b. March 2018 Overtime Report – Parks Division – At this time, there is no overtime report for the Parks Division for the month of January 2018. However, Director Russo stated that their overtime was for snow as well. Director Russo added that by the end of April, the baseball side of Palmer Field should be just about done. The vinyl will be up on the buildings tomorrow. The pavers in front of the concession stand are just about done and the roof trusses on the concession stand are going up as well. There is a little bit of fencing that will need to be installed. The warning track is in and the infield mix is made up of the latest product called DuraEdge. This product truly helps eliminate puddles which will help eliminate maintenance and upkeep. The interior has been laid out by Sal Nesci, Public Health Manager, to ensure that the health code is up to date. All building codes will be up to date as well since the inspectors have been sitting in on every meeting that pertains to the Palmer Field renovations. One of the Councilmen brought up a conversation that was made during the last Commission meeting in regards to taking a drive to some streets in Middletown that are in bad condition. Dates were discussed for a meeting to be held come up with a plan of action for overlays or skim coats.  Most likely, it will be a Saturday. Director Russo mentioned that he will open it up to the whole council to see if they will be interested in meeting as well. Millbrook Road was awarded to DeRita and the job will begin on May 1, 2018 with the RiverCOG money that was secured. Deputy Director Holden stated that the Old Mill Road and Barbara Road neighborhood will also begin work on May 1, 2018. This will include water and sewer, drainage and road repairs. 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 7:34 P.M.