City Council Work Session
February 8, 2016
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Gentili was absent.
Others present included City Manager Jim Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Public Works Director Mike Perreault, HEB Lead Engineer Jay Poulin, Superintendent of Schools Corinne Cascadden, Finance Director Patty Chase, and Barbara Tetreault from the Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hutchins St Project
Jay Poulin noted that the Hutchins Street project is roadway improvements from Napert Street to Turcotte Street with new curbing, drainage and a sidewalk on the east side of the street. There is no lighting or landscaping in the plans thus far. The DOT needs to give approval to go ahead and bid the project. If everything goes as scheduled a bid opening would occur March 11, 2016; construction would start April 18 and the project would be complete by the end of July. One lane will be open to traffic during construction. The budget for this project is $860,000 which will require about $80,000 from the City. Councilor Rozek confirmed that conduits will be put in place and capped off so that lighting can be added at a later time. Councilor Theberge said that lighting is
essential for the aesthetics of the project as well as pedestrian safety. Mr. Poulin indicated that period lighting would be fairly expensive adding $150,000 to the cost.
Route 16
Mr. Poulin reported that Twelfth Street south will include total reconstruction including removal of concrete, drainage, overhead utilities, and sidewalks. From Twelfth Street north to the intersection with Cates Hill Road, there will be roadway resurfacing only. New truck turn movement was added to the project to address a concern for the tight turning radius at 12th Street Bridge. The construction documents are ready to bid with the proposed schedule being bid opening at the end of March and construction beginning in May. 12th Street north will coincide with Hutchins St. The Brown School phase consists of doing the between 7th and 8th Street during school break in 2017. Everything else would be done between
8/1/2016 and 12/2017.
Mr. Poulin explained that the Base Bid is estimated at $5.7 million and there are other ancillary cost that will be part of project. Three Alternates will also be bid bringing the total estimate to $6.3 million. Mr. Poulin indicated that the whole project will be bid and in addition to the base bid, the City would have the flexibility to add the alternates.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that Brown School will be done during vacation time. Councilor Rozek confirmed that a solar powered yellow caution flashing beacon is in the project for the school zone. Councilor Theberge expressed concern for wetlands and Mr. Poulin confirmed that the wetlands will have to be permitted.
Mr. Poulin stated that there are temporary construction easements to address. Councilor Morgan Allain asked how businesses will be impacted and Mr. Poulin affirmed that the contractor will have to maintain one lane of traffic throughout the project. It will be a requirement of the contractor to allow access to businesses.
Councilor Nelson confirmed that there would be intersection bump outs to allow line of sight at intersections. There will be parallel parking at the Heritage Park and there are no contract modifications needed for the events at the Park. The contractor will be made aware that there are days during events that they cannot work.
Councilor Rozek questioned that, due to devaluation of city properties, and this being a Cadillac plan, should we consider grinding and repaving the center section of Main Street and not doing this project. Mayor Grenier stated that we are using increasing revenue streams to pay for bonds that will be created by this project. This project is an investment in the community. If we grind and pave, we will be back to an unsatisfactory road in a few years.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that there will continue to be on street parking in front of Kids Only Daycare. It is also planned to have parking at Brown School paved with drainage and markings.
Capital Improvement Plan
Mr. Wheeler distributed the city’s Vision from the Master Plan. He explained that the CIP is a planning document that attempts to capture the capital needs in the city. FY 17 projects will be included in the first cut of the budget. The Planning Board approved the CIP on February 2 and the plan then comes to the Council. Each individual department budget hearing will get into the details of each capital project.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to accept the CIP as presented. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved to adjourn; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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