Public Works Committee (Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.)

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES September 5, 2024 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Councilor Van Sickle at 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2024, in Government Center Room 204. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jenny Van Sickle, Ruth Ludwig, Nick Ledin, Tylor Elm (alt) 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jenny Van Sickle*, Ruth Ludwig, Nick Ledin City Staff Present: Todd Janigo, Chris Carlson, Kara Czapinski, Thor Trone, Steve Roberts*, Erin Abramson, Amy Homstad, Jim Paine, Linda Cadotte*, Garner Moffat* Others Present: Shelley Nelson 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Public Works Committee (Meeting held August 1, 2024) Councilor Ludwig inquired whether there would be an amendment to the minutes from August regarding item 4.3, specifically addressing the reference to the park as John Jake Ennis Memorial Park instead of Hammond Park. Amendment by Ludwig, second by Ledin to carried to approve the changes to item 4.3 in the meeting minutes. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Ledin and carried to approve the minutes from August 1, 2024. 3. PRESENTATIONS 3.1. Presentation regarding ESD’s Stormwater Flood Control Program. Amy Homstad, the manager and inspector of the Stormwater Flood Control Program for the city, delivered a concise overview of the initiative. This program represents a strategic, long-term effort to manage stormwater runoff, aiming to safeguard public health, safety, and the environment while minimizing property damage. Funded by the city, it seeks to separate clear water from sanitary wastewater. Rainwater and snowmelt can infiltrate the ground near homes, entering foundation drains, and in older residences, this water often flows directly into the sanitary sewer system. Such excess can lead to sewer overloads, causing overflows and basement backups. Eligibility for the program is limited to single- family homes within the city that have experienced basement flooding or are situated in areas with a history of sanitary sewer overflows, as well as homes that have previously participated in backwater valve initiatives. Notably, 50% of participants have house traps linked to the sanitary sewer lateral, a common feature in homes built before 1980, which can exacerbate sewer system issues during heavy rainfall, resembling small manholes in basements. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 9/05/2024 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 1 of 5 *Attended virtually  Most homes constructed before the 1940s were equipped with whole house traps, which were initially designed to prevent hazardous sewer gases from entering living spaces. These traps, typically made of cast iron and shaped like a U, are located near the foundation and tend to accumulate debris, leading to backups and complicating maintenance efforts such as cleaning and inspection. Over time, the bottoms of these traps may corrode, resulting in basement flooding. To mitigate this issue, a backwater valve is installed along the sanitary sewer lateral, functioning as a one-way mechanism that closes during periods of high flow in the public sewer, thereby minimizing the risk of sewage entering basements. Additionally, a sump pump and a new pit are set up to differentiate clear water from sanitary water, allowing the clear water to be discharged onto the ground for natural absorption. The program funding covers 100% of costs associated with the clearwater catch basin, house trap, backwater valve, sump pump, illicit connections, and the cleaning and televising of the lateral, averaging between $5,000 and $8,000 per residence. Homeowners may incur additional expenses for floor restoration, carpeting, tile painting, and the removal or restoration of stairways, walls, or other structural elements that may obstruct the work. The SFCP manager will provide homeowners with proposals from qualifying plumbing contractors, awarding the project to the lowest qualified bid, with construction typically lasting two to three days. Amy Homstad left the meeting at 5:37 p.m. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1. Consideration of additional stop signs near North 18th Street and Hughitt Avenue. Lieutenant Trone indicated that yield signs are already present in the east-west direction in this vicinity. Given its proximity to John Jack Ennis Memorial Park, he believes that establishing a four-way stop at the intersection of Hughitt Avenue and North 18th Street, while eliminating the existing yield signs, would effectively reduce traffic speed in the area. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Ledin and carried to approve removing the yield signs on North 18th Street and Hughitt Avenue and adding a four-way stop sign. 4.2. Consideration of additional stop signs at Banks Avenue near North 58th Street and North 60th Street. Councilor Ledin successfully collected feedback from residents regarding the changes in traffic patterns caused by Kwik Trip in recent years in this area. The increased traffic has spilled over into residential streets as drivers seek to bypass Tower Avenue. In response, the committee has resolved to install a north-south stop sign at the intersection of North 59th Street and Banks Avenue, as well as an east-west stop sign at North 60th Street and Banks Avenue. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 9/05/2024 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 2 of 5 *Attended virtually  MOTION by Ledin second by Ludwig and carried to approve a north-south stop sign at the intersection of North 59th Street and Banks Avenue, and an east-west stop sign at North 60th Street and Banks Avenue. 4.3. Recommendation to approve the Sidewalk Elimination Request near 5428 Cumming Avenue. The sidewalk located at the east-west corner is in poor condition and is not being used by pedestrians due to a ditch that precedes it, preventing access to the street. Councilor Moffat noted that this area falls within his district and acknowledged the sidewalks' inadequate state, leading pedestrians to walk along the road instead. The committee members reached a consensus to eliminate the sidewalk. MOTION by Van Sickle second by Ludwig and carried to approve the Sidewalk Elimination Request near 5428 Cumming Avenue. Lieutenant Trone left the meeting at 6:12 p.m. 4.4. Review Ordinance Section 62, Article II relating to the use of pesticides in the City of Superior. Councilor VanSickle underscored the importance of formulating strategies and policies to address the degradation of the city's waterways. Almost all local waterways in Superior and Douglas County are listed as impaired at the federal level. The emphasis is on creating a structured method to improve wetland management and oversee pesticide application. Mayor Paine noted that the city and county have one of the most rigorous anti-herbicide and pesticide regulations in the state, and he put forth three recommendations for enhancement. The first recommendation suggests revising Section 62-16 by concluding the sentence after "agriculture" and removing the following text, given the uncertain long-term impacts of many pesticides. The second recommendation calls for clarification in the 2019 amendment to Section 62-21, Item D, regarding pesticide use for invasive species, stipulating that both council and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry's approvals are required. Finally, he recommended enhancing communication regarding the types of pesticides utilized at the Golf Course. Councilor Moffat expressed concerns about possible state preemption laws that could limit the city's jurisdiction over private pesticide use, leading the committee to schedule further discussions at the upcoming October Public Works Committee meeting. Councilor Ledin will also seek input from the Golf Course Committee on this issue. MOTION by Van Sickle second by Ledin and carried to hold item 4.4 until the October 3, 2024, meeting. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 9/05/2024 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 3 of 5 *Attended virtually 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1. Recommendation to approve the purchase of an AFEX Fire Suppression System for the Caterpillar 826K Landfill Compactor in the amount of $26,387.18 from Fabick Cat. Director Janigo indicated that a couple of fires at the landfill have caused damage to equipment, and the implementation of this fire suppression system will assist in managing emergency fires as it is designed specifically for landfill heavy equipment. The committee sought clarification on the specific chemicals that will be used in the fire suppression system. A copy of the company's statement concerning the chemicals utilized will be attached to the meeting minutes. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Ledin and carried to approve the AFEX Fire Suppression System for the Caterpillar 826K Landfill Compactor in the amount of $26,387.18 from Fabick Cat. 5.2. Recommendation to approve the purchase of two replacement Hydrogritters for the Grit Removal System in the amount of $184,072.00 from Vessco Inc. Director Roberts indicated that the lead time for the equipment surpasses six months following the order placement. Current authorization allows for the timely acquisition of the equipment, facilitating installation in 2025. The funding for this purchase is allocated in the 2024 Wastewater Capital Improvement Project and is also designated for a 2025 acquisition. MOTION by Ledin, second by Ludwig and carried to approve the purchase of two replacement Hydrogritters for the Grit Removal System in the amount of $184,072.00 from Vessco Inc. 5.3. Recommendation to award MSA Professional Services, Inc. for the Faxon Interceptor and Creek Improvements in the amount of $160,939.00. Erin Abramson indicated that the project is progressing due to the resilient coastal projects initiative, which provided grant opportunities explored earlier this year. The preferred projects for advancement through the RCPI process include the naturalization and enhancement of Faxon Creek and improvements in Central Park. Significant sewer infrastructure, specifically a major interceptor running parallel to these areas, must be considered for any enhancements at Faxon Creek or Central Park. This interceptor is safeguarded from potential damage by creek levels through a brick half pipe. While the interceptor is functioning well, its closeness to the open channel and the condition of that channel pose constraints on the proposed improvements in Central Park. MSA Professional Services has been engaged to evaluate alternatives regarding the interceptor and to determine the most effective methods for naturalizing the creek in the vicinity of the brick half pipe, leveraging their extensive experience in creek naturalization and infrastructure protection across Wisconsin. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 9/05/2024 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 4 of 5 *Attended virtually  Steve Roberts left the meeting virtually at 7:21 p.m. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Ledin and carried to award MSA Professional Services, Inc. for the Faxon Interceptor and Creek Improvements in the amount of $160,939.00. Director Cadotte left the meeting virtually at 7:32 p.m. 6. RECURRING BUSINESS 6.1 ESD Director’s Update – Received and filed. 6.2 Director Update - 6.2.1 Hammond Avenue - North 21st Street is expected to close the intersection in approximately one week, while North 18th Street will remain open during this period. The contract stipulates that at least one of the two streets must be accessible. Progress on the project is proceeding efficiently. 6.2.2 The East 5th Street Public Meeting was highly successful, receiving positive feedback. 6.2.3 Anticipating the presentation of a proposal regarding the municipal solid waste study during the October Meeting. 6.2.4 The Billings Park Culvert Project is scheduled to commence next week, resulting in the closure of Billings Drive for several weeks. 6.2.5 The Tower Avenue Pavement Repair Project was approved at last night's council meeting, and we are now awaiting a start date. While there will be some lane closures, the project will result in new concrete being laid. 6.2.6 The current primary emphasis of the Blatnik Bridge Project is on the possible relocation of the lift station and the traffic mitigation aspects associated with the project. 6.3 Future Agenda Items 6.4 Confirm the next meeting date of Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport. 7. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Van Sickle announced the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 9/05/2024 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 5 of 5 *Attended virtually  Public Works Department 1316 North 14th Street Superior WI 54880 Tel: (715) 395-7335 Fax: (715) 395-7346 www.ci.superior.wi.us DATE: September 11, 2024 TO: Mayor Jim Paine and Superior Common Council FROM: Todd Janigo, Public Works Director RE: AFEX Liquid Agent for Fire Suppression Systems Approval for the purchase of the AFEX fire suppression system for the Caterpillar 826K landfill compactor (unit #356) was approved at the September 5, 2024 Public Works Committee meeting. The approval was contingent upon further information regarding the fire suppression chemical used in the system. The attached Certificate of Uniformity issued by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization of Australia confirms that the fire suppression system has been evaluated and verified as “Fluorine Free Foam” as a part of the certification process. Nitrogen gas is used as a propellant to spray the patented “trade secret” fire suppression agent. Considering this information, I recommend approval of the purchase of the AFEX fire suppression system. Encl: CSIRO Certificate of Conformity