BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1999 - 6:10 P.M.
PORTAGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX-1462 STRONGS AVENUE
CONFERENCE ROOM 1

PRESENT: C/T Schlice; Alderpersons Kedrowski, Nealis, Perlak, Sevenich, Walther

EXCUSED: Mayor Wescott

ALSO
PRESENT: Director Van Alstine, Design Engineer Yauch, Superintendent Krieski, Clerk Zdroik, Captain Dowling, Director Schrader, Director Gardner, Mayoral Assistant Folke, Assessor Kuehn, Administrator Disher, Attorney Molepske, Peggy Rentz, Katie Martin, Susan Kampmeier, Anne Makovec, Frank Shields, Alderpersons Aldinger, Barr, Niedbalski, Pazdernik, Phillips, Rackow

C/T Schlice announced Mayor Wescott was excused from the meeting this evening and that he would be acting Chairman.

1. PARKING METER REPORT (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

C/T Schlice presented the March 1999 Parking Meter Report.

Alderperson Walther moved, seconded by Alderperson Kedrowski to accept the March 1999 Parking Meter Report and place it on file.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

2. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS: (ATTACHMENT)

A: #7-99 1999 BITUMINOUS SURFACING PROJECT

Director Van Alstine said the low and only bid received was from American Asphalt in the amount of $259,147.40 for the base bid and $143,496.00 for the alternate add (milling). He told the Board we had advertised more extensively on this contract to attract more bidders and although we did have one other plan holder, they did not bid. He added the bids came in at 96 cents more per ton than last year and that we will work as far as the budgeted amount allows.

Alderperson Perlak moved, seconded by Alderperson Walther to accept the bid from American Asphalt of Mosinee in the amount of $259,147.40 (base bid) and $143,496.00 (Alternate Add) for the 1999 Bituminous Surfacing Project - #7-99.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

B. #8-99 1999 BITUMINOUS PATCHING PROJECT

Director Van Alstine said again the low and only bid received was from American Asphalt in the amount of $47,232.00. He said the amount of work we bid is estimated based on last year, it is billed back 100% to the responsible party, the utility or property owner. He compared the prices to last year, the 2" bituminous increased by 23 cents per square yard and the 4" bituminous increased by 72 cents per square yard.

Alderperson Perlak moved, seconded by Alderperson Walther to accept the bid from American Asphalt of Mosinee in the amount of $47,232.00 for the 1999 Bituminous Patching Project- #8-99.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

C: #9-99 1999 CONCRETE STREET REPAIR PROJECT

Director Van Alstine said the low bid was from Ski Inc. of Junction City in the amount of $49,265.00. He added this work will be primarily on North Division and the two items that increased from last year were 6" Sidewalk by 10 cents per square foot and the 9" Reinforced Concrete Pavement by $6.00 per square yard. He said they have worked for the City in the past and he recommended approval. He said we patch as much concrete as the budget allows.

Alderperson Kedrowski moved, seconded by Alderperson Nealis to accept the low bid of $49,265.00 received from Ski, Inc. of Junction City for the 1999 Concrete Street Repair Project - #9-99.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

3. TRAFFIC STUDIES (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

A: 99-03-A CREATE A "NO PARKING" ZONE ON THE WEST SIDE OF STRONGS AVENUE SOUTH OF BRAWLEY STREET

Director Van Alstine said this area is near the dance studio and the study was done because the street becomes narrow in the winter when snow piles up and the Police Department had received complaints. He said he thought allowing parking on only one side would solve the problem.

Captain Dowling said this recommendation was made out of concern for the children who attend the studio. He said Sergeant Carlson spoke to the owners of the studio and three residents in the area. The studio was against the recommendation but the residents were very much in favor of it, some expressing concern for the children's safety. He added it is a minor inconvenience, we are removing only three parking spots and in his opinion there is ample room in the parking lot.

Alderperson Nealis said he thinks it is a good idea and commended Sergeant Carlson and Captain Dowling for there safety alertness.

Alderperson Sevenich said she agreed.

Alderperson Perlak moved, seconded by Alderperson Walther to approve Traffic Study #99-03-A to create a no parking zone here to corner on the west side of Strongs Avenue to a point 75 feet south of Brawley Street.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

B: 99-03-B CREATE A "NO PARKING" ZONE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MATILDA STREET EAST OF HENRIETTA STREET

Director Van Alstine said this is across from Cole Electric and the purpose of the request is to make it possible for large trucks to make their deliveries. He said they have talked to the neighboring realty company in an effort to discourage long term parking on that portion of the street, but he said it seems that the clients park their cars and leave with the Realtors causing the delivery trucks to have to wait until they get back. He said he recommended approval.

Alderperson Sevenich moved, seconded by Alderperson Perlak to approve Traffic Study #99-03-B to create a no parking zone (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) 135 feet east of Henrietta Street on the south side of Matilda Street.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

4. REQUEST FROM 911 COMMITTEE TO DROP NORTH DESIGNATION ON JANICK CIRCLE (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Director Van Alstine said this item was brought to the Board as a result of correspondence from the Portage County Emergency Management. He said there was only one request in the City and that was to drop the north designation on Janick Circle.

Director Gardner said Plan Commission was waiting to see what the Town of Hull was going to do.

Director Van Alstine said he felt we should help the emergency services in any way we can and he recommended approval.

C/T Schlice asked if it will change house numbers?

Director Van Alstine said he doubted it, it was only to drop the north designation.

Alderperson Walther moved, seconded by Alderperson Kedrowski to approve the request from the 911 Committee to drop the north designation on Janick Circle.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

5. REQUEST FOR TWO DRIVEWAYS ON ONE LOT-3601 PATCH STREET (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Director Van Alstine referred to a drawing that was part of the agenda packet, he said the purpose was to separate truck traffic from customer traffic and he recommended approval.

Alderperson Kedrowski moved, seconded by Alderperson Perlak to approve the request for two driveways on one lot at 3601 Patch Street but said he would like to add that if it creates a problem the property owner will remove the driveway at the request of the City.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

6. CONSIDERATION OF RAILROAD CROSSING GATE GRANT-WEST CLARK STREET (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Alderperson Nealis said the information he received indicates we can apply for a grant to install gates at the West Clark Street (Highway P) crossing that would allow a 10% (City) and 90% (State) split of the cost. The total estimated project cost would be in the range of $80,000 - $120,000. He said he thought the availability of the grant was because we are doing construction.

Director Van Alstine said he is not in favor of gates in this situation because waiting trains will activate the gate and will train people who use that intersection frequently to run the gates. He said gates are installed in areas to prevent people from hitting the center of the train. He said there have been no accidents there.

Alderperson Niedbalski said he goes through that intersection often and feels that it is a dangerous intersection because of the speed of the trains and lack of visibility. He said he was certain the gates could be controlled the same way as flashing lights when there is a train waiting, that they can be programmed to go back up just as the lights are programmed to stop flashing. He said he really felt it was needed.

Alderperson Phillips said there are areas in the City where there is a greater need for gates such as Water Street because there are multiple tracks.

Alderperson Rackow said we should take advantage of this, we have an opportunity to get gates at 10%.

C/T Schlice asked if we can also apply for a grant on Water Street?

Director Van Alstine said we could, he didn't think it had anything to do with construction.

Alderperson Nealis said the Mayor had also asked that Hoover Road and Water Street be reviewed. He also said he agreed that Water Street was dangerous and gates are going to be needed at more crossings in the City because train traffic is increasing.

A discussion followed regarding which crossing was more deserving of gates. Mayoral Assistant Folke said he hoped to have a report soon prioritizing the crossings in the City, he said priorities are based on the amount of traffic and the number of trains.

Additional discussion revealed a consensus by the Board and Alderpersons present to pursue gates at railroad crossings in the City for safety reasons, Alderperson Nealis said safety concerns are not narrowed to this crossing, we should pursue what we can get, not worry about who gets it first.

Alderperson Nealis moved, seconded by Alderperson Perlak to approve applying for a grant to install railroad crossing gates on West Clark Street with the intent to consider Water Street and Hoover Road in the future.

Alderperson Kedrowski moved to amend the motion to apply for grants at this time for both West Clark Street and Water Street. The amendment to the motion was seconded by Alderperson Sevenich.

Alderperson Nealis said he was in agreement with the amended motion.

C/T Schlice called for a voice vote on the amendment to the motion.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Amendment to the motion carried.

C/T Schlice called for a voice vote on the original motion.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

7. REQUEST TO INSTALL SEWER - BRILOWSKI ROAD (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Director Van Alstine said this summer the County will be reconstructing Brilowski Road from HH to the south side of Wal-Mart to upgrade it to a four-lane. He said Wal-Mart to the railroad tracks does not have sewer and water and that the Sewer and Water Commission has voted to install water. This request is to install sewer under the road prior to construction so the road will not have to be torn up in the future as development occurs. He said we have done this in other areas, to name a few would be Country Club, Highway 66, Green, and part of Torun Road. He went on to point out the cost now is estimated at $94,000 and that cost would only increase and said he would anticipate development in the next ten years or sooner. He said we will tie up that money but will recover it in deferred assessments as the property comes into the City.

Alderperson Sevenich said she is in favor of this and is glad we have the foresight to do it.

Alderperson Kedrowski moved, seconded by Alderperson Nealis to approve the request to install sewer on Brilowski Road.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

8. REQUEST TO INSTALL SEWER ON APPROACHES FOR HH BRIDGE (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Director Van Alstine said the Sewer and Water Commission agreed to install water pending the Board's decision whether or not to install sewer. He referred to the map he distributed while he described the request. He said there are actually two bridges, a short one to an island, and a longer one to West River Drive and that we are requesting permission to install sewer pipes from the bridge abutments to the outside edge of the road so that future sewer extensions would not close the bridge. He also said there is a protected species of Red Tail Hawk in residence on the island and the DNR will require a fence which will make future sewer construction more difficult. He said the cost can be assessed to future developers.

Alderperson Phillips pointed out studies show Stevens Point will grow to the east and north, the area in question is swamp, he did not think there will be any development out there.

Administrator Disher pointed out when the Clark Street Bridge is under construction next spring, the 6" water pipe will be taken out of service and that the only other water service to the west side is on the black bridge. His concern is that it would only take as much as a log vibrating off a railroad car to damage the black bridge water service, leaving the entire west side without water.

Alderperson Kedrowski said he thought this was a good investment for the City, there will be a four-lane facility crossing the bridge, there is potential for spin off businesses from the mill. He pointed out years ago the City didn't want to push past Interstate 39.

Alderperson Rackow liked the idea of doing this now for potential development and he also added the loop will strengthen fire fighting facilities.

Alderperson Sevenich pointed out the north side used to be a swamp but there is development now.

Alderperson Walther said this was a good example of foresight to do this when it doesn't cost so much and he moved, seconded by Alderperson Kedrowski to approve the request to install sewer on approaches for the HH bridge.

Alderperson Nealis said he agreed with Alderperson Phillips, the wetlands and bedrock are not ideal for development, not that it couldn't change in 20 years, but that can be up to the developer to bear the cost.

Alderperson Rackow agreed with Alderperson Sevenich, we should use Reserve Street as an example and do this now, we are a forward looking community.

Alderperson Niedbalski said although there are advantages to doing this now, the money would be shot without development. He suggested that prior to the Council meeting Monday night that the amount of $49,100 be calculated as it would if we banked it and he would like to see how much we acquire after 10 years and then 20 years. This would give us an idea of what we might stand to lose.

Director Van Alstine said the cost of construction would be more later because the approaches would have to be demolished and reconstructed.

Alderperson Barr said he is in favor of this, he would rather have the foresight to do this now.

C/T Schlice called for a voice vote on the motion.

Ayes - 5; Nays - 1 ( Alderperson Nealis) none; Motion carried.

C/T Schlice noted the arrival of a resident concerned with Item #3 A (Dance Studio) . He told her the item had already been passed, but that she could attend the Council meeting on Monday night and have the item pulled for discussion.

9. TENTATIVE 1999 ROAD CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

C/T Schlice said this was an information item, black and white schedules had been included in the packets but there were larger, colored in schedules available at the front table if anyone was interested in picking one up.

Superintendent Krieski pointed out the areas with question marks and said those areas will require the milling machine that will have to be scheduled when the machine is available.

10. SUPERINTENDENT OF SERVICE'S REPORT (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Superintendent Krieski presented his March 1999 report saying it will be a busy summer.

Alderperson Kedrowski asked how the new patching machine was working.

Superintendent Krieski said it appears to be working great, the patches have stayed.

Alderperson Sevenich moved, seconded by Alderperson Perlak to accept the March 1999 Superintendent of Service's Report and place it on file.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

11. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Director Van Alstine presented his March 1999 report. He said the Engineering Department has been working on Brilowski Road and Worzalla.

He reported the Mayor chose the Pine Crest alternate to the Wilshire extension and he has been working with Park Ridge.

He reported the plumbing has begun on Phase 2 of City Hall remodeling, on Phase 3 the ceiling grid is in and electrical will start tomorrow. He said it is progressing but not as quickly as we would like.

Alderperson Nealis moved, seconded by C/T Schlice to accept the March 1999 Director's Report and place it on file.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

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