HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-1996 Meeting
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ENGINEERING SERVICES
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE ROOM - June 24, 1996
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Hons. Larry E. Sconyers, Mayor; Powell, Chairman;
Todd, Vice-Chairman; Handy and J. Brigham, members; Charles
Dillard, Interim Administrator for Operations; Millard Gooding,
Public Works Director; Jack Murphy of the Public Works
Department; Homer Moore and Mike Amerson of the Traffic
Engineering Department; Cheryl Nelson of the Finance Department;
Drew Goins, Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of Engineering; Tom
Wiedmeier, Supt. of Water Pollution Control; Jim Leiper,
Environmental Engineer; Harry Hartley, Asst. Director of Public
Works; Alma Stephenson, Manager of Consolidated Revenue; Jim
Wall, Interim Attorney; Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission-Council
and Nancy Morawski, Deputy Clerk of Commission-Council.
Also Present: sylvia Cooper of the Augusta Chronicle,
George Eskola of WJBF Television and Hons. Beard and Mays,
Commissioners.
The Clerk: We have a request for one addition from the
Attorney. It is a resolution authorizing the issuance of
protective covenants on the proposed constructed wetlands system,
the implementation of the development plan detailed in the March,
1996 document prepared by ZEL Engineers and leased Eco-Systems
Institute.
Mr. Todd: I so move we add this by unanimous consent.
Mr. Chairman: Since there are no objectors, we will add
that to the agenda.
Communication from Mr. Bill Jeffords of the Goodale Landing
Homeowners Association regarding a request for financial help
with the replacement of seawall at Goodale Landing, was read.
Mr. Wiedmeier: When this development was first constructed,
the developer built a seawall the length of the development.
That was not properly designed and constructed and most of it has
failed and a lot of the bank is sloughing off. The Utilities
Department has a sanitary sewer that runs the length between the
building and the river which will be in jeopardy if this
continues. The Homeowners Association has sought help from
various agencies to reconstruct that wall.
Mr. Chairman: I'd like to appoint a sub-committee
consisting of Mr. Wiedmeier, Mr. Dillard, Mr. Gooding and Mr.
Leiper and let them look into it and see the feasibility of this
and also identify any other problems that we may run into.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of I
Engineering stating the Engineering Department, through the
Daniel Field Airport Budget, planned the second phase of the
parking lot improvements. The amount budgeted was $21,000.00.
To begin the improvements, we would like to have the street
lights installed. To accomplish this, we propose to have the
contractors installing street lights on the 11th and 12th Street
project install same in the parking lot by Change Order. We
propose to have the conduit, bases and wiring installed by Change
Order at a cost of $9,385.00. The poles and fixtures will be
installed by Augusta-Richmond County forces from stock and
replaced into stock when the next order is placed and charged to
the Daniel Field Project. The estimated cost for the poles and
fixtures is approximately 7 poles and fixtures at $900 each for a
total of $6,300.00. The remainder of the $21,000 budgeted will
be used by the Trees & Parks Department for landscaping. We
request authorization to begin the referenced work, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of I
Engineering submitting two copies of a Quit Claim Deed on the
13th Street and Walton Way Intersection Improvements Project for
execution and recording. As the Committee members may recall,
the additional right-of-way for this project was obtained by the
local government, was read.
Mr. Goins: We received these from the Department of
Transportation to be executed and recorded. They are transfers
of additional right-of-way that was acquired by the local
government. This is on 13th Street and they are requesting that
the right-of-way we obtained be quit-claimed over to the State.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of
Engineering stating the Engineering Department has requested and
received a proposal from Cranston, Robertson & Whitehurst to
perform the engineering, planning and surveying services for the
proposed St. Sebastian Way Extension. The concept of this
project is to construct an urban street with signalized inter-
sections, sidewalks, trees, lighting and other enhancements along I
a route from Walton Way at St. Sebastian Way north to Reynolds
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Street. The project is proposed to be designed such that it can
be constructed in phases:
Phase I - Walton Way to Greene Street
Phase II - Greene Street to Broad Street
Phase III - Broad Street to Reynolds Street
The project when completed will serve several concurrent
functions:
* Serves as a relief artery to 13th Street and 15th Street,
which have unacceptable levels of service during peak
hours.
* Provides a detour route for the construction of the 15th
Street overpass project, if and when it is constructed.
* Provides improved access to the medical complex,
including its three major hospitals, the Medical College,
and the new Children's Medical Center.
* Provides access to the proposed Augusta Canal Visitors
Center (to be located in the Granite Mill) from River
Watch Parkway and Interstate 20.
* Serves as a catalyst for redevelopment of old factory
buildings and underutilized old industrial sites for
economic development purposes.
The proposed lump sum for engineering services is $289,343.00.
The funds for the engineering for this project were designated in
the 1996 1% Special Purpose Sales Tax Fund, was read.
Ms. Nelson: You have $1.5 million set up and you're taking
$300,000 of that for -
Mr. Goins: For engineering and the remainder is for right-
of-way purchase.
Ms. Nelson: I have not received anything to identify where
the construction funds are coming from or an estimate as to how
much that construction is.
Mr. Goins: The estimate for the project is about $5.5
million and we're trying to identify the funds for that.
Ms. Nelson: We don't typically recommend that a project go
forth unless all funding sources have been identified. As the
project is broken into three phases, we were going to recommend
that the items be identified and maybe just the first phase be
put under an engineering contract at this time until that can be
done.
Mr. Todd: I will move that we approve it in phases until we
identify the official funding for the whole project. Is that my
understanding of the recommendation?
Ms. Nelson: My recommendation in talking with Butch is that
we would recommend allowing them to begin the engineering on the
first section pending the identification of funds for the
construction of the whole project.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
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Mr. Handy: Second.
Mr. Brigham: Where will the remainder of the money for the
whole project come from?
Mr. Goins: We are trying to obtain funds from the 15th
Street overpass project. If this project is used as a detour
during the construction of the 15th Street overpass, then there
is a possibility we could get some funds from that.
Mr. Handy: Do we have enough money to finish Phase I?
Mr. Goins: No, sir, there's not enough money.
Mr. Todd: I'll withdraw the motion I put on the floor.
Mr. Handy: I'll make a motion to go ahead with the study
and then determine where the money will come from.
Mr. Goins: The $300,000 was the total engineering cost
which would give us construction drawings for the project
including right-of-way acquisition. I can go back and get
another proposal to break this down into preliminary engineering
if that is your desire.
Mr. Todd: I move that Engineering bring in a feasibility
study and to identify funds for this project.
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Mr. Handy: I'll second that.
Mr. Goins: This request includes preliminary engineering
and construction drawings. I can take this back and just give
you the preliminary engineering costs.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Asst. Com. of P.W. & Director of
Engineering requesting execution of a "Memorandum of Understand-
ing" Agreement between the Georgia Department of Transportation
and Augusta-Richmond County for the Augusta Canal Multi-Use
Trail. This is an ISTEA project with the funding sources being
80% Federal Aid and 20% local match. This project was included
in the 1996 Capital Improvements Plan with the local funds being
designated from the Special 1% Sales Tax Fund, was read.
Mr. Handy: I so move.
Mr. Todd: Second.
After a short discussion, the motion was adopted unanimously I
with Mr. Handy out of the room.
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Communication from the Public Works Director submitting a
list of twenty-five roads with location maps to let out for bid
for resurfacing. All but the last three were previously approved
to be done in-house by County forces. Due to the high volume of
maintenance to be done, County forces no longer have the time to
undertake this resurfacing. Also attached is a Capital Project
Budget in the amount of $441,000 for the estimated cost of this
project. This amount is to be funded from County Forces
Resurfacing and Widening Accounts. Approval of the Capital
Project Budget with funding and the list of roads for resurfacing
to be let for bid is recommended, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director submitting an
Augusta-Richmond County Contract Agreement from the Georgia
Department of Transportation which certifies the right of way and
commits the Augusta-Richmond County to future maintenance of the
Jackson Road Widening project. Upon their acceptance, the
process of funding for the Augusta-Richmond County Contract can
be completed. Approval is recommended, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director submitting a
Capital Project Budget in the amount of $474,000 for the General
Roadway and Drainage Improvements, Phase I project. This amount
is to be funded from County Forces Grading and Drainage accounts
in Special One Percent Sales Tax, Phase II. -There is a group of
small problems located throughout the area that are too small to
let for bid on their own. Therefore, we have grouped them here
together in one project and included location maps hereto
attached. They are as follows: .
1) Mann Memorial Church Drainage - the reconstruction of
Kissingbower and Milledgeville Roads have caused a storm
water drainage problem across this property. Estimated
cost: $30,000;
2) Nanette Drive Drainage - an open ditch that is eroding
with every storm. Estimated cost: $42,500;
3) Wylds Road Driveway - the reconstruction of Wylds Road
has caused a problem for moving vans to exit and enter.
Estimated cost: $10,000;
4) Forest Acres Drainage - residents are being flooded.
Estimated cost: $127,500;
5) Doug Barnard Parkway Turn Lanes - a decel lane is to be
constructed at the entrance to Goshen lIB as this has
become a hazardous intersection. Estimated cost:
$112,500; and, I
6) Lumpkin Road Drainage - erosion recently discovered is
in danger of compromising the road. Estimated cost:
$107,500.
Total estimated cost of all projects is $430,000. Approval of
the Capital Budget with funding and to let for bid are
recommended, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director submitting
Capital Project Budget Amendment Number Three in the amount of
$2,091,000 for the Rae's Creek Channel Improvements, Section II
project. This amount is to be funded by special One Percent
Sales Tax, Phase II for the Suburban District and Water and Sewer
Renewal and Extension Fund for the Urban District. All phases of
preconstruction are near completion and this project is ready to
be let. The estimated construction cost of $1,900,000 includes
$200,000 for the repairs and upgrading of the Urban District
sanitary sewer system within some areas of the channel. Approval
of the amendment and request to let for bid are recommended, was
read.
Mr. Brigham: I so move.
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Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director stating bids
were opened for the Kamell West Subdivision Drainage Improvements
project on May 28, 1996 with four contractors turning in bids
with Nordman Contracting company being the low bidder at $50,423.
These bids have been 'reviewed and tabulated and it is recommended
that award be made to Nordman Contracting Company, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director stating bids
were opened for the Wheeless Road Drainage Improvements project
on May 28, 1996 with five contractors turning in bids with Mabus
Brothe~s Construction Company, Inc. being the low bidder at
$559,037.35. These bids have been reviewed and tabulated and it I
is recommended that award be made to Mabus Brothers Construction
Company, was read.
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Mr. Handy: I so move.
Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director stating
attached is Capital Project Budget Amendment Number Three in
the amount of $165,000. This amount will come from funds
allocated to the project and recaptured funds in Special One
Percent Sales Tax, Phase II. Final construction plans are near
completion and right of way requirements have been established.
These funds are for the acquisition of permanent and temporary
construction easements throughout the project. Approval of
the amendment with funding is recommended, was read.
Mr. Handy: I so move.
Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director stating
attached is Capital Project Budget Amendment Number One in the
amount of $45,000. These funds are to come from County Forces
Drainage account number 55-8081-00-0882 in Special One Percent
Sales Tax, Phase II. Final construction plans are nearing
completion and right of way has been identified. These funds
are needed to acquire necessary permanent and temporary
construction easements. Approval of the amendment with funding
are recommended, was read.
Mr. Murphy: This is for Sand Ridge Drainage Improvements.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Public Works Director stating the
existing timber walkway and deck over the outlet structure and
the existing outlet structure itself within Detention Pond Number
One in Hill Creek Subdivision waa substantially damaged in the
September, 1995 storm. Conditions have since deteriorated to
a potentially dangerous and liable state. In order to correct
this in an expedient manner all local contractors were asked
to meet at the site for a project briefing. A detailed estimate
was distributed and a date and time set for opening bids. Four
contractors turned in bids on May 24, 1996 with Blair
Construction, Inc. being low bidder at $14,000. These funds
are available in County Forces Drainage account number 55-
8081-00-0882 in Special One Percent Sales Tax, Phase II. Award
to Blair Construction, Inc. and approval of funding is
recommended, was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
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Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the
stating bids were opened on
of the discharge valves for
The results are as follows:
Hydro Operations $77,151
H. A. Sack Co. $44,900
Gold Mech $32,270
We recommend award to the low bidder, Gold Mech.
are available in the Wastewater Treatment budget
was read.
Supt. of Water pollution Control
June 19, 1996 for the replacement
two of the plant's four lift pumps.
Adequate funds
for this work,
Mr. Handy: I so move.
Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Director of Augusta-Richmond
utilities Department submitting three invoices from Mabus I
Construction Company, Inc. for three emergency sewer line repair
projects. Following are comments on each project:
A. Sewer Repair at Sibley Road
The cost of this repair is $4,200.00.
B. Manhole Repair beside New Savannah Road
The manhole repair work at this site was performed by our
utilities Crew. Mabus Construction Company was asked to
furnish rip rap and #4 stone to build an access to the
manhole. They also furnished a concrete top to fit a 5'
inside diameter manhole. The cost for their materials is
$413.24.
C. Baker Avenue and Central Avenue Manhole Repairs
A portion of a sanitary sewer line in Central Avenue
collapsed atits intersection with Baker Avenue. This
caused sewage to back up and begin to flow out of a
manhole at the intersection of Baker Avenue and Wrightsboro
Road. Attempts to open the blocked sewer line with an
augur failed with the augur getting stuck in the collapsed
dirt. Mabus Construction Company is working on a CSO
project on Central Avenue near Baker Avenue. They had
some work to do in that area so we requested that they
do that work and also repair the sanitary sewer line to
stop the raw sewage overflow at wrightsboro Road. The
cost for that repair is $14,284.72.
We are requesting that you ratify the award of the repair I
contracts to Mabus Construction Company, Inc. and authorize
payment of the attached invoices in the total amount of
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$18,897.96. Funding for this amount will come from Renewal
and Extension funds presently budgeted. It will not increase
our total budget for 1996, was read.
Mr. Todd:
I so move we ratify these.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted una~imously.
Communication from the Director of Augusta-Richmond
utilities Department submitting a letter from Baxter Bailey,
Jr. wherein he offers to give Augusta-Richmond County the land
needed for an elevated tank site if Augu~ta-Richmond County
will have constructed a 12" sanitary sewer trunk line extending
from the Hillcreek area to the Highpointe area. The route for
the trunk sewer is shown on the attached print of Tax Map Sheet
No. 30. Please note that it ~ill serve an area that is
experiencing rapid growth. We have already issued a letter
of ability to serve Parcel Number 52; therefore, we will be
able to get EPD approval of the trunk sewer extension under
the terms of the Raes Creek Consent Order. You will also note
that Baxter Bailey already has had the plans and specifications
prepared for this line and he also has acquired the permanent
and temporary construction easements for the project.
Construction of the sewer line has been estimated to cost
$132,656.00. We have recently learned from Mr. Jim Brown, Right-
of-Way Agent for Augusta-Richmond County, that land in the
vicinity of the elevated tank site is selling for approximately
$5.00 per square foot. Using this figure, the tank site would
have a value of $117,000 for the 23,400 square foot area (0.54
ac.). Our current budget has a $50,000 line .item under Renewal
and Extension for the elevated tank site. We could take the
remaining $82,656.00 from other funds under Renewal and
Extension. We believe construction of this proposed trunk line
will add a substantial number of water and sewer customers to
our system. Income from water and sewer service fees will be
in addition to the benefits realized from obtaining the elevated
water tank site. We recommend that this offer by Baxter Bailey
be accepted by Augusta-Richmond County and that the county
attorney be directed to prepare the necessary legal agreements
to accomplish the sewer line construction and acquisition of
the tank site and access easement, was read.
Mr. Todd: I move that we approve it providing the County
Attorney review it.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Director of Augusta-Richmond
Utilities Department submitting a letter from ZEL Engineers
to George McElveen regarding the liner repair in Pond 2A at
the Spirit Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Please note that
Mr. Armstrong recommends authorizing the firm of Construction I
Perfected, Inc. to perform the repair work for a lump sum price
of $84,482.92. Attached are proposals from M. B. Kahn and
Construction Perfected, Inc. for the repair work and a sketch
of the recommended liner repairs from ZEL Engineers. Mr.
McElveen commented that he would rely on the Engineer's
recommendation in this situation. Our recommendation is that
Construction Perfected, Inc. be authorized to perform the repair
work for their lump sum price of $84,482.92. Funding for this
work will come from the Construction Funds allocated for this
project, was read.
Mr. Todd: I am concerned about doing this without any
input from M. B. Kahn.
Mr. Wall: Kahn has denied any responsibility for this.
After further discussion, Mr. Brigham: I move that we
postpone this to the full Commission and maybe have a
recommendation at that time from the utilities Department.
Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from Mr. Harry Revell requesting consideration I
of condemnation of a permanent storm drainage easement off
Clanton Road, which is on the property of Ruetgers-Nease, was
read.
Mr. Handy: I move for approval.
Mr. Todd: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from Ms. Lori D'Alessio requesting
consideration of approval of a lease agreement between Augusta-
Richmond County Commission-Council and AVN, Inc., was read.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Interim Attorney requesting
consideration of an Ordinance to establish requirements regarding
collection of grass, leaves, brush, etc., was read.
Mr. Wall: We were directed to improve upon the existing
Ordinance. It clarifies what trash will and will not be picked
up and places requirements that leaves and similar trash be
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contained in bags. It imposes a fine and allows the government
to lien the property if they have to clean it up.
Mr. Todd: I so move we approve it to go to the full
Commission for the first reading.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
After further discussion, Mr. Chairman: I can support
the Ordinance but I would ask as an amendment that we put out
some public service announcements letting people know what is
going to happen.
Mr. Todd: Certainly I'll accept that amendment and I think
the effective date would have to corne after the last reading
but people should start complying now if at all possible.
Mr. Hartley: We have put out notices on doors in the past
telling people about the rules.
Mr. Handy: Maybe we could have a general clean-up campaign
in the City whereby citizens themselves would become involved
in cleaning up the area.
Mr. Chairman: We can talk about that at the next meeting
if you would like to.
At this time the motion was put and adopted unanimously.
Communication from the Environmental Engineer stating in
1993 and 1994 activities were conducted at the Raw Water Pumping
Station owned at the time by the City of Augusta which were
centered around correcting contamination caused by a leaking
diesel fuel pipe which conveyed fuel from the 12,000 gallon
underground storage tank to the backup generators located onsite.
This leak was discovered when tightness testing was performed
on the piping system in 1993. At that time an initial abatement
report and corrective action plan were prepared and submitted
to the EPD. Due to EPD's backlog on underground storage tanks,
they have just now responded to the corrective action plan which
was submitted in 1994. EPD's comments are somewhat confusing
and convoluted since in one comment they request that a site
investigation plan be proposed, while in the next comment they
request that these investigations be performed. It is believed
that the majority of the contamination has left the site based
on observations and descriptions of free product recovery
activities in surface water which took place previously.
Presently, the surface water which provided the free product
for recovery shows no sign of contamination due to.the lack
of a sheen on the surface of the water. Proposals were solicited
from three qualified engineering firms to provide the services
outlined in EPD's comments. These firms included eder
associates, EMCON Southeast and Conestoga-Rovers Associates.
Of the proposals submitted, it is my opinion that Conestoga-
Rovers Associates have submitted the proposal which will most
likely satisfy EPD's concerns pertaining to the site. Therefore, I
I am recommending that Conestoga-Rovers Associates, Inc. be
authorized to begin work on this project at a cost not to exceed
$40,615, was read.
Mr. Todd:
I move it be approved.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Mr. Todd: I'll amend my motion to provide funding for
this from the urban waterworks funds.
Mr. Leiper: We may have some funds in Central Services
that was a budget issue and we may have some funds in Risk
Management reserves.
Mr. Chairman: We need to look and see if we have any more
similar situations that may come up and let's go ahead and make
preparations for them before we have a problem. I'd like to
get Mr. Todd to accept that as an amendment to his motion that
we give the staff direction to go ahead and look at other
potential problem areas.
Mr. Todd: I'll accept that.
Mr. Hicks: We have money in renewal and extension funds.
Motion adopted unanimously.
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The Committee next considered the matter of a cross light
at Glenn Hills Middle School and Glenn Hills Drives and a traffic
light and sidewalks at Barton Chapel Road and Glenn Hills Drive.
Mr. Todd: They need cross guards at the new school this
fall and they also need sidewalks and caution lights. We were
trying to plan through Mr. Brigham with the School Board and
I talked to him about this. I'll move that we approve it and
identify funds for it. Item 25, for a cross light at Tobacco
Road Elementary School and Tobacco Road, is not in the same
area but is needed. I so move that we approve items 23 and
24.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Mr. Murphy: We will have sidewalks on Barton Chapel Road.
This is tied into a state aid project. We would go on the left
side near the houses and for about four-tenths of a mile the
cost would be about $225,000. There is a lot of traffic out
there and we may need to think about widening Glenn Hills Drive
to a three-lane section and putting sidewalks on the south side
which would be about $690,000. Mike Amerson says we are ready I
with the flashing beacons at both sites at the Middle School
and on Tobacco Road and we can do it in-house at any time that's
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necessary.
Mr. Todd: I'll amend my motion to approve it with Public
Works to get with the School Board to determine how to make
it work pending the location of the funds. I think we have
some money in recaptured funds.
Mr. Brigham: We still need to do the flashing lights before
school starts.
Mr. Todd: We have some Phase III money also.
Motion adopted unanimously.
The Clerk: We have the Resolution authorizing the issuance
of protective covenants on the wetlands project.
Mr. Wall: This is the formal resolution which approves
the protective covenants and implements the educational part
of it to allow the operation of the eco-park and providing
$25,000 in funding for that. It also commits to building the
bridge and the roadway and repairing the barn which will be
used as part of the educational program.
Mr. Todd: I so move.
Mr. Handy: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting
was adjourned.
Lena J. Bonner
Clerk of Commission-Council
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