Work Session
July 20, 2015
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Rozek, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Otis, Gentili, Theberge, Nelson and Higbee
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, HEB Engineer Jay Poulin, and Public Works Director Mike Perreault
Hutchins Street
Jay Poulin explained that reconstruction of Hutchins Street from Turcotte to Napert Street is planned. There are right of way issues that have prevented connecting to the section of Hutchins reconstructed last year. Twelve inches of pavement will be reclaimed, gravel laid and a geo grid fabric will be laid to build the road up 12 inches. The newly paved roadway will have bicycle lanes four feet wide, new curbing, drainage, and sidewalk. Lighting and landscaping are not in the plans due to a tight budget.
The Preliminary design is complete; wetlands and alteration of terrain permits are complete as is the NEPA documentation. The State Traffic Control Committee needs to approve the design. Mr. Poulin stated that the project will not be able to happen this fall. The new plan would be to bid both Hutchins Street and Route 16 in winter for spring 2016 construction. Bidding at that time of year usually gets the best prices from contractors.
Mayor Grenier asked if both projects can be put out as one contract and Mr. Poulin stated that Hutchins is a federal project and if Route 16 were included, then it would have to conform with all Federal requirements. Hutchins Street can be done with one lane of traffic allowed or the road can be closed forcing a full detour. Leaving the road open will add about two weeks to the project.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that Route 110 will be totally complete. Councilor Rozek expressed his disappointment that Hutchins Street will be delayed. He said it would be a disservice to citizens to have both the Route 16 and Hutchins Street projects going at the same time. Councilor Nelson established her preference for keeping one lane open during the Hutchins Street construction; she added that some effort will need to be made to clearly mark traffic patterns for ATV’s
Mayor Grenier commented that this is bad news but we can still make it work. Mr. Poulin stated that the projects will be ready to put out to bid in December or January. He indicated that he would be back next month to talk about the Route 16 project.
Councilor Rozek asked if there would be any sediment ponds in the Route 16 project and Mr. Poulin confirmed that there are no anticipated retention ponds.
Primex Premium Holiday Discussion of Use of Funds
Mr. Wheeler reported that there are several capital items that could be done with the unexpected return of Primex premiums. He presented the Council with several projects. Mayor Grenier indicated that he would support:
$15,000 for Landry Street;
$65,000 for Cates Hill
$10,000 for Route 110 Sidewalk
$50,000 for Willow Street
$29,000 for UTV Purchase
$5,000 to JLPC
Councilor Nelson stated that she would rather see $5,000 go to the Skate Park rather than JLPC. Mayor Grenier noted that concentrating safety dollars on an area where there have been accidents has proven to be an effective way to lower worker’s compensation rates. He suggested adding $5,000 for the Skate Park.
Councilor Higbee asked about retaining walls that are in need of repair. Councilor Theberge suggested lighting on the Cleveland Bridge section of Hutchins Street.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to spend $179,000 of the Primex premium holiday funds on the projects listed. So moved, the motion carried.
On Street Parking Route 110
Mr. Wheeler explained that Pam Laflamme has been working on parking on Route 110 where residents used to have on street parking and now they no longer have it. The solution is a pocket parking area that will cost about $4000. It is a space that is currently mulched and will be turned into paved parking.
Heritage Park
Mr. Wheeler addressed Council’s concerns from the last meeting. The exhibits (a) & (b) are attached; Exhibit (a) is the property description and the City Attorney would like to keep the option open to make small changes if necessary. The equipment list is mostly complete but needs to be finalized. To prevent the closing date of July 29th from being delayed, the Council could ratify the Purchase and Sale agreement subject to exhibit (a) being approved by the city attorney and subject to the list of equipment being approved by the City Manager. With regard to the easement, the City Attorney suggests not getting the easement because it goes across the research building property and it is best not to get into the chain of custody.
Councilor Remillard stated that she is not comfortable with closing until the list of contents is determined. Mr. Wheeler confirmed that he will review and approve the list before closing.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Theberge to ratify the P&S subject to the property description being approved by City Attorney and the list of items to remain with the property or to remain with the current owner be approved by the City Manager. The motion will be voted on during the Regular Meeting.
There being no further business in Work Session, the Council proceeded to the Regular Meeting at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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