Wood Dale City Council met Thursday, Feb. 9.
Here are the minutes as provided by Wood Dale:
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FEB 9, 2017
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Committee Date: February 9, 2017 Present: Ald. Catalano, Jakab, Messina, Susmarski, E. Wesley, R. Wesley & Woods Absent: Ald. Sorrentino Also Present: Treasurer Porch, City Manager Mermuys, Chief Vesta, B. Wilson, M. York Meeting Convened: 7:33 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the January 12, 2017 meeting were approved as presented.
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION: COMED TRANSFORMER RELOCATION – ALTERNATIVE OPTION
DISCUSSION: Mr. York provided a background on the request to move the transformer station currently located at Ash and Irving Park. Council had requested staff return to ComEd for an alternate location which would have less impact on residents. The new estimate from ComEd is $165,802.45, which would be for a relocation of a much smaller transformer at the southwest corner of Ash and the alley way. If this option is agreed upon, the time frame will be 12 weeks from when ComEd is given the go ahead and the final engineering is completed. It is then five weeks from the start of construction which would make completion near the 4th of July.
Ald. Messina asked if the cost includes patching the existing area. Mr. York did not know if that is included, but they will remove the existing transformers. Ald. Messina then asked if this new location will interrupt the impending Quiet Zone in any way. He was advised by Mr. York that this will not have any effect on that project. Ald. R. Wesley expressed concerns about the possible impact on businesses located near the proposed site. Mr. Mermuys reported there was originally $155,000 in the budget for both the Eastern Gateway Beautification Project (ComEd transformer and Potter Street Project), and the estimate for Potter was $229,000 which is coming to Committee February 23rd. ComEd is estimated at $165,000 so potential overrun is $239,000 for both projects. There was concern about devaluing the property with a transformer located at that site, but it was noted that corner storefront has been vacant for approximately four years. Mr. York stated that he could return to ComEd and ask for another option, such as moving it further east to the corner of the alley and Ash; however, he doesn’t know if that’s feasible. Mr. Mermuys explained that the $239,000 over budget is what was originally budgeted for, but in the CIP they did factor in the new cost and budgeted the overage for next year for both projects. Ald. Messina would prefer to prioritize cleaning up Irving Park over an alley. Mayor Pulice commented that there are still conversations and decisions that need to be discussed during budget.
Ald. Woods feels money could be better spent elsewhere and this would be a lower priority for him. He asked Mr. York why ComEd can’t just make the pole at the current location smaller to save some money, especially since a smaller one can be built at the newer location. Mr. York stated that the Council gave direction to move it off Irving Park, which is what they attempted to do. He also expressed concerns about returned to ComEd a third time and whether they would be willing to provide another option.
VOTE: None; direction was given to staff to return to ComEd for additional alternate options.
PRESENTATION: PRESENTATION ON SOUTH WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ALTERNATIVE STUDY
DISCUSSION: Mr. York reported that Robinson Engineering looked at three alternatives: 1) A complete rehab of the south treatment plant, 2) Transfer everything from the south plant to the north plant, and 3) Move to Addison’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. He explained that even with rehabilitation of the plant in the ‘80s there are several items over 30 years old which are at the end of their useful life. To keep everything at the south treatment plant will cost $7,946,000 total to do all the items required to make it a 21st century plant. Moving everything from the south plant to the north plant would force the main from the current plant over 8,000 feet. Expansion would then be needed at the north WWTP along with demolition of the south WWTP. That cost is over $13,664,500. The third option is to move to Addison’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. If this is done, the City would have to pay a recapture fee to the Village of Addison to use their equipment and the different rate is unknown. To transfer to Addison would cost $11,658,425.
Ald. Jakab asked about chlorine being a viable option and was advised by Mr. York that it is still an option. He explained that UV is a safer alternative, but there still has to be a way to disinfect the water. Ald. Jakab asked if doing Option 1 in the future would meet all EPA guidelines. Mr. York stated that things always change, but staff would design to meet all their criteria. Ald. Jakab asked how often someone is at the plant and was advised it is a manned plant seven days week by someone doing rounds or maintenance. Mayor Pulice asked if the City has enough room if changes need to be made or if they should be looking to acquire additional property. Mr. York said that is not a problem. Mr. Mermuys explained that this information was presented to have data for future decision making. Ald. Susmarski asked if parts for the south plant can still be obtained. Mr. York stated they can still get parts, but noted that it is very dated. He feels a decision will need to be made in the next 12 to 18 months as well as a plan on how to pay for it.
VOTE: Informational only; no action needed.
ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT FUTURE MEETINGS: a. 2018 Road Program (February 23, 2017) b. Potter Street Contract Award (February 23, 2017) c. Harvey Project Award (February 23, 2017) d. Irving Park and Wood Dale NE Corner Landscape Plan (March 2017) e. Street Sign Purchase (March 2017) f. SOQ Engineering List (April 2017)
Ald. E. Wesley asked when the final design for the clock tower will be ready. Mr. Mermuys stated that it is going out for bid in March.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Minutes taken by Eileen Schultz
Alerts Sign-up