Public Works & Facilities Commission

PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY May 11, 2022 TIME: 6:30 P.M. Via WebEX.com MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT Members Present: Councilman Gene Nocera Councilman Darnell Ford Councilman Philip Pessina Staff Present: Christopher M. Holden, P.E., Acting Director of Public Works Cathy Lechowicz, Director of Recreation Others Present: Michael Doherty – SLR International Corporation Public: Angelo Bonamico, Dan Penney, Ashwin Purohit The meeting was called to order by Councilman Nocera at 6:33 p.m. Councilman Darnell Ford moved to approve the Meeting Minutes dated April 13, 2022. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pessina. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS – LYCEUM ROAD Dan Penney, 1101 Chamberlain Hill Road: Mr. Penney stated that he walks in the area just about every day. Lyceum Road has become a kind of hang out or gathering area. From dirt bikes to quads that have gone over the woodchip piles and knocked them down. Also, a lot of peel outs and burn outs in the center of the road. People know that public safety or police cannot easily access the road. More people are spending time on the road than ever before. He is looking forward to hearing what the update is. His neighbor would also like to speak, but has not arrived to the meeting yet. Ashwin Purohit, 96 Elizabeth Lane: He has nothing specific at this time, but did send correspondence for the last meeting. He supports the reopening of Lyceum Road. A lot of the issues in the area seem to be related to drainage, in general, of Sumner Brook. He found the study, and the presentation by the engineers, at the last meeting, to be excellent findings and information. He supports their findings and hopes that if the level is reduced in Sumner Brook that will help Lyceum Road, and other roadways in the area. As there were no other members of the public present, public comment was closed. CORRESPONDENCE: None NEW BUSINESS: a. 2022 Connecticut Recycling Conference – Kim O’Rourke Registration $75.00 Christopher Holden recommended that Kim O’Rourke attend the Conference. Councilman Pessina moved to approve Kim’s attendance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Darnell Ford. Motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: a. Lyceum Road – Christopher Holden reported that the Chief Engineer has reviewed the least expensive method, which is generally an overlay of 1.5 to 2 inches of pavement over the existing road. Based on the condition of the road, the Chief Engineer does not recommend it because that will not hold up well. The least that can be done, to make the road in acceptable condition, is to remove all of the pavement. This would be replaced with the normal 4 inches of class 1 and class 2 pavement. A total of 4” using 2” of class 1 and 2” of class 2 pavement. He shared the Construction Estimate of approximately $139,100.39 for overlay, being the least expensive option to create an improved road. This does not include any under draining. This would just be to create a smooth surface. Commission members agreed to waive the rules, allowing members of the public to ask questions, as there was a small number of people in attendance. Dan Penney, 1101 Chamberlain Hill Road: Mr. Penney asked Christopher Holden to clarify paving materials. Class 1 is the binder with the larger aggregate, and class 2 is the surface coat with the smaller aggregate. The approximate total of $139,100.39 was confirmed. Mr. Penney inquired about the swales on each side being cleared out. Christopher Holden confirmed that the swales would be cleared out, regardless of what is done with the road. Also, the approximate cost is for the entire road. Pete Sullivan, 1030 Chamberlain Hill Road: He used Lyceum Road, all of the time, for thirty to forty years. He has noticed that the road started to get worse when there wasn’t good drainage and there was water under the road all of the time. In past years, if the road was dry on both sides it was fine. His observation is that ditches fill in, cave in, and are easily plugged. He states that swales are relatively easy to maintain, and don’t cave in like ditches. This road is downhill to the center, so it is easy to drain. Mowing swales once or twice a year would keep this particular road easy to drain. Because Wilcox Road is in a residential area, with bike traffic too, he is in favor of opening Lyceum Road. Councilman Pessina reported that the South Fire District Commissioners met on May 10th and have already supported that they would like the road open. Christopher Holden reported that the appropriations have to be presented to the Common Council, which would probably be in two months. Councilman Nocera sees the $139,100.39 as a long term solution. Another option would be to ask the Common Council to add this road work to a road bond, which takes approximately two months. In the meantime, the hot box is scheduled to arrive next week. The box heats the patch material up. Christopher Holden reported that the cost of asphalt is approximately $100.00 per ton, when purchased for the patching process. There are general funds for improved road and unimproved road maintenance. Councilman Pessina asked if the target date could be July 1st. Christopher Holden shared that the hot box is being rented for two weeks, beginning next week. Councilman Nocera thanked Acting Director Holden for his efforts in obtaining the hot box, especially during this time of declining resources. Dan Penney will help get the word out to the community. He expressed appreciation for the excellent, well thought out plan, and the efforts of the Acting Director and Commission Members to get this resolved. b. Recreation Center Update – Christopher Holden reported that things are really moving forward. Director Cathy Lechowicz was able to move into her office. Eversource is working on a repair to the main switch to the building. Cathy Lechowicz gave a shout out to Acting Director Holden for being able to move staff into the building, it has really helped things at the Senior Center. Councilman Nocera gave a shout out to Cathy Lechowicz for orchestrating the move, and to Acting Director Holden. Councilman Pessina inquired if a press release will be going out so that people can register for camps. Cathy Lechowicz did post the information on Facebook. Also, there are staff members working at the Senior Center, and Recreation Center, who can serve the public wherever they arrive. c. Veterans Pool and Splash Pad Update – Christopher Holden reported bids have been received. The summary table was emailed to Commissioners. Michael Doherty reported that in terms of pricing there was approximately a 23% cost difference between the cost estimate and the low bidder. The low bidder is C.J. Fucci, Inc. of New Haven, with a bid of $7,777,180.00. Including the 10% contingency and inspection fee, the total is approximately 8.9 million dollars. Christopher Holden reviewed the proposed sources of funding for the project. Councilman Pessina clarified that most of the projects where fund transfers would be from, are done or nearly done, creating an excess of funds. This would be a responsible use of bond money to fund Vet’s pool. Councilman Nocera stated the priority has been well thought out. There will still be funding available for public restroom improvements, at the lifeguard building, at McCutcheon Park. Some of the work could be completed by City staff. Christopher Holden consulted with the General Counsel, as it would be transfers within the bond, he was advised that this transfer does not have to go to the Common Council. However, it is up to the Commission. Also, the road bond does not have to go to the Common Council, because Walnut Grove Road goes through the park, and is all related to the site work. Funds remaining for Harbor Park Improvements should be sufficient for work remaining, including benches. The water and drainage work that remains at Harbor Park is approximately $20,000.00 to $30,000.00. Michael Doherty stated that the cost could potentially be higher, and the design is being wrapped up this week. He hesitates to put a cost on the work, due to the volatile nature of bids currently. Helical piles are being considered, due to the high water table. The remaining funds should be adequate. Councilman Pessina moved to transfer the funds, as delineated by Acting Director Christopher Holden, in order to move the project forward. The motion was seconded by Councilman Darnell Ford. Councilman Nocera thanked Acting Director Christopher Holden for all of his planning and consideration to get this worked out, as it is extremely important. Councilman Darnell Ford clarified that there is no other process, commission or committee that this needs to go through to move money, or add this project to the bond. Christopher Holden clarified that this project is already included in the bond, and this is moving money from various lines. He will confirm with Diana Doyle and the General Counsel again, if the Commission wants to make the motion predicated on confirmation of what the process is. Councilman Pessina added to the motion to check with Finance and the General Counsel again. Councilman Darnell Ford stated that he does second the motion. Christopher Holden noted that in the bid summary there is a 10% contingency. This allows for $775,000.00 that can go toward other projects, if it is not used. Motion passed unanimously. d. Multiuse Trail Update – Michael Doherty is working through the process of getting the archeological consultant approved. When work begins it can be determined what, if any changes, will be required. Looking at the overall Newfield Corridor Study, and another informal group will meet again. Christopher Holden shared that through RiverCOG, and with John Hall, funding has been secured for a corridor study. The study of Newfield Street would include pedestrian and vehicle safety. Also, a path study to get from Portland to Meriden, as the loop going around Hartford, the eastern greenway. Funding is available from two different grants, one federal and one state. Once formally approved, it will go through the grant process. It won’t be 100% for Middletown, as Portland Airline Trail is included. However, Middletown will be in charge of the funds. Would like to connect landfill trail, and railroad bridge, to make it rail to trail. e. Fencing and Scoreboard – Scoreboard layout with fencing was shared. Councilman Pessina received confirmation from the Rotary Club that they are ordering two benches for the memorial park, as well as the plaque. These should arrive during the summer. Councilman Nocera stated this is a great victory for shared service, the field can be used during off school hours, for many purposes. Additional New Business: b. CASHO (CT Association of Street and Highway Officials) $40.00 Ticket(s) Annual Equipment Show - Christopher Holden explained that usually ten to fifteen people attend the Annual Equipment Show. Mechanics and lead staff attend to view new equipment. Tickets cost $40.00 each. He requested authorization to purchase up to 15 tickets, a total of $600.00. Councilman Pessina moved to authorize the ticket purchase. The motion was seconded by Councilman Darnell Ford. Motion passed unanimously. c. National Public Works Week Sunday, May 15, 2022 through Sunday, May 22, 2022 - This year, to celebrate the work force, there will be an open house at city yard. It will be for employees of Public Works, and their families. Acting Director Holden thinks it will be good to celebrate the work force, and acknowledge how hard they have worked during all of the challenges of the last couple of years. This celebration will include Parks, Sanitation and all of Public Works. OTHER: Reported on by Christopher Holden a. April 2022 Monthly Report - Highway Division – Preparation for paving which included fine grading, pavement removal and milling. b. April 2022 Monthly Report - Parks Division – Using overtime right now to get fields ready for play and cleaning the picnic areas. c. April 2022 Public Works Overtime Report – Overtime has been used to get streets ready for paving. The extra hours of overtime help increase daily productivity. d. April 2022 Building Permits – Permit fee revenue continues to increase, and is higher than projected. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: None Adjourn – As there were no further questions, Councilman Pessina moved to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.