McHenry Times

City of McHenry Public Works Committee Met Jan. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order 

Alderman Santi called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom  due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was in compliance with the Open Meetings Act per  guidelines by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.  

Roll Call 

Deputy Clerk Johnson called the roll. Roll call: Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab,  Alderman Mihevc. Others present: Public Works Director Troy Strange, Staff Engineer Greg  Gruen, Steve Wirch, Russell Ruzicka, Russell Adams, Mike Harper, Bill Hobson, Pat Gorniak, Mike  Lange 

Public Comment 

There was no comment from the public in attendance 

Approve August 24, 2020 Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes 

A motion was made by Alderman Mihevc and seconded by Alderman Glab to approve the  minutes of the September 28, 2020, Public Works Committee meeting. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes:  Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Glab, Alderman Santi. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

Annual Summary of National Pollutants Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater  Discharge Permit 

Russell Ruzicka, Treatment Operations Manager, explained that the NPDES permit is  administered by the Illinois EPA, and we must give an annual update of our activities at a meeting.  There are some recent changes to the program, and we must monitor more closely for a couple  of pollutants in the Fox River.  

One significant elicit discharge occurred on May 20, 2020. While removing motor oil at 3610 W  Elm Street, a contractor accidentally punctured a 500 gallon storage tank. The Police Department,  Fire Department, and Public Works Departments were contacted and arrived at the scene.  Approximately 400 gallons of used motor oil discharged onto the street, and barriers were put  up to help stop the oil from going into the system. Alderman Glab asked if there was a charge for  the cleanup. Director Strange explained that an itemized summary of the costs was prepared and  submitted for reimbursement. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducted a virtual audit of the City Of McHenry’s  MS4 Program. After reviewing the City of McHenry’s annual MS4 report and internet presence  (City website), the City Of McHenry was found to be in compliance with all requirements of the  MS4 permit.  

However, the IEPA did request two things from the City Of McHenry. Due to the retirement of  the City’s former qualified stormwater inspector Ryan Schwalenberg, the IEPA requested the  name of the City’s qualified stormwater inspector for construction projects. The City Of McHenry also needs to work toward improving its Green Infrastructure Initiative. One example would be  a rain barrel program which would be cost shared between the residents and the City. Staff is  exploring several options to improve McHenry’s Green Infrastructure Initiative  

Alderman Santi requested that a presentation of the Green Infrastructure Initiative be presented  at the next Public Works Committee meeting. 

Wastewater Dryer Feed Pump Replacement Request for Committee Approval 

Director Strange explained that we are at an important decision point with the dryer feed pump.  This was going to be turned in as a capital item for next year’s budget, but the pump is at a point  where it needs replaced or needs major maintenance to get it through the end of this fiscal year.  

Russell Ruzicka explained that the sludge cake dryer at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was part  of the 2016 expansion/consolidation project. The sludge cake dryer reduces the volume of sludge  cake sent to the landfill therefore reducing the City’s disposal costs. The use of the dryer has  allowed the Wastewater Division to reduce sludge cake disposal costs from $195,000 per year in  FY 2018/2019 to approximately $60,000 per year in FY 2020/2021. 

There are two types of pumps which can be used for the dryer feed operation. One type of pump  is a called a progressive cavity pump. This type of pump has a slightly higher initial cost but tends  to perform longer without maintenance or rebuilding. The other type of feed pump is a rotary  lobe pump. The rotary lobe pump has a lower initial cost but requires replacement of wear items  more frequently. The current dryer feed pump design utilizes a rotary lobe pump to feed the  sludge cake to the dryer. 

Wastewater Division staff routinely rebuild the dryer feed pump three to four times per year at  a cost of $3,000 to $4,000 annually. The need to rebuild the feed pump this often reduces the  available run time on the dryer and increases the disposal costs due to having to temporarily shut  down the dryer for pump repair. During these times the City also incurs the increased cost of  taking wet sludge cake to the landfill.  

In addition to the increased disposal cost, an inconsistent sludge cake feed to the dryer results in  the dryer temperature becoming too cold or too hot and thus affecting the dried product. If the sludge cake is not dried sufficiently the City is not realizing all the savings and there is a chance  of spontaneous combustion due to the organic material and the moisture content. Switching to  a Moyno dryer feed pump will reduce the maintenance and operating cost of the dryer and allow  for a more consistent operation of the dryer. It is recommended by the Public Works Department  that this item be approved now so that it can be ordered and save money instead of paying to fix  the old one.  

Alderman Glab asked what the life expectancy is on a pump. Mr. Ruzicka explained that the  current pump could have an expectancy of 15 years, but items are being worn out and replaced  on a regular basis. The new pump would have a 20 year lifetime and would be rebuilt a fraction  of the time. The Committee agreed that it made sense to get a new one ordered now so that  extra costs aren’t incurred on the old pump. There was discussion if the new pump was ordered  now and not paid for until May if a budget amendment would actually need to be adopted.  Director Strange thinks a new pump could arrive in early April.  

A motion was made by Alderman Mihevc and seconded by Alderman Glab to present to the  full City Council for approval and to approve the necessary budget amendment from the Water  and Sewer Capitol Development Fund to fund the purchase of a Moyno Progressive Cavity Cake  Feed Pump. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes: Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab. 0-nays,  0-abstained. Motion carried. 

Staff Presentation on 2021 Public Works Operation Reforms 

Director Strange explained that through staff attrition, the Public Works Department has been  able to earmark that money for capital funds for bigger projects, including road resurfacing. He  shared a Powerpoint presentation to help explain some of the reform goals for the department.  Included in the presentation was an explanation of the current financial and infrastructure  challenges, a lack of capital resources for infrastructure and equipment needs, escalating  operating costs, a lack of focus on fundamental maintenance operations, solutions to the  challenges, and current public works operations objectives. 

Alderman Mihevc asked for some examples of how services have been shifted from internal to  contractual. Director Strange explained how tree trimming is a major operation that has been  outsourced. This has enabled the tree trimming cycle to go from a 7 year to a 5 year cycle.  Pavement marking is also something that has been beneficial to contract out. He hopes to get  out of the business of specializing in one area and get employees who have a diverse set of skills.  Alderman Santi stated that streamlining staff and putting more money in capital is an excellent way of running a department. He has seen this work in the corporate world for 20 to 30 years.  

Discussion of Potential 2021 Supplemental Road Resurfacing Program

Director Strange explained that after initial budgeting discussions, the consolidated personnel  savings could be placed into a specific project that could be run out of the Street Division  operating budget. When recommending the 20/21 MFT budget for approval, there was a desire  for more resurfacing around the downtown area. Staff has now recommended that the Veterans  Park streets and parking stalls be resurfaced. There is an extra $500,000 in the budget that can  be used for this project.  

Terry Locke was present online for the meeting and explained that he likes the strategic plan, but  from his observation of the last 8 years he believes that road resurfacing on the west end of town  is lacking. He understands fixing up the downtown areas, but wants more work done in other  parts of the town. He also suggested that catch basins be cleared off during the snow plowing  process.  

Alderman Glab stated that this project is not just a street project but also should be supported  through funding from the parks. If there was not a park on this block, the street and curb work  would be reduced dramatically. He believes the parking for the park and those stripings should  come from the Park Developer funds. He also would like to see other roads repaved that are in  bad shape. Kensington from Waters Edge to Crystal Lake serves the entire community. He can’t  see moving forward with this project without the Park Department helping to pay for the parking  areas.  

Alderman Santi explained that he looks at Pearl Street being completed a couple of years ago,  that there are sidewalk concepts, vital adjustments have been made to staging areas and the  washrooms, and this is a presentation product for our community. People recognize us because  of parks like this, and completing this could complement the area and wrap up the project.  Alderman Mihevc agreed that this is a great asset to the community, but also agrees that it might  make sense for the Parks Department to share in some of the funding. 

Alderwoman Miller was present at the meeting as a member of the public and not as a board  member. She explained she met with Director Strange and Engineer Gruen to discuss the funding  and the money that could be allocated for extra projects. She also wanted to remind everybody  that we now have $2 million to work with this year towards road projects, and it is fully funded.  In the past we did just enough to get by. We are now able to look at a schedule that can be  committed to.  

Alderman Santi recognized Parks Director Bill Hobson. Be stated that he looks at the parking  spaces around the park as on street parking and parking for the downtown. He tries to protect  the Park Developer funds because they are limited. This is often the only funding source for  projects for the parks. He is hesitant to use that money for the streets and those parking spaces  but would be willing to listen to the Council and have a discussion. He is not sure where the road  project would begin and where the park project would start. Alderman Glab would like to find a  balance with taking care of the parks and taking care of the residents. Director Hobson stressed  that he is happy to work with other departments and he, Director Strange, and other  departments always work well together. 

Alderman Glab questioned if we were to go out for bids for this project if we could have  supplemental streets that could be considered. Director Strange recommended to keep this  project separate and then look at other streets separately if extra funds were still available. A  motion was made by Alderman Mihevc and seconded by Alderman Santi to recommend to  present the proposed project to the full City Council for approval to include in the Fiscal Year  2021/2022 Street Division Operating Budget, and present for public bidding. Roll call: Vote: 2- ayes: Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Santi; 1-nay: Alderman Glab. Motion carried.  

Staff Reports 

Director Strange reported that there has been a lot of talk about different resurfacing locations,  and he intends to run a selection meeting for the 2022 program. They are currently making  preparations for that presentation. He would like to run that early in Fiscal Year 21/22. Staff  Engineer Gruen thanked the Board for their positive feedback during the meeting. Mike Harper  and Steve Wirch were also thanked for their work in giving the City the ability to operate lean to  save money. Without their effort and abilities there would not have been toe opportunity to  consider supplemental projects. 

Other Business 

Alderman Glab stated that he has been bugging a State Senator for two years now regarding our  residents paying into the road funds for the township and the City not getting a fair share back.  He feels that some changes need to happen in Springfield. He suggests that we work with  Administrator Morefield to prepare a resolution for the Council that could be sent to State  Senators and Representatives. It was also discussed amongst Board members that we could  contact neighboring municipalities to get them on board with such a resolution. Director Strange  will look into the issue and see what it will take to make such a resolution that could be brought  before the Council.  

Adjournment 

A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderman Mihevc to adjourn the  meeting at 7:54 p.m. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes: Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Glab, Alderman Santi.  0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

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