2011-07-26_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Rice Street project was slowly returning to work with the State back in operation and anticipated another 1-1.5 months to get all traffic lanes open to traffic. At the request of Member Vanderwall, Mr. Schwartz confirmed that the bridge opening timeline should coincide with completion of the other work, once remaining median work was finished. Chair DeBenedet questioned the status of private underground utility work as it related to sidewalk installation; and expressed his concern and frustration with the contractors maintaining handicapped accessibility throughout the project. While not being clear on how the ADA addressed temporary access and handicapped ramps during construction projects, Chair DeBenedet noted that there was accessibility through the project are prior to the project's start; and it had certainly been interrupted in the interim, and asked that staff address this issue at upcoming construction meetings to bring resolution on behalf of the City's handicapped citizens. Mr. Schwartz advised that most of the sidewalks had been installed, with few exceptions; however, he advised that there were several subcontractor issues yet to be resolved. Mr. Schwartz advised that several curb cuts needed to be redone to meet ADA compliance requirements; and concurred that in the interim, the contractors have not done a good job of facilitating handicapped citizens. Chair DeBenedet noted that it was a safety concern; and opined that there was no need for that lack of accessibility other than for sloppy contractor work. Mr. Schwartz advised that there had been numerous contentious issues and meetings; one issue being erosion control or lack thereof. Member Vanderwall concurred; and noted in addition to his personal comments at those meetings as a representative of the School District, Mr. Schwartz had been very diligent in bringing that very issue up at various times. Mr. Schwartz noted that the large rainfall event the weekend of July 16, 2011, had created additional issues, and required a lot of clean-up work as a result, not having been designed for such a rain event. Member Vanderwall questioned the status of the Dale Street project, and ongoing dirt piles and apparent delays in work on that project. City Engineer Debra Bloom advised that the contractor had not been making significant progress, and following discussions with them by staff last week, they were now moving forward again. Ms. Bloom advised that the contractor blamed the delay on the subcontractor who had planned to haul excess excavation materials to a state project, but with the state government shutdown, that had Page 2 of 18