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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-1996 Meeting I I I ENGINEERING SERVICES COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ROOM - February 26, 1996 4:00 P. M. PRESENT: Hons. Larry E. Sconyers, Mayor; powell, Chairman; Todd, Vice-Chairman; Handy and J. Brigham; Jim Wall, Interim Attorney; Jack Murphy of the Public Works Department; Homer Moore and Mike Amerson of the Traffic Engineering Department; George McElveen, Director of Water & Sewerage Department; Charles Dillard, Interim Urban Services Administrator; Nancy Morawski, Deputy Clerk of Commission-Council and Martha King of the Clerk's Office. Also Present: Hon. Ulmer Bridges, Commissioner. Communication from the Signal Division Manager stating due to the recent fire damage to our 1987 Ford Econoline Van, I would like permission to purchase a new truck allotted in our budget. Also the Baker Versalift unit is no longer under warranty and is too old to utilize or transfer to any new equipment we purchase, was read. Mr. Amerson: We are asking to put this out for bids. Mr. Todd: I so move with funding to come from Risk Management reserves. Mr. Handy: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Sign & Marking Division Manager requesting approval of the low bids for this year's sign and marking material. This is the annual bid and will be used to purchase for the Suburban and Urban areas. Purchases will not exceed budget. Request approval as follows: Item No.1. Sheeting 3M 2. Sign Faces Amsign 3. Traffic Paint Linear Dynamics 4. Paint Thinner Safety Coatings 5. Glass Spheres Transafe 6. Sign Blanks Amsign 7. Posts Vulcan 8. Caps & Crossbars Vulcan 9. Thermoplastic Stimsonite 10. Raised Markers 3M Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Handy: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Sign & Marking Division Manager submitting a presentation of the findings concerning parking on the 1000, 1100 and 1200 blocks of Broad street, was read. Mr. Moore: About five years ago the city moved the two-hour parking signs out of the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Broad Street. This was to allow the merchants to use this area for all day parking. They kept the two-hour parking at the north and south curbs. Recently we had a request to look at this and see if it was still warranted. We did that and circulated a survey to 68 of the 75 businesses on these two blocks. Out of that survey we had 35 that requested that the parking stay as is and we had a couple more just before the meeting. 40 want the parking signs back up. At this time representatives from some of the Broad Street businesses appeared before the Committee regarding this matter. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Mayor: The Sheriff has said that it would be better if we had it more uniform from the 500 block on up. Mr. Todd: two-hour signs the Mayor form businesses. I move that we make it uniform and put the back up, try to utilize the parking decks and that a committee to study the problems with downtown Mr. Handy: I second the motion. Motion adopted with Mr. Brigham voting "No". Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of Engineering stating we are experiencing flooding and standing water on Laney-Walker Blvd. in the area of Laney High School. To eliminate this situation, the Engineering Department has designed an enlarged drainage system. We are recommending to have the work accomplished by Change Order to the Glass Factory Avenue Basin Contract. The cost of the change order is estimated at $59,622.64. If approved by the Committee, the total contract cost will increase to $2,552,248.49 with no increase in contract time. We recommend the cost of this expenditure be charged to funds allocated from Community Development funds, was read. Mr. Handy: I move for approval. Mr. Todd: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. I I Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of Engineering stating it has been brought to our attention that the six inch water line in the area of the intersection of the new 1-20 Frontage Road at Wheeler Road is in direct conflict with the Department of Transportation's construction. The Urban Services Engineering Department recommends replacing the existing line I with a new ten inch water line to avoid conflict with the current construction and to facilitate the connection of a possible new water storage tank in the area. We recommend the approval of I I I Change Order Number One to our existing contract with Mabus Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $8,010.72 to replace the line, was read. Mr. Brigham: I move for approval. Mr. Handy: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of Engineering stating a portion of land adjacent to the carpenter Shop and Electrical Department on Highland Avenue was sold late last year. It was discovered that the water and sewer laterals serving the buildings on the remaining property lie on the property sold. Those service laterals are now in conflict with the proposed development and need to be relocated. We request authorization to purchase the materials necessary to relocate the utilities at the estimated cost of $3,200.00. The work will be performed by Augusta-Richmond County forces. If approved by the Committee, we recommend the cost be charged to the Water and Sewer Renewal & Extension Fund, was read. Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Handy: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from Georgia Power Company, BellSouth, Georgia Natural Gas and Jones Intercable stating the local Utilities Council recently proposed an ordinance which would give local Augusta inspectors the authority and impetus to enforce the Georgia Call Before You Dig Law and handle these citations through magistrate court. Prevention and deterrence is in the best interests of the consumers we all serve. This ordinance, which mirrors the state law, improves the ease with which local government employees may issue on-site, pro-active, real-time violations of professional construction practices which threaten the integrity of the utility infrastructure and jeopardize community commerce and emergency services. This is meant only to facilitate and formalize local government's role as a stakeholder in this process and to rein in the rogue operators who flaunt the letter and intent of the state law. Front-end citations have proved a deterrent in other areas of the state for those violators who are out-of-business, bankrupt, and/or can't be found by the time a post-damage civil action can be filed and pursued through the legal system. Through the current system, the damage has been done and it should be the desire of all parties to prevent damage. We are open to suggestions from concerned parties and do not wish to do anything to make life difficult for the vast majority of contractors and builders who are a model of professionalism and a credit to their industry. We request that the ordinance be brought up for a vote or that a meeting be sponsored by your office between appropriate city officials, utilities and the Builders' Association at your earliest convenience, was read. I Mr. Wall: I had prepared this ordinance for consideration last year and the Homebuilders Association had some major concerns about this. Mr. Todd: I move that we call a public hearing where anyone who is interested can speak about it. Mr. Brigham: I'll second that motion. Motion adopted unanimously. communication from Mr. Jimmy Davison requesting two-hour parking for the west side of Seventh Street from Port Royal to Reynolds Street. I would also like to ask that the signs be permanently attached to the light posts, was read. Mr. Moore: I recommend that we allow the two-hour parking on the west curb and prohibit parking on the east curb. Mr. Brigham: I make that in the form of a motion. Motion adopted. I Mr. Todd: Second. Communication from the Conifer Neighborhood Association requesting landscaping of what is presently a paved traffic island at the intersection of Skinner Mill Road and Skinner Mill Road Extension, was read. At this time Mr. Bud Amerson and Mr. Steven Steinberg appeared before the Committee regarding the above communication. Mr. Amerson: The traffic island at this intersection is adjacent to one of our two entrances. We are asking that the agreement that we signed be completed and that pertains to a curbed, planted island and one stop sign. We feel that it will better direct the traffic and improve our entry as far as property values go. Mr. Chairman: We have an agreement where the neighborhood association signed off on this. Mr. island. traffic. Amerson: But we didn't sign off on omitting the curbed We signed off on the fact that it redirected the Mr. Wall: There were earlier drawings showing stop signs out there. There was a lot of discussion and the intersection was redrawn and reconfigured and the drawing attached to the I I I I settlement agreement does not show any stop signs in any direction. Mr. Amerson: Primarily we want a curbed, planted island and if the stop sign is a problem, then we don't have to have it there. Mr. Brigham: I move that we curb and plant an island. Mr. Murphy: The traffic buttons are not working and my recommendation is to find the money to put the curbed island in there and work with the landscaping person from the urban district. The stop sign is absolutely a "no". Mr. Wall: It was the intent of this agreement that there be no stop sign. Mr. Chairman: The motion dies for lack of a second. We'll entertain another motion. Mr. Todd: Is there anything in the agreement that says we will plant the island? If there's not, then I move that we stick with the agreement that was previously signed. Mr. Chairman: I'll second Mr. Todd's motion. I'd like to see if you would accept an amendment to your motion to send Mr. Murphy out there to look at it again and come back with an update. Motion adopted with Mr. Brigham voting "No". Communication from the General Supt. of Waterworks Operations stating to design the most effective ties between the water lines of the urban and suburban distribution systems we need to have a computer model prepared for the combined systems and a hydraulic network analysis performed for the combined systems using the computer model. The local firm most experienced at performing this type of study is Zimmerman, Evans & Leopold, Inc. They have performed such a study for the Urban Distribution System in 1989 and would only need to add improvements since that time to their existing model. Although it has been many years since they did a similar study of the suburban system, they have a thorough familiarity with the system and with the system personnel. We have asked ZEL to give a proposal for performing the analysis and preparing recommendations for the system inter-connections. Attached is a copy of that proposal. The lump sum price of $43,700 is very reasonable for this project. We recommend award of the contract for this important first step in consolidated system planning, was read. Mr. Todd: I move it be approved to get it on the floor. Mr. Handy: I second it. Mr. Brigham: I think we need to go out for proposals if at all possible. Mr. Todd: I agree with that. After a short discussion, the motion was adopted unanimously. I Communication from the Public Works Director requesting approval of a Local Government Project Agreement from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the project at Deans Bridge Road at Tobacco Road and Gate #5. Also, attached is a Capital Project Budget in the amount of $165,000 to be funded in fiscal year 1997 from special One Percent Sales Tax, Phase III as this is on the approved project list. The Georgia Department of Transportation proposes to reconstruct the interchange at the intersection of Deans Bridge Road and Tobacco Road in May, 1997. Augusta-Richmond County will be responsible for the relocation of all utilities which are currently estimated at $150,000. In order for the Georgia Department of Transportation to proceed with this pro- ject, the Local Government project Agreement must be executed and returned at this time. The funds identified in the Capital Pro- ject Budget are not expected to be expended until FY 1997, was read. Mr. Brigham: Second. I Mr. Todd: I so move. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Public Works Director submitting Capital Project Budget Amendment Number One to update the project costs and budget for right of way funds on the Perimeter Parkway Improvements project. These funds are set aside in Special One Sales Tax, Phase II as this is a priority project. Preliminary engineering plans which include right of way plans have been completed, therefore, right of way acquisition is ready to begin. Estimated costs for this stage of the project is $175,000. As this is a Georgia Department of Transportation participation project, approval of the amendment with funding is recommended, was read. Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Public Works Director stating at Pleasant Home Road near Greengate Drive, surface water from a I detention facility flows into an inadequate shallow roadside swale which overflows onto the roadway causing hazardous conditions. In order to correct this problem, a drainage system I I I will have to be installed. Since this was deemed an emergency, contractors from the current bidders list were invited to attend a briefing on the project, visit the site and submit a proposal ~ correct this problem. On January 30, 1996 five contractors submitted sealed bids with APAC-GA, Incorporated being low at $28,645.00 for the work. It is recommended that APAC-Georgia, Incorporated be awarded the project with funding to come from County forces grading and drainage account in Special One Percent Sales Tax, Phase II funds. As this is a dangerous situation for motorists, it is recommended that award with funding be granted so that correction can begin immediately, was read. Mr. Brigham: I so move. Mr. Todd: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Public Works Director submitting three copies each of Certificate of Ownership and Agreement from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the paving of 21 roads in Augusta-Richmond County. These forms are necessary to continue the 1996 LARP process. The streets and their termini for this agreement are listed below. Those shown with an asterisk are located in the Urban District. From Central Ave. Forest St. Wood lake Rd. Crosscreek Rd. Barclay St. Steiner Ave. Vernon Dr. 13th St. Poplar St. Steiner Ave. MLK Boulevard Doug Barnard Prkwy. Plantation Rd. Nicholas St. Southwood Dr. Boykin Rd. Basswood Dr. MLK Boulevard Sand Bar Ferry Rd. Gordon Highway Woodlake Rd. SE Urban District Suburban District Total Approval is recommended, was read. Name *Beman St. *Conklin Ave. Dayton St. Duffdown St. Edmonton St. *Hernlen St. Jeanne Rd. *Jones St. *Linden St. *Mill St. *Mills St. Perkins Rd. Plantation Ct. *Railroad st. Richwood Dr. Southfield Dr. Southwood Dr. *Steiner Ave. virginia Ave. *Watkins st. Woodbridge Ct. Mr. Todd: I so move. To Walton Way Mill St. Crosscreek Rd. Cranbrook Crosscreek Rd. MLK Boulevard Deen Ave. 11th St. Tutt Ave. Johnson Ave. Grand Blvd. Marvin Griffin Cul-de-sac David St. Parkwood Dr. Cul-de-sac Cul-de-sac Mill St. Colorado St. 6th St. Cul-de-sac Miles Miles Miles Length 0.45 0.15 0.25 0.10 0.28 0.15 0.20 0.025 0.25 0.10 0.075 1. 00 0.165 0.20 0.64 0.25 0.10 0.15 0.14 0.25 0.04 1. 800 3.165 4.965 Rd. Communication from the Public Works Director submitting three copies each of Certificate of Ownership and Agreement from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the paving of 25 road in Augusta-Richmond County. These forms are necessary to continue the 1996 LARP process. The streets and their termini for this agreement are listed below. Those shown with an asterisk are located in the Urban District, was read. Name From To Alpine Rd. Jackson Rd. Kamel Dr. Barton Chapel Rd. Wrightsboro Rd. Gordon Hwy. Belair Ct. Belair Rd. Cul-de-sac Belair Place Belair Rd. Cul-de-sac C & S Dr. Wrightsboro Rd. Dead End Centurion Rd. Aintree Rd. Fairbluff Rd. Devant st. Middleton Rd. Wasa Rd. Frontage Rd. McKnight Const. Co. New Pavement Goshen Rd. Old Waynesboro Rd. Highway 56 *Heckle St. Hickman Rd. Metcalf St. Hemlock Dr. York Dr. Sycamore Dr. *Howard Ave. Murphy St. Beman St. Kamel Dr. Alpine Rd. Cul-de-sac Marks Church Rd. Wheeler Rd. New Pavement *McNally St. Bransford Ave. Druid Park Ave. Milledgeville Rd. West of Barton North Leg Rd. Chapel Rd. Jackson Rd. Tanglewood Dr. Pineview Dr. Pineview Dr. Tanglewood Dr. Tanglewood Dr. Brown Rd. Alexandria Est. washington Rd. Centerwest Prkwy. Wheeless Rd. Jennings Rd. Broome Rd. McCombs Rd. Heard Ave. Metcalf St. wrightsboro Rd. Colonial Dr. Urban District Miles Suburban District Miles Total Miles Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Oak Ridge Dr. Point West Dr. Ridgeway ct. seago Rd. Sherwood Dr. Thomas Lane Tinley Rd. *Warren St. Wylds Rd. Approval is recommended, was read. Mr. Brigham: I so move. Mr. Todd: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. I Length 0.21 1. 19 0.07 0.07 0.22 0.30 0.25 0.20 2.33 0.20 0.10 0.19 0.27 0.50 0.10 1. 25 I 0.44 0.33 0.10 1. 35 0.18 0.70 0.85 0.10 0.29 0.59 11.20 11. 79 Communication from the Public Works Director recommending execution of the contract documents and the proper bonds for the I East Augusta Drainage Improvements project with Beams' Pavement Maintenance Company, Inc. in the amount of $1,098,355, was read. , I I I Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Interim Attorney submitting a Resolution regarding Wise Drive, was read. Mr. Wall: by the Board of appraised value This concerns abandoning a road that was approved Commissioners on November 21. $900.00 is the of the property. Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Interim Attorney submitting a Resolution regarding Turner Drive, was read. Mr. Wall: This was also approved by the Board of Commissioners back in November. Mr. Todd: I move we approve it. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Interim Attorney submitting an Ordinance to establish water and sewage rates for the Augusta- Richmond County Consolidated Water and Sewer System in the Urban Service District and the Suburban Service District, was read. Mr. Todd: I so move we approve the new rates. Mr. Brigham: I'll second that motion for discussion. After a discussion of the rates, Mr. Handy: I move that we table this. Mr. Chairman: I'll second the motion. Is this until the next Committee meeting? Mr. Handy: That's fine. Motion dies with Mr. Todd and Mr. Brigham voting "No". Mr. Chairman: We'll vote on the original motion now. Mr. Todd: I thought this would go back to the Commission. Motion dies with a tie vote. I Mr. Chairman: We'll pass this on to the full Commission. We have three items to add to the agenda. Mr. Handy: I move that we add these to the agenda. Mr. Todd: Second. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of Engineering stating the Engineering Department has requested that the Department of Transportation include the relocation of 24" water main in the roadway contract for the intersection improve- ments at 13th Street and Walton Way. In order to do this a "Memorandum of Understanding" needs to be executed with the Department of Transportation and the Commission-Council. This agreement is a standard document executed in instances where the local government desires to have work included in the roadway contract. In addition to the executed agreement, the local government must also provide a check to the Department of Transportation for the estimated cost of the work to be performed. We estimate the cost to be $145,000. We recommend the "Memorandum of Understanding" be executed and that the comptroller be authorized to provide a check in the amount of I $145,000. This project was included in the 1996 Capital Improvement Plan with the funds being designated to come from the Special 1% Sales Tax Fund, was read. After a discussion, Mr. Brigham: I move it be approved. The motion dies for lack of a second. After further discussion, Mr. Todd: the Memorandum of Understanding with the funds will come when they are available. I move that we approve understanding that the Mr. Brigham: I'll second that motion. Motion adopted unanimously. Communication from the Public Works Director requesting the acceptance of Megan Drive into the road system for maintenance only. This roadway is approximately 0.15 miles in length and the 50 foot right-of-way will be donated by the property owners. It is located off Plantation Road and is 2,360 feet from the Windsor Spring-Plantation Roads intersection, was read. Mr. Todd: I so move. Mr. Handy: Second. I Motion adopted unanimously. I I I Mr. Chairman: The last item is an update on the lime program. Mr. Wiedmeier: We land applied the sludge generated in the treatment process to private agricultural fields for its fertilizer value. Recent federal regulations have made us more responsible for the pH of the soil where we put our sludge. We have prepared a request for proposals to contract out applying lime in order to raise the pH of these sites. We have proposed to the landowners in our program that they split the costs of this application with us and we'll hold the contract and be reimbursed by the landowners. We're scheduled to accept these proposals on March 9. Mr. Chairman: We are liable so it would be better to put it out ourselves. Mr. Todd: have the County operating under I move that we go with the recommendation and Attorney look at the contracts that we are now and to advise us on any possible liability. Mr. Chairman: I'll second the motion. Motion adopted unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Nancy W. Morawski Deputy Clerk of Commission-Council NWM