Public Works Committee - MINUTES - 9/22/1997
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by Chairman Domonic D’Acquisto. Also present
was committee member Don Pionek, Ald. Mark Slocomb, Supt. John Loughney, Mayor David
De Angelis arrived at 8:25, Sean McMullen and Mike Campbell (Ruekert & Mielke) and those
per the attached list. Absent was Ald. Woodard.
Chairman D’Acquisto noted that the meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting
Law.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Ald. Pionek mentioned corrections to the minutes from the August 21, 1997 meeting. Page
two, paragraph one. An omission occurred regarding the Muskego Regency. Add: City of
Muskego approves plan on condition that plan was submitted to R&M in a correct form. Storm
sewer to be moved, a letter from Giles regarding sump pumps, auxiliary power, final intentions
on the method of construction of the building foundation at that time and an explanation
statement from Giles regarding the continuous sump pump operation. If R&M was satisfied
with all of these items, the plan would be approved. Minutes corrected as noted.
STATUS OF PROJECTS - The following were the only status reports given:
HEC-2 Study - Study done. Went to public hearing. Awaiting word on findings. Next step,
submittal to FEMA.
Muskego Regency - Last week plan revision was approved. See attachment SP#6. The
parties involved have complied with the requests. Don Kresse would like to install a 12 inch
drain tile that would act as an overflow. Mike Campbell would like Metropolitan to submit a
plan with elevations for review on this request.
Lannon Drive Turn Lane - Touch-up work needs to be completed.
Holz Drive Road Project - Please remove from listing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Discussion of Urban/rural Drainage: Supt. Loughney discussed the Mercury Drive problem.
Currently, resident Chuck Hunt has complained that his neighbor, Mr. Wiza, is discharging
water into the ditch and is causing some damage on his property. The Mayor has instructed
Supt. Loughney to shoot the grade to see if the water could be diverted to the north on
Mercury Drive. It has been determined after shooting the grade that there is no pitch to the
north. There is 4 feet of pitch to the south on Mercury Drive from Mr. Wiza’s discharge pipe to
the intersection with Gemini Drive. Supt. Loughney is looking for guidance from the
Committee on this matter. The Committee directed that the ditch on the east side of Mercury
Drive from Mr. Wiza’s discharge pipe south to the intersection of Gemini Drive be cleaned out.
Ald. Pionek briefly mentioned the Mr. Basse situation and has been informed that employees
from the clinic will be coming up with a plan.
2. Status of Moorland Road Extension: No new business to report.
3. Status of Projects - Big Muskego Lake: Sean McMullen reported that Western was in the
lake with a weed cutter cleaning the channel out. Work should be completed by tomorrow
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afternoon. Supt. Loughney reported that the alternate parking lot (just south of current parking
lot) is scheduled for a December 1, 1997 completion date.
4. Status of Linnie Lac Dam: Nothing to report at this time.
5 Status of grading plans for Graves - Hillendale Drive - Deleted
6. Further discussion of Bluhm Creek Drainage project is deferred to next month’s meeting.
7. Further review and introduction of platting ordinances for parcels not covered under
subdivision platting ordinances. Ald. Pionek feels that as a matter of good practice, grading
plans need to be submitted to help head-off future drainage problems on private property.
Pionek suggests that freestanding lots should have a drainage plan submitted for approval
prior to building permits being granted.
8. Further review of storm sewer and paving plans - Muskego Theater: Mike Campbell
completed the most recent review of the grading and drainage plans for the theater. See
attached letter (UB#8). Special attention should be given to item #2, where the slope should
accommodate a wheelchair and item #3, since a large amount of water will sheet flow into the
parking lot, the pipe would help to keep the water out. Additionally, a tracking pad for the
construction equipment must be included in the erosion control plan to be submitted to Tom
Chiconas. The Mayor mentioned that the Public Works Committee has requested the removal
of left-turn only barrier at Tans Drive. He indicated that it is not within this Committee’s
jurisdiction to make these design requests. The Planning Commission approved the exit with
the “physical barrier” to ensure that the traffic obeyed. Discussion ensued regarding what the
Planning Commission approved and what the Public Works Committee wanted with respect to
design for safety and practicality issues. Motion: Ald. Pionek moved to have contractor get
corrections to Mike Campbell and call a special meeting to approve the plans to keep
project moving forward. Seconded, D’Acquisto. Vote 2-0, carried by all.
Ald. Pionek wanted it noted that his prior concern regarding trees on the berm off of the pond
would be a poor idea. Ald. Slocomb agreed with concern resulting from trees dying and root
damage to the berm.
Theater owner (Mrs. Thomas) would like to be able to use Tans Drive since Racine Avenue
access will not be available. They Mayor stated that a bond will have to be posted and work
would have to be completed by a predetermined date after occupancy is granted. The parking
lot won’t be complete at the opening due to the late start. The owner would like to open with a
binder course on the parking lot, however, if weather does not permit, could traffic bond be
allowed for occupancy? Discussion continued regarding binder vs. traffic bond. Committee
members determined that theater owner, if frost line cooperates, place the binder course on
the parking lot this year. Otherwise, traffic bond would be allowed to gain occupancy.
9. Further review of Loomis road Repaving: Mr. Joe Dibb represented concerned citizens and
presented Chairman D’Acquisto with a signed petition from residents procured at a
neighborhood meeting held September 18, 1997. Mr. Dibb also provided photographic
evidence to support the groups position. Mr. Dibb posed several questions to the R&M staff
regarding the project, concerning cost, longevity of the repair and quality of the repairs made.
Sean McMullen responded that the cost differentials given over the history of the project were
due to the fact that they were only estimates. McMullen also stated that the repair should last
five years and at that time, the road would be reassessed for any subsequent work. McMullen
indicated that 1½ to 2 inches was removed from the surface and any deviations to that depth
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would have been removed. Mr. Dibb requested clarification on why patching was being
performed three weeks after the job was to be completed. Mr. McMullen reported that
patching is necessary due to the milling process which can cause deviations in the road. Mr.
Dibb questioned Supt. Loughney on milling cost ($40,000) and if a traffic count was performed
on Parker Drive (no) and Loomis Road (yes). Loughney indicated that a count was done on
Loomis because estimates could not be substantiated. Mr. Dibb asked, on behalf of the
concerned residents, for Committee members to walk the site in question to see first-hand the
completed project. Supt. Loughney, would like to see how the job will hold up until final
judgment is made on the road. Ald. Pionek wanted clarification of the exact problems the
residents have with the road. The issues were, washboard effect, pot holes and loose gravel.
Motion: Ald. Pionek moved to defer this matter until a site visit has been completed.
Seconded by Chairman D’Acquisto. Vote 2-0, carried by all. Discussion continued on who
would participate in the site visit. Ald. D’Acquisto, Supt. Loughney, Sean McMullen, along with
Joe Dibb who will coordinate with the residents.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Review Road and Parking Lot Paving Policy: Ald. Pionek discussed timing issues with
regard to the developers ability to pave roads and parking lots taking into consideration
weather concerns. According to Supt. John Loughney, the paving ordinance states that
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November 1 is the cut-off date for paving, unless John grants special dispensation. He does
not want City plows on unpaved streets. Chairman D’Acquisto discussed the difference
between roads and parking lots with regard to jurisdiction on each. D’Acquisto believes that
roads and roadways should be under the jurisdiction of the Highway Superintendent.
However, with parking lots, the Public Works Committee can and should have some flexibility.
Mike Campbell gave a different spin on how and when paving occurs within Waukesha.
Waukesha does not pave a subdivision until 80% of the homes are built. However, sidewalks
are put in. Upon reaching the 80% level of occupancy, the roads are closed for approximately
two weeks and the roads, curb and gutter are put into place. This is a “developer-friendly”
process, whereby allowing the developer to begin construction on a subdivision much quicker.
The down-side is that the residents would be inconvenienced to complete the roads.
2. Review Request for Mountable Curbs: Mr. Alvey presented his position on behalf of a
potential customer. Supt. Loughney has met with Mr. Alvey regarding this issue. Vehicles with
a low-rise have difficulty negotiating curbs. Mr. Alvey suggested a standard driveway cutout to
replace the curb and provided a copy of the specifications used by New Berlin. Chairman
D’Acquisto is unsure as to who has jurisdiction regarding this situation. D’Acquisto will
research to determine where the scope of this Committee begins/ends and will also talk with
the homeowners association in the subdivision in question, to obtain input from them on the
matter. Motion: Ald. Pionek moved to defer until additional information can be obtained.
Seconded, Chairman D’Acquisto. Vote 2-0, carried by all.
3. Review Grading, Storm Sewer, etc...Rozman True Value: Mayor had item removed from
agenda due to size of parcel being under five acres (parcel is 2 acres). According to policy,
parcels under 5 acres can be reviewed by staff and plans are not needed to be submitted to
Committee for approval. Discussion continued regarding this issue. Ald. Pionek would like to
see where this policy is actually written down. Chairman D’Acquisto was aware of this policy
from a predecessor. Research of the origin of the policy needs to be performed.
4. Review Grading, Storm Sewer, etc...Muskego Norway School District - Middle School: Mike
Campbell has reviewed the plan. A letter dated September 19, 1997 (attachment NB#4). The
main issues were that curb and gutter being added to entrances to the Middle School site
along the accel/decel lanes and the drainage basin discharging. A water quality pond is being
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developed to handle the runoff. Chairman D’Acquisto inquired about the width of the water
quality pond (20 feet wide). Ald. Slocomb is concerned that the drainage solutions will not be
adequate to handle a large amount of rainfall. Discussion continued regarding how
calculations are formulated for the size of pipe used, amount of acres in question and land use
after completion of project (lawn/natural prairie) and future plans for the land (i.e. baseball
diamond placement). Motion: Ald. Pionek moved to defer until full plan is provided with
modifications specified. Once received, Committee will go to special session to
review/approve plan. Seconded, Chairman D’Acquisto. Vote 2-0, carried by all.
Discussion continued on exact outstanding issues requiring clarification: Curb and gutter,
grading limits, sediment capture at water quality pond, contours shown at water quality pond
and center alignment fitting, and south side drainage into park needs to be brought around to
water quality pond. Turnaround time was discussed with the two areas holding up forward
progress being Public Works Committee and Public Utilities (sewer and water plan).
5. Review Driveway Culvert Policy: Ald Pionek provided a copy of the current city of Muskego
Ordinance 18.47(4). Ald. Pionek would like to see clarification on the wording with regard to
who is responsible for payment when a storm sewer installed is greater than those which are
necessary to serve tributary drainage areas lying outside of the proposed subdivision.
Chairman D’Acquisto recommends that Ald. Pionek send a letter from this Committee detailing
his concerns to the City Attorney for a formal reply. Discussion continued regarding who would
pay for up-sized drainage.
6. Discuss Little Muskego Lake Drawdown: Ken Fries sent a letter requesting a 20-inch
drawdown of Little Muskego Lake for this fall. The drawdown would cover a two-week period.
The rationale for this process is for potential flooding and shoreline protection. Since the level
is below 24-inches, no additional permits are required from the DNR. Ald. Slocomb will act as
a liaison between parties. Motion: Chairman D’Acquisto moves to commence with the 20-
inch drawdown on or around October 15, 1997. Seconded, Ald. Pionek. Vote 2-0, carried
by all.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Supt. Loughney is looking for advice regarding employee abuse of sick time. Chairman
D’Acquisto recommends that Loughney begin documentation and notifying employee of his
doubts regarding sick time used vs. sick time necessary. Ald. Pionek related that he was
aware of a similar situation where the supervisor made a visit to the individuals home to see if
the employee was truly at home and ill.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ald. Pionek moved to adjourn, seconded by Chairman D’Acquisto. Vote 2-0, carried by
all. Time: 12:07 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Gulgowski
Recording Secretary