Minutes; Public Works: July 22, 2008

PUBLIC WORKS MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Public Works Shop, 535 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Braunschweig.

2. Roll Call, present: Mason Braunschweig, John Sornson, Janis Ringhand, PW Director Dave Wartenweiler, Engineer Dave Sauer, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, Mayor Sandy Decker and several citizens

3. Motion to approve the agenda on a Ringhand/Sornson motion, unanimous.

4. Motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the June 24th meeting on a Ringhand/Sornson motion, unanimous.

5. Citizen appearances – none.

6. Lake Leota – Citizen appearances by SOLE members Gib Wiedenhoeft, Rod Courtier, Jim Turner, Tom O’Brien, Milt Frome. City Administrator Wietecha stated that he has a meeting scheduled with a land owner that will play a key role, in the agreements to accept the sediment from Lake Leota. There are 2 major steps to be accomplished before moving forward – final cost estimates from Vierbicher and signed letters of intent from the property owners who will accept the sediment.

Discussion on a referendum, it would be advisory only, not binding. Information must be submitted to the county by September 23 to be on the ballot for November 4. Discussion on doing nothing, letting the lake refill naturally or letting go back to a stream were discussed, cost updates on all these situations need to be updated and made public. Awareness that the land can not be used for recreational playing fields or other park uses needs to be made public; there are springs and wetlands that prevent other uses of the lake bed.

7. Site plan review – none

8. Construction updates:
A. Main St. – Historic lights are being placed and should be working, additional lights have been installed on Liberty & W. Main Sts. Some Way finding signs need to be changed, in process. Striping on bricks is not guaranteed, would cost $10,000 to restripe, will be done in-house.
B. County Trk M – nothing
C. Capstone – nothing
D. Westfield Meadows – Dick Wolf questioned whether reviews of the current elevations
would be reviewed in light of all the rain and standing water in the area. Engineer Sauer assured that reviews and updates are routine and constant.
E. Madison St, (Hwy 59) – sidewalk, curb & gutter going in on Wednesday and Thursday; Thursday & Friday grading & binder, on schedule with all work.

9. Communication from City Engineer:
A. Main St. Bridge – open house July 10, no attendees. DOT scheduled work for June 2010; engineers approved a concrete rail that has a historic look.
B. J Lindemann & Hwy 14 roundabout – nothing
C. CMAR – grades dropped due to excess rains, will be corrected with new facility
D. Southgate pond (Vision & 6th St.) – Citizens Tom O’Brien, Jim Brooks & Mark Schnepper were present with concerns about the pond. It is currently pumped out, will install a “French Drain” until pump can be installed permanently, to resolve standing water issue. Temporary fencing will be checked into. Cost of installing pump and force main will be about $55-60,000.00 and will be done as drying permits.

Motion was made by Braunschweig, second by Sornson to recommend to Council we expend $60,000.00 for a permanent pump to resolve flooding at 6th & Vision pond. Unanimous.
E. Greenway re-grading – stakes are in place; work will be done weather permitting. Cost is in the $10-15,000.00 range.
F. WWTP Facility Plans – Engineer Sauer has a draft plan to go to DNR, Public Hearing will be noticed in early September. Energy efficient features will be incorporated into the
Building, current estimate is $2.5 – 3.5 million.

10. Communication of Public Works Director:
Request for dead end and stop signs at Wyler and Main, no action at this time.
A. Request change to ordinance for weed control, change height of grass to 8” and change method of serving notice.
B. Sidewalk at 17-19 S. 1st St., information only
C. Public Works Budget – reviewed budget issues, salaries increased 3.5% (Union contract) and 2% on most budget items.
D. Storm Water Utility Budget – same as 2007.

11. Discussed issues with house numbering on Water & North Water Sts., referred to Public Safety.

12. Old Business
A. West side water – as per above 9 D & E
B. Community Rating System – Good meeting on July 10, October date to get work done

13. Park & Rec:
Lake Leota referendum recommended by Park & Rec Board, tree planting in Franklin Park on a citizen request, update on West Side Park parking lot and play ground, safety at lower ball diamond discussed, League of their own budget discussed.

14. Motion to adjourn on a Braunschweig/Ringhand motion, unanimous

Next meeting August 26, 2008.