Public Works & Facilities Commission

PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 11, 2024 TIME: 6:30 P.M. Via WebEX.com MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT Members Present: Councilman Gene Nocera Councilwoman Leslie Spatola Councilman Tony Gennaro Councilman Darnell Ford Councilman Grady Faulkner Councilwoman Linda Salafia Staff Present: Howard Weissberg, P.E., Acting Director of Public Works Cathy Lechowicz, Director of Recreation and Community Services Public: Patti Nettis Deegan, Philip Nettis The meeting was called to order by Councilman Nocera at 6:37 pm. Councilwoman Gennaro made a motion to remove the dog park from old business, Councilwoman Spatola seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion to approve meeting minutes from November 13 made by Councilman Gennaro, seconded by Coucilwoman Spatola. Minutes approved unanimously PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: Philip Nettis and Patti Nettis Deegan-asked for an update on Dripps Road and expressed concern regarding drainage and run off. Acting Director Weissberg responded regarding plans for Dripps Road and reducing sedimentation. CORRESPONDENCE-none NEW BUSINESS: a. 126 Pine Street-drainage issue-Councilman Nocera reported that a resident has complained that previous road work created drainage issues, AD Weissberg will look into the issue. b. Movement of Shed from Skating Rink to Harbor Park-Cathy Lechowicz spoke about the shed at Vet’s park being used at Harbor Park to accommodate the non-essential rowing equipment that is there. Discussion regarding decommissioning of skating rink and what will be done with the equipment in the future. c. Sanitation District 2 CY Dumpster Fee-Looking to add a 2 cubic yard dumpster picked up 4 times a week to the fee list. Fee list distributed with agenda. The commissioners would like to see the full fee schedule before voting. Motion to table vote made by Councilman Gennaro, seconded by Councilwoman Spatola. Motion carried unanimously. d. Public Works Nuisance Special Pick up fee-Discussion about assessing a fee when residents do not follow the bulk waste pick-up policy. Tabled to next meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Reported on by Acting Director Weissberg a. Smith Park – Playground is working great. Public Works submitted a grant application and received funds for a pavilion and a restroom trailer. b. Westfield Safety Concerns-Sign software is being finalized, the new Paint Shop staff is doing a wonderful job. *Councilman Gennaro asked about stop signs near Pat Kidney Field and Newtown Street, AD Weissberg is working on safely removing the Stop Sign on Gowin c. Chamberlain Hill Rd Update-A lot of hot in place paving was completed, as well as work on Chauncey and Lyceum. Drainage work on Chamberlain Hill is scheduled for March. d. Saybrook Road Update-AD Weissberg reached out to Council Majority and Minority Leaders and is working to schedule a public information meeting. Councilman Nocera shared that there is a WebEx meeting scheduled for Jan. 2nd at 6:30pm. e. Sanitation Update-Continuing with the bag program, and waiting for the numbers to come in regarding compliance rates. f. West Lake Park-There is an active quote for fence repair, the council has approved the funding for culvert design and repair. g. Pameacha Pond-AD Weissberg received report from BL Industries-repairing the dam was a significantly less expensive alternative. h. Route 9 Update-AD Weissberg reported that DOT is still in the environmental studies phase of the project, and hopes that there will be an Informational Meeting in April. i. Bench donation from Civitan/Patti Vassia-Councilman Nocera spoke with Patti Vassia and the committee is going to look at Smith Park and Harbor Park as potential locations. j. Silvermine Road, No Thru Trucks-Voted in favor of putting up the signs at the last meeting OTHER: Reported on by Acting Director Howard Weissberg a. Department Updates-still facing 7 vacancies in the department and upcoming retirements. b. November 2024 Monthly Report – Highway Division-distributed with agenda c. November 2024 Monthly Report –Parks Division-distributed with agenda d. November 2024 Public Works Overtime Report -distributed with agenda e. November 2024 Building Permits-none f. November 2024 Recycling Coordinators Report-distributed with agenda Adjourn – Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Gennaro, seconded by Councilwoman Spatola. Motion passed unanimously.