Public Works Minutes 2000 09-18-00 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC WORDS COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2000
6:45 P.M.
In Attendance: Art Prochaska Richard Sticka Larry Kot
Tom Sowinski Dave Dockstader Joe NVywrot
J.T. Johnson
BOBCAT TRADE-IN
Mr. Johnson stated that the trade-in was the same as last year. He also stated that new
tires were due, which will cost between $6004800. He added that the money was
available for this.
Alderman Dockstader asked if hours were being put in on this.
Mr. Johnson stated yes, that the hours were under.
Chairman Sowinski asked if this was worthwhile, and if there are any problems with this.
Mr. Johnson stated that it was worthwhile, and there aren't any problems. He added that
the tires were worn out because of the way the machines are operated.
Alderman Sticka stated that it makes good sense, and it sounds like a good deal.
Chairman Sowinski asked if this should go forward to the Council.
Mr. Johnson stated that it should go to COW. He added that before winter comes, we
will put the tires on. He then added that this was the same type of machine.
ORDINANCE FOR BRUSH PICKUP REGULATIONS
Mr. Johnson stated that there was an instance on Elizabeth Street, in which a resident
came back with picture of large piles that were being picked up. The resident asked to
have his large brush pile picked up, in which we ended up doing so. Mayor Prochaska
stated that we should address this type of situation with an ordinance, and have
something written up in the newsletter about unnecessary large brush piles.
Mr. Johnson then added that we will be faced with this in the future.
Alderman Kot asked what the ordinance was on this.
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Mayor Prochaska and Mr. Johnson stated that there was no set ordinance on this, only a
policy.
Alderman Kot stated that something should be written up on this.
Alderman Dockstader stated that the older sections and some new sections have trees that
need to be trimmed.
Alderman Sticka asked if Dan Kramer would write something on this.
Chainnan Sowinski asked if it would be in effect before next spring.
Mr. Johnson stated yes..
Chairman Sowinski asked if the context of the newsletter could be changed, so that it
could be labeled"brush".
Mayor Prochaska stated yes, but it will need to be in writing. The resident's argument on
Elizabeth Street was that he took pictures of the employees picking up other large piles,
and not his.
Alderman Sticka added that we need a policy for the Public Works Department on this
specifically.
Mayor Prochaska agreed, and stated that a formal ordinance is needed.
Mr. Johnson stated that it would be brought back to the next meeting.
FOX HILL, UNIT 4—BOND REDUCTION#2 AND#3
Mr. Wywrot stated that in July the Fox Unit Bond Reduction was tabled, and it is being
considered again. There are two reduction orders; #2 being $614.00, and 93 being
$289.00.
11,1ayor Prochaska stated that he had a discussion with Mr. Kramer on this, and the
question is if the work is being done. He added that the ordinance states that the City
may reduce the bonds, and we wanted to make sure that the work was getting done.
Chairman Sowinski stated that a resident came in from Unit 1 with questions.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the sidewalk is in, and we are waiting for Aurora Blacktop.
Mr. Wywrot stated that there is much to be done yet. He added that there is an
unresolved issue regarding the trail in the resident's yard, and asked if we should have
this done.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it goes through a detention area.
Chairman Sowinski asked if it was necessary to complete it.
Mr. Wywrot stated yes, that it was part of the trail system.
Mr. Johnson stated that the trail ran between two houses.
Mr. NV),,wrot stated that the problem is along the West Side, and that it should go in.
Alderman Sticka asked if the responsibility of installation was with the Parks
Department.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it was not in the Parks Department.
Mr. Wywrot added that it may be `city maintained', but not technically a park.
Mr. Johnson stated that he had looked at it with Paul, and that he saw no need for it. The
trail connects to another trail.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the trails were only walkways at the time.
Mr. "A,ywrot asked that if it doesn't get installed, what happens to the property.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the detention was moved closer due to the ground problems.
The trail is in the detention.
Mr. Johnson added that this could be a liability risk, being that it gets wet and muddy.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we will look into this.
Chairman Sowinski stated that there were problems along Route 34, in regarding to the
birms.
Mr. Johnson stated that a notice had been sent 5-7 days ago. He added that everything
was cleaned, but no seeding was done. No one has mowed it, and we found a more
reasonable firm to mow.
Mr. Wywrot asked if it should go to CO this week.
Chairman Sowinski agreed.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
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Alderman Dockstader stated that the ball diamonds are in extremely bad shape. Calls
have been made regarding this, and several residents have called to discuss this.
Mr. Johnson stated that he had spoke with Al Goss in regards to this, and Spring Green
was supposed to be there today.
Alderman Dockstader stated that the problem has gone way back on this issue.
Mr. Johnson stated that until the drainage is done right, there will be problems. The area
has to be dragged, and we have tried but have sunk into it. The problem with spraying is
that it is toxic.
Alderman Dockstader stated that the weeds have grown too far, and the point is that it is
well overgrown.
Mr. Johnson stated that every fall it is tilled.
Alderman Dockstader stated that this is pure neglect.
Mr. Johnson stated that there are 2 parks men to take care of 68 acres, and we're
requesting that 2 more full time employees be hired this spring for the Parks Department.
Alderman Dockstader stated that it is our responsibility, and that the children need to play
in it. A program was established for the diamonds, and Scott Sleezer said he would do it,
and it never got done.
Mr. Johnson stated that they will be gutted out and redone. He then added that we have
the clay to do this.
Chairman Sowinski asked if there was money available in the budget to fund someone
else to maintain it.
Mr. Johnson stated only in the Public Works department.
Chairman Sowinski asked if they would be torn out now.
Mr. Johnson stated yes, this week. The rimer bottom will be taken out and then the
diamonds will have to be shaped so that the water will drain properly. He added that the
chemicals could only be sprayed in the fall, when the season is over.
Chairman Sowinski stated that the agreement should be looked at regarding the upkeep
with the schools and with the City. He then asked if Brian could look at this.
Mr. Johnson stated that we had done all of the mowing, and we chose that. It has to be
cut around 3 inches, not 4 inches. He added that he would get the agreement and speak
with Brian on this.
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Mderman Dockstader stated that we need to be more involved, and that we haven't
upheld our end on this.
A.ir. Johnson stated that Chem Lawn told us not to touch the weeds, so we didn't do
anything.
Alderman Sticka asked if we were using the chemicals or not.
Mr. Johnson stated that he had spoke with Al Goss on this, and that the players will avoid
the fields that have been sprayed.
Alderman Dockstader stated that on Saturday in the a.m., there were children playing
ball. Everyone else is using these fields anyway.
Chairman Sowinski asked if we should invest in a Gill.
Mr. Johnson stated yes, but the diamonds should still be shaped.
Chairman Sowinski asked how many diamonds does this refer to.
Mr. Johnson stated 2 as of right now.
Alderman Dockstader stated that the baseball diamonds might be embarrassing due to
where they will be placed.
Mr. 'IA'ywrot asked if a clamshell could be put on it.
Mr. Johnson and Alderman Kot stated that it wouldn't help much.
Alderman Dockstader stated that putting up netting could be very costly.
Mr. Johnson stated that Mayor Prochaska wants it in by November. He added that it is
very difficult in the summer, and the employees are very busy with mowing.
Mr. Johnson stated that there were 660 kids this year, and 144 of these were t-ball kids.
These are new numbers for us, we nave not experienced this, and we have to maintain
them now. It is different than before.
Alderman ILot asked about the mercury contamination. He asked what our situation was
on this issue.
Mr. Johnson stated that we should be o.k. with this. There are no problems foreseen. He
added that he spoke with Mr. Nanninga about this, and also spoke with Bob Fleckinger
on this issue, in which he said that mercury was very valuable and unlikely to be wasted.
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Alderman Dockstader asked what is a safe level, and what are the warning levels.
Mr. Johnson stated that the IPEA would be studying this in detail for the fast time. In
quantities, it will cause problems, but in small amounts, we're not sure.
Alderman Sticka brought up this issue of the streetlight at Candleburry Lane.
Mr. Johnson stated that he has this in stock.
Alderman Sticka asked if it would be fixed.
Mr. Johnson stated that yes, it should. We have not discussed this with Mr. Davis yet.
He then added that Fred Davis would be doing the landscaping at the Skate Park. He will
not do the black dirt, though. It will take approximately 2-3 days to do this. We will
remove the back birm also, and it will be a week's worth of work.
Chairman Sowinski asked if temporary help should be hired.
Mr. Johnson stated no, not really, because it is hard to find.
Mr. WywTot stated that a memo would be given out to the Aldermen. There are MOT
issues at Orange, Van Emmon, and Somonauk streets. Everyone will receive them. He
added that the Legion Road overlay is estimated at $3,000. We have the bill, which is
around $3,800.
Chairman Sowinski asked about the Wing Road problem.
Mr. Johnson stated that he had spoken with Stan in regards to this. He doesn't want to
close it. He suggests that these people annex to the City.
Alderman Sticka asked why it should be kept open.
Mr. Johnson stated that he felt it was the best idea.
Alderman Sticka stated that the people should bring this issue to the County Board.
Alderman Dockstader asked if we should get this in writing, and added that this needs to
be documented.
.Alderman Kot stated that there are only a small number of houses there.
Alderman Dockstader stated that people are always cutting through there.
Mr. Wywrot stated that there are bid openings for the sale equipment.
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Mr. Johnson passed out a memo regarding the bids for the sale equipment vehicles.
There was a minimum bid for the C-65 Dump Truck A$1000, and for the Step Van
x)$550. No bids were given for the 1990 Caprice. He then added that Scott and John
Sleezer would give $2500 for the C-65 Dump Truck, in which we should talk to Dan
Kramer about.
Alderman Sticka stated that it would be better for the City.
Chairman Sowinski asked if we have to accept the $1000 bid for the truck.
Mr. Johnson stated that he was not sure about employees putting bids in on the vehicles.
He then stated that the truck has been sitting for a year, although it was run through a test
lane. He added that we are still waiting for a reply from Dan Kramer.
Chairman Sowinski stated that if Mr. Kramer clears it, then it would be acceptable. We
would then bring it to COW.
Mr. Johnson stated that Scott Sleezer had the truck from the Parks Department equipped
with 4-wheel drive. We could then use this for plowing. He then added that to fit a plow
on it, a BOSS (which is at the high end)would work. It costs $2792.00, and fits into the
equipment budget.
Chairman Sowinski asked what size truck it is.
Mr. Johnson stated that it is an F-350, or an F-550.
Alderman Kot asked if it would then be used to plow the parking lots.
Mr. Johnson stated yes.
Alderman Dockstader asked if there are any problems using it too much in regards to the
Parks Department.
Mr. Johnson replied no, and added that there is not much maintenance needed. He then
added that money was just spent on Mr. Mikkelson's truck. He also stated that in regards
to the vactor, it is good for the sewers, and also for trenches, but he would look into it
further.
Alderman Kot stated that if the plowing is done for the parks, then it's o.k.
Mr. Johnson stated that the numbers on the Beecher lot overlay are around $22,000. He
added also that the employees all went through the respiratory protection training. These
are good seminars, and they last 2-4 hours, depending on the topic.
Alderman Dockstader asked about the spraying licenses, and asked if the employees had
received them vet.
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Mr. Johnson stated no.
Alderman Dockstader stated the weeds haven't died out by Prairie Park.
Chairman Sowinski stated that the Dickson Court area was bad also.
Mr. Johnson stated that the employees shouldn't have difficulties with passing the
licensing.
Alderman Sticka asked if the parking lots should be done, also.
Mr. NVy-vvrot stated that he would call and ask them.
Chairman Sowinski asked if there had been any final plans on Mulhern Court.
Mr. Wywrot stated that there was a concept plan, but they need to get a new one. Design
Engineering was working on this, but we haven't received anything.
Chairman Sowinski asked if the trailer should be left sitting there.
Mayor Prochaska stated that they have been notified about this. Mr.Nanninga called,
and they are out until next week.
Mr. Wywrot stated that a whole new set of plans is needed.
Mayor Prochaska stated that he was told they were breaking ground in October.
Chairman Sowinski asked if the trailer should be taken out now.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we need to reconsider everything then.
Meeting Adjourned
8:05 P.M.
Minutes by Lisa Sleezer
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