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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/9/2017 - Public Works Committee PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE � MEETING REPORT Monday, October 9,2017 Municipal Center Council Chambers, 6:30 PM Committee Members in Attendance at Roll Call: Chairperson Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab and Alderman Mihevc. Also in Attendance: Director of Public Works Schmitt, Project Engineer Strange, Utility Division Superintendent Steve Wirch, Street Division Superintendent Schweda, Wastewater Superintendent Russell Ruzicka , Water Superintendent Mike Palmer, and City Clerk Nevitt. 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. 2. Public Comment: Joan Sorenson who resides at 209 Windrid e in the Foxridge subdivision addressed the Committee regarding her concerns about speeding cars and school busses on Dartmoor Drive from Crystal Lake Road to Curran Road. Ms. Sorenson requested a flashing speed limit sign be installed in her subdivision. City resident Terry Locke announced he was in attendance to support Alderman Glab's � recommendation to install radar speed signs in town. 3. Discussion regarding Pedestrian Crosswalks on Green Street. Chairperson Santi asked Director Schmitt to present Agenda Item#3 to the Committee. Director Schmitt reported Chairperson Santi had requested this item be placed on a Committee agenda. Chairperson Santi was specifically interested in the area of Green Street between Waukegan Road and Boone Lagoon. There is currently a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Waukegan Road and Green Street and just south of Boone Lagoon that connects the Riverwalk and 1111 N. Green Street (former site of City Hall). McHenry Police confirmed that in the past four years, one pedestrian related accident was reported at the intersection of Green Street and Waukegan Road, which is a controlled intersection with a four-way stop. Public Works personnel reviewed the area for ways to enhance the existing crosswalks. All crosswalks on Green Street from Waukegan Road to Elm Street are block-style and for some reason when the Riverwalk crosswalk was installed, just two solid lines were painted. Public Works recommends repainting these lines in block-style to make it more noticeable. Staff also noted pedestrian crossing signage on Green Street is limited. Chairperson Santi asked for comments from the Committee. � Alderman Glab said he would not change any locations until comprehensive discussions have taken place about the downtown area parking etc. He also stated his opinion that crosswalks give people a false sense of hope. Public Works Comrr,ittee Meeting Page 2 October 9,2017 Alderman Glab further stated that a big problem with the downtown area is that Green � Street is a thru street. Traffic going north and south on Barreville and Green to Route 120 have to go through the downtown area. Alderman Mihevc said he was in favor of anything that would make the crosswalks more prominent. He stated he is in the area quite often and much of the pedestrian traffic he sees is students who cross whenever and wherever they want. Increasing the prominence of the crosswalks may help the students' awareness of the crosswalk. Alderman Mihevc added he was surprised that only one pedestrian accident had been reported in that location as this is the one location in town that concerns him the most. Chairperson Santi asked how difficult would it be to transform the crosswalks to block- style. Director Schmitt said it would not be difficult to do. Chairperson Santi also requested enhanced signage to make drivers more aware of the crosswalks especially at the Green Street Bridge and Waukegan Road and Green Street. Alderman Glab asked Director Schmitt if there was an ordinance regulating the 20 mph speed limit posted on Green Street. Director Schmitt answered yes, the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Code states the speed limit of 20 mph is established on Green Street between Pearl Street and Waukegan Road. The ordinance has most likely been in effect for a long time because there is no date listed in the code. Alderman Glab noted that kids are all around town on streets with a 25 mph speed limit � yet downtown the limit is 20 mph and asked Director Schmitt how many 20 mph signs are posted. Director Schmitt said he believes only one and perhaps more should be posted. Alderman Glab said the street should be well signed and suggested a solar flashing light be installed on Green Street to bring attention to the speed limit signs. Alderman Mihevc noted this is a difficult problem as there is so much going on in this area and drivers have so much to be aware of while pedestrians are not crossing at just the crosswalks Chairperson Santi asked Director Schmitt to determine the cost for a flashing pedestrian light in this area for future discussion by the Committee. He also suggested asking the Police Department for their opinion on the best location to install such a device. Alderman Glab said there should be a special pedestrian sign installed in the downtown area. 4. Discussion regardin�the Installation of Radar Sueed Signs. Chairperson Santi asked Director Schmitt to present the item to the Committee. Director Schmitt reported that Alderman Glab requested a Public Works Committee discussion regarding the installation of radar speed signs. Staff received a quote from Traffic Control & Protection for a Wanco pole mounted radar speed sign for $4,813. �' Superintendent Schweda said he was researching alternatives that could be installed on city poles. Public Works Committee Meeting Page 3 October 9,2017 Director Schmitt informed the Committee the Police Department provided information on � the top three locations in the city with the most speeding complaints reported and they are: Ruute 31 (Richmond Road) north of Pearl Street however permission from IDOT to install signage along the roadway would have to be granted; Dartmoor Drive between Curran and Crystal Lake Roads; and Anne Street between Front Street and Green Street. As reported by IDOT, the average daily traffic on Dartmoor (a major collector street) between Crystal Lake Road and Curran Road is approximately 2,500 vehicles. There was no information for Anne Street however, Kane Avenue, a minor collector located near Anne Street has an average daily traffic count of 850 vehicles. Chairperson Santi noted that now that we have a development on the corner of Pearl Street and Route 31, there would be more activity and residents in the area. Alderman Glab reported that some of the residents in the Foxridge subdivision have formed a Neighborhood Watch. Alderman Glab along with other residents met at Mr. Locke's house and the subject of traffic on Dartmoor Drive was discussed. Alderman Glab came up with the idea of flashing speed signs in McHenry as he had seen in other communities. He asked staff to provide a price for the sign. Mayor Jett stated the signs would be a great addition to the community. The signs are expensive and before the city buys the signs we should make sure they are effective. The residents on Dartmoor have noticed a significant reduction in speeding vehicles when a speed trailer is placed in the area, but one sign controls only one direction. The speed `' trailer is usually placed near the park but there are stop signs in the area. The flashing speed sign reminds the average driver that they are over the limit and in most cases, they will slow down. The Committee began a discussion on where would be the most effective location to install a flashing speed sign in the Foxridge neighborhood was discussed. Alderman Glab is of the opinion that the sign should be placed shortly after vehicles enter Dartmoor Drive off Crystal Lake Road. Alderman Mihevc stated he agreed with most of what Alderman Glab said. He is of the opinion that Dartmoor Drive is a top priority for this type of sign. He is certain staff has done the best they could to obtain a fair price for the sign, which is expensive. If the city is as sure as it can be that this type of signage is effective, we should purchase it. • Alderman Mihevc added a flashing speed sign also be installed on Lillian Street between Route 31 and Crystal Lake Road and Green Street. The cost is high, but if they are effective, it is worth the cost. Chairperson Santi announced the quote received for the sign without mounting is $4,813 and asked the Committee if they were comfortable with installing one sign on Dartmoor at this time; which direction, and approximately where would it be installed. Director Schmitt recommended westbound right off of Crystal Lake Road just prior to going down �' the hill. As this sign would be mounted permanently, Director Schmitt would prefer to speak to the residents who live where the sign would be installed to make sure they are in agreement with the location. To purchase one sign now and try it first is what staff would Public Works Comrr ittee Meeting Page 4 October 9,2017 recommend. This would also provide staff with time to determine what type of � maintenance the sign would require. As the next fiscal year nears and if the sign is effective, there are funds available in the Street Division operating budget that could be used to purchase two additional signs. Chairperson Santi recognized city resident Terry Locke. Mr. Locked suggested reaching out to the School District for some type of partnership to help pay for the signs. Chairperson Santi said the Dartmoor sign makes sense. He then asked Director Schmitt if the "Slow" pedestrian sign on Anne Street facing west is still there and Director Schmitt answered yes, adding there is one sign heading east on Anne Street just past Dale Avenue and another heading westbound right off of Green Street. There is also 25 mph speed limit posted on each of the signs and on the section on Anne Street between Dale Avenue and Route 31, two speed limit signs are posted. Chairperson Santi asked the Committee for a consensus to move forward with directing staff to purchase one flashing speed limit sign. City resident Joan Sorenson suggested the sign be installed just west of Abbington near the crosswalk on Dartmoor. Chairperson Santi thanked Ms. Sorenson for her input and said staff would determine the most effective location to install the sign and it would most likely be installed in that general vicinity. Mr. Locke and Ms. Sorenson thanked the Committee for their time and existed the �' meeting. 5. Discussion re�ardin�Public Works 5-Year Caaital Imarovement Pro�ram Chairperson Santi asked Director Schmitt to present this item to the Committee. Directar Schmitt presented the proposed 5-Year CIP to the Committee. The report provides a general outlook on what is need to repair all roadways. At the next meeting in November, a five-year street program plan and detailed list will be proposed to the Committee. Staff highlighted some of the projects recommended for funding in FY 2018/19. The projects were ranked by priority A Urgent—B Necessary—C Desirable—D Deferrable. A parking lot maintenance plan was also provided to the Committee, which Director Schmitt stated is a new plan and would be included in addition to the street program. Director Schmitt presented a general overview of the projects noting "A" rankings were given to projects with available federal funding: Pearl Street/Lincoln Road Improvements Priority Rankin�A STP funding of$1.SM is expected in 2018. The city is required to leverage 20% of the cost to receive the `' funding (approx. $800,000 from General Fund). Next week, the Council will be asked to approve right-of-way acquisition for this project, which is required by IDOT just to begin the final review. Public Works Committee Meeting Page 5 October 9,2017 � Rin�wood Road Improvements Priority Rankin�A. The city entered into a partnership with Ringwood, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, and the McHenry Township Road District. This project is scheduled to begin in 2018. STP funding of$1.SM was obtained and the city's share is $53,000 from the General Fund. Curran Road (formerly Draper Road) S-Curve Safetv Improvements Priority Rankin�. This project was awarded $450,000 in HSIP funding. Staff is of the opinion that this project will not begin in 2018 due to negotiations with the Army Corps of Engineers. Project Engineer Strange reported the four slopes coming off the main line pavement pushed our grading slightly into wetlands so we need to obtain environmental clearances to allow the city to build slopes in the wetlands. Director Schmitt added the $35,000 in the budget for this project is for Phase II Engineering and unlike STP, funding the city's share would be paid from HSIP, which is $3,500. Street Program Prioritv Ranking A. Ballpark estimate for the next five years to pave roads in need is in excess of$45M. Staff proposes to bring a plan to the Committee in November for discussion with a list of proposed streets ranked by priority need. Roads will be grouped to save on mobilization costs. The Project Engineer and Director are of the opinion that the method used this year was extremely cost-effective due to low mobilization. Chairperson Santi noted this is a huge cost and the Council will have to do the best it can � to do as much as possible within the limits of city funding. Alderman Glab asked for the definition of a rumble strip as referred to in the Curran Road project description. Project Engineer Strange said it refers to the roughly graded area outside the white line that makes you aware your vehicle is crossing the line. Pavement Maintenance — Crack Sealing & Reclamite Prioritv Rankin�A. Director Schmitt reported the city is up-to-date with crack sealing so only reclamite is recommended in 2018. As the roads age, crack sealing will be performed again. Reclamite will be done on newly paved roads. Alderman Glab asked if it was effective to use reclamite on roads that are 10-years old and Director Schmitt answered, it is recommended to apply reclamite to roads within three years of paving or seven years from the first application. It is not recommended after the second application, which is when crack sealing would be performed. Superintendent Schweda added reclamite is used to delay the need for crack sealing. Alderman Glab said he does not think the city does enough crack sealing and asked if the city is going to have many roads throughout town that look like Front Royal before it was restored. He is concerned that all the streets that were resurfaced in 1999 or 2000 are going to start to deteriorate. Chairperson Santi noted the city should be as aggressive as possible when funding the �-' street program, within the funds available. Alderman Glab suggested that the Committee make a statement for the record and asked if this should be discussed with the full Council. Chairperson Santi noted a letter could be drafted to the full Council or a Public Works Committee Meeting Page 6 October 9,2017 ,� Committee of the Whole meeting could be scheduled for this discussion. Sidewalk Pro�ram Prioritv Rankin�. Staff recognizes the need for a sidewalk program. Staff recommends funding this program again at $75,000 for the next five years. Bull Vallev road Bike Path Extension Phase I En ineering Priority Ranking A. The final link of the bike trail between Moraine Hills and the Prairie Path is the section on Bull Valley Road between Route 31 and west of the railroad tracks. The County would like to partner with the city on this project and seek Federal funding. Staff is recommending funding Phase 1 Engineering. Green Street Brid�e Rehabilitation Priority Rankin�. This project includes sidewalk replacement, new hangers for the water main, bridge deck replacement, and minor structural repairs including rehabbing the railings. Medical Center Street Li ting Prioritv Rankin�B. This project is new to the CIP. Director Schmitt reported there have been issues with the lights on Medical Center Complex on Lawrence Parkway, Medical Center Drive, and Centegra Drive. Currently one light fell over because the base rusted-out and it is now out of service. These lights were installed when the hospital was constructed. Upon inspection, staff discovered other lights that are also failing. The city accepted all the public improvements in this area. Alderman Glab said he wanted his opinion in the record that the city was hoodwinked into accepting these improvements. � Tree Replacement Program Priority Rankin�. The city has spent $180,000 in the last two years replacing trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer through an IGA with McHenry County. This was a difficult program to manage due to maintenance of the new trees. To bring the program down to a more manageable project, staff recommends funding $25,000 for the next five years. Superintendent Schweda noted the trees have a one-year warranty. Alderman Glab said the only complaint he has received about the new trees is that they are not watered enough. Director Schmitt stated there are still quite a few right- of-ways where trees were removed due to the Emerald Ash Borer and locations that still require tree removal. Alderman Glab asked for locations that were hit the hardest by the infestation. Director Schmitt stated Olde Mill Ponds Pebble Creek, and City Parks. Alderman Glab said if we are replacing trees every year, how much staff time are we taking up with these trees. Superintendent Schweda said tree planting is contracted. Other Future CIP Items include Dartmoor Road Bridge Wearing Surface and Route 31/Veterans Parkway Traffic Signal. Stormwater Drainage FY 18/19 Requested Project Rankin�. In 2018, the Central Avenue Storm Sewer is requested at $270,000 is a localized flooding problem. Also, Ramble Road Storm Sewer funding for at $50,000 in FY 18/19 for property acquisition with construction in FY 19/20. Alderman Glab said we had looked at soil conditions in this area and he has had discussions with a developer who looked at the two lots on the corner of Ramble and Home who said it was all infill and asked if this will make a `' difference. Project Engineer Strange answered it would be all cut and we would just need the volume to store it so what is filling it in would not necessarily matter that much as far as our ability to create the necessary volume. Alderman Glab said we need to know how Public Works Committee Meeting Page 7 October 9,2017 many cubic feet those lots will hold versus how many we need them to hold and added in �� his opinion the best solution is pumping the water in and out of the intersection to install a sewer at a higher elevation with a big pitch. Project Strange stated this estimate for project funding includes upsizing the storm sewer that drains the area out and aligning it to the Lakeland Park drainage so it is really two fold. Alderman Glab said upsizing it is not the solution and the city needs to looks at more than just adding detention. Project Engineer Strange told the Committee that the modeling used in the project would be reconfirmed in the design process prior to moving forward with the project. Chairperson Santi said this is a unique area and this project is finally moving forward to solve problems in this neighborhood. Alderman Glab stated the city has limited amounts of money to spend and he wants to make sure that the city's spends the money as responsibly as possible. Street Division: Motor Pool/Equipment Priority Rankin�A. The need for Street Division vehicles in FY 18/19 is $830,000. Staff is aware the entire amount will not be funded however, it is what the city needs and would be funded through the General Fund. Public Works Facilitv Priority Rankin�. Director Schmitt stated this project is new to the CIP. Currently, all equipment and vehicles are fueled by Petro Choice located in � town. Petro Choice has had some recent issues with tanks and pumps forcing the department to use a temporary fueling system setup at the Public Work facility. This lasted approximately eight weeks. Director Schmitt recommends considering an option to setup the city's own fueling station. It may be cost-effective to purchase the fuel in bulk. The cost to complete this project is estimated to be $85,000 from the General Fund. Water Division: Water Division — Water Meter Replacement Prioritv Rankin�A. The department will request $410,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund for this project. Some of the meters with drive-by technology are past their life expectancy and new batteries are no longer available for these models. Well # 8 Raw Water Line Rehab Prioritv Ranking A. This has been an ongoing problem. The well is located on Malibu Court and feeds Water Plant #3 on the corner of Crystal Lake Road and Malibu Court. Several leaks in the line have occurred as recently as two weeks ago. All valve joints are failing. Staff recommends a new technology called to rehab the watermain pipe lining similar to what is done to sanitary sewer lines. Estimated cost from the Water/Sewer Fund is $220,000. Well Inspection/Maintenance & Repair Priority Rankin�A. This is another project that we did not fund this year but have in the past. Ongoing well inspection, maintenance, and repair to keep ahead of the system instead of waiting for a valve to fail. This project `' is estimated to cost $30,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund. Public Works Committee Meeting Page 8 October 9,2017 Water Treatment Plant #4 Maintenance Priority Ranking A. The control panel needs to � be upgraded for the cost of$25,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund. Scada Server Upgrade Prioritv Rankin�. This system was originally installed in 2003 and need to be updated. $40,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund. Water Tower Maintenance & Repair Priority Rankin�. Paint failure is occurring at Water Tower #4 located at Crystal Lake and Bull Valley Roads for the cost of$400,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund. Superintendent Palmer explained the finish coat is delaminating from the intermediate coat. Chairperson Santi asked if this was a maintenance program only for Tower #4. Superintendent Palmer answered this is the largest tower and due to premature failures is should be repainted. Water Division Motor Pool Replacement Prioritv Rankin�B. Replacement of Water Division motor pool vehicles is proposed throughout the five-year CIP for a total five- year cost of$145,000. Utility Division: Update Master Utilitv Plan Priority Rankin�B. To bring all the information together in one updated Master Utility Plan would serve to prioritize future projects and objectives in current and future timetables. This project would cost$50,000 in FY 2018/19. � Pearl Street/Lincoln Road Sewer Stub Extensions Prioritv Ranking A. This expense was included in bid plans for the Pearl StreeULincoln Road Improvements. The total cost is $425,000 and funded through Water/Sewer revenues, which would be recaptured through annexation agreements. Water Main Renlacement Program Prioritv Ranking B. The five year expected cost for this pi•oject is $1,650,000 with $500,000 in FY 18/19 paid through Water/Sewer revenues. Sanitary Sewer Main and Manhole Rehab Pro�ram Priority Ranking B. $270,000 was spent this year for this program. The program is successful and staff recommends maintaining it over the next five years for a total cost of $800,000 paid through Water/Sewer revenues. Utilitv Division Sewer Camera Addition Priority Rankin�. Staff is requested $55,000 for this project in FY 18/19. Utility Division Motor Pool Replacement Priority Ranking B. Staff recommends including$110,000 in the CIP for FY 19/20. Wastewater Division: Willow Lift Station Pump Replacement Priority Ranking A. Staff recommends $40,000 `' in FY 18/19 to replace the raw sewage pumps at the Willow venue Lift Station. Several of the parts are no longer in stock and would have to be custom made. The cost quoted us to replace with new pumps. Public Works Committee Meeting Page 9 October 9,2017 � Millstream Lift Station Rehabilitation & Sewer Main Relocation Priority Rankin�. Staff recommends $1,900,000 in FY 18/19 to eliminate on lift station and relocate the sewer main by increasing the size of the Millstream Avenue Lift Station. CWWTP Demolition Priority Rankin�. Staff recommends $2,250,000 in FY 18/19 for the demolition of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant. IEPA regulations state the Central Plant cannot be demolished until one year after the South Plant is completed and operating in compliance. However, there is no required timeline by which the facility must be demolished and it is hoped that this would coincide with private redevelopment of the site. On March 3, 2014, the Council approved a PSA with HR Green for $1,325,188 for this project of which $20,000 has been earmarked for Central Plant demolition engineering. Sewer Division Motor Pool Renlacement Priority Rankin�B. Staff recommends $65,000 in FY 18/19 to replace pickup truck #626, a 2002 Chevy Silverado with a plow, trailer hitch and other equipment/accessories. Director Schmitt concluded his presentation of FY 18/19 CIP recommended projects. Chairperson Santi stated much information was presented this evening and urged the Committee to ask their questions or provide their comments to staff tonight or as soon as possible. Chairperson Santi informed the Committee that he previously discussed some � projects with Director Schmitt prior to the meeting regarding the Pearl/Lincoln Road project, which is expected to be funded although it is not confirmed at this time. Chairperson Santi stated he agrees with Alderman Glab that Lakeland Park drainage is a major issue and he is pleased that the city is moving forward with this project. Chairperson Santi acknowledged Mayor Jett understands the need for this project. Chairperson Santi asked the committee for comments: Alderman Mihevc thanked Director Schmitt for the comprehensive plan and stated he will have questions for Director Schmitt after he has had a chance to review the information. Alderman Mihevc asked for a summary and timing for the approval process for these items. Director Schmitt stated the CIP is due to City Administration by November 17. The citywide CIP is then developed and presented to the Finance and Personnel Committee to determine availability of funding prior to presentation to the full City Council with a Committee recommendation. Projects will be prioritized based on attached federal funding and need, i.e. the Road Resurfacing Program and Lakeland Park Drainage projects. Chairperson Santi added the CIP is a never-ending document and is reviewed annually. Alderman Glab stated there are many more issues that should be looked at including Boone Creek and Boone Lagoon. Alderman Glab asked Director Schmitt to find out, `'' which is higher in elevation, Boone Lagoon or Lakeland Park drainage-way. Alderman Glab stated in his opinion the dam that was constructed in 1978 in the creek along Oakwood Drive for collecting silt no longer functions because it was never dredged or Public Works Committee Meeting Page 10 October 9,2017 maintained regularly. The small lake along Oakwood has filled in over the years and is � now very shallow, adding increased communication is allowing the city to realize what problems need to be solved. Chairperson Santi asked Alderman Glab if he had ever asked former Director Batt about the dam. Alderman Glab answered yes, and he had discussions with the sitting Mayor when the dam was constructed. Another issue is that the Army Corps of Engineers was never notified of the dam. There are drainage issues that remain unresolved throughout the city and it seems like the city is only focusing on Lakeland Park and not the rest of the city. 6. Committee Comments: Chairperson Santi asked for comments from the Committee. Alderman Glab stated in his opinion, within the next 10 years, something needs to be done with the Boone Creek and Boone Lagoon drainage-ways and, should be looked at with the Lakeland Park drainage as it is all tied together and is one system. Whenever downtown revitalization or the Riverwalk is discussed, dredging Boone Lagoon is always brought up yet the city has done nothing. Alderman Glab further stated he could not support dredging Boone Lagoon without looking at the problems that have caused the need to dredge Boone Lagoon and what the city could do so this does not reoccur. In approximately 1975, the city purchased a dredger and dredged a channel in McCullom � Lake 20 feet deep from old Lakeland Park Beach to Spojnia however it only lasted a couple of years before it filled in that is why we need to find out why things happen so we can correct them. Chairperson Santi noted this would be a long and involved process but should be done at some point. As an Alderman, he feels the city is moving in the right direction with some key projects that are finally moving forward. Alderman Glab said the Finance and Personnel Committee needs to be aware of these projects so they can find the funding to support them. 7. Motion to Adiourn. There being no further comments from the Committee, Chairperson Santi called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Glab made a motion, seconded by Alderman Mihevc to adjourn the meeting. Chairperson Santi asked the Clerk to call the roll: Aye: Glab, Mihevc, Santi Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. � Public Works Committee Meeting Page 11 October 9,2017 Respectfully submitted, .� Marci Geraghty, Executive Assist/Deputy Clerk Reviewed and approved this�day of � . 2 �l` � Alderman Victor Santi, C airperson � •.�