July 18, 2007
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Reservoir Road Bridge Engineer Review Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were Edward Coppola, Paul McGuinness, Steve Durdy and Brian Ahearn. Louis Fronte and Kurt Weiss had both contacted Chairman Coppola to say they could not attend this evening.
2. Visitors/Correspondence
Visitors included First Selectman Martin Klein, Brett Stark from Close Jensen and Miller and Tom Dansseru (51 Blueberry Hill).
Correspondence -
1. Letter from the Committee to Cardinal Engineering dated May 30, 2007 asking for additional information based on their hydrology report and the meeting they attended.
2. Letter from Cardinal Engineering dated June 15, 2007 in response to the May 30, 2007 letter.
3. Letter dated July 9, 2007 from Killingworth Selectmen's Office to Chairmen of Boards, Committees, Commissions, etc. concerning Affordable Workforce/Housing for the Elderly meeting.
4. Letter dated July 19, 2007 (hand delivered this evening by Brett Stark) to Honorable Martin Klein concerning the bridge closing from Julie Georges P.E. Transportation Principal Engineer.
5. Copies of Programatic General Permit, Army Corps of Engineers for information purposes.
6. Letter dated July 11, 2007 from First Selectman Martin Klein to John Miller of Close Jensen and Miller indicating the Town is pleased with the work relationship with the engineering firm of Close Jensen and Miller and in particular Brett Stark.
7. Letter dated July 16, 2007 to First Selectman Martin Klein from Cardinal Engineering summarizing the status of the project.
8. Copy of Draft Structure Type Study Report Bridge No. 4716 from Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. dated June 7, 2007.
3. Approval of 5/16/07 Meeting Minutes
Tabled until the next meeting as a quorum was not present.
4. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering Report of 6/15/07
Chairman Coppola noted he had sent a letter to Cardinal Engineering after the May 16th meeting. There were two major items that needed clarification. The first item was that the hydrology report mentioned the size of the existing culverts were not sufficient to pass a 100 year storm. Chairman Coppola asked at that meeting if he had missed something in their report pertaining to upland storage areas. The second item was that this Committee understood from the beginning based on preliminary reports that in 1982 the culverts passed that storm. One consultant from Cardinal stated at that meeting that the culverts did not pass that 1982 storm. A response was received from Cardinal indicating their calculations did include those storage systems and also mentioned their contacts with reference to the 1982 storm and the information received that the road was closed. Chairman Coppola noted this was important as the Committee was working under a different premise for the last 14 months. There was a brief discussion regarding the storage areas and the fact that is private property. There was also further discussion regarding what occurred with the culverts and the closing of the road during the 1982 storm.
Brett Stark noted the hydrology analysis has been approved by Close Jensen and Miller on behalf of the State.
5. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering progress to date
Chairman Coppola read into the record a letter from Cardinal Engineering dated July 16, 2007 addressed to First Selectman Martin Klein regarding the status of the project. Chairman Coppola also noted there was a report from Julie Georges, Transportation Principal Engineer, State DOT.
Brett Stark reviewed the report from Julie Georges. Mr. Stark noted a letter has been sent to the DOT for signature for tentative approval of the structure type presented in Cardinal's June 2007 Structure Type Study Report prepared by TransDesign Inc., their consultant. This report evaluated various types of structures as well as the rehabilitation option of the existing structure. The recommendation was the installation of two 12 foot wide pre-cast concrete box culverts, one 9 feet deep and the second 7 or 8 feet deep. Generally speaking this structure is basic but sufficient. Mr. Stark noted this structure type is tentatively approved and explained the reasons why it is only tentative. The successful completion of the soil borings and the preparation of the geotechnical report will allow CJM to verify soil conditions. The box culverts are presented as being the lowest cost option (10 percent is added each year for inflation). Mr. Stark further noted there should be some discussion as to what the plan is to handle the water at the site during the installation of the box culverts. The basic estimates for this applied a flat lump sum fee of $25,000 to this item. He indicated from personal experience that he felt that number is a little low. It can also vary greatly in the proposed method for handling water at the site.
Mr. Stark indicated it is not anticipated that an amended structure type study report would be resubmitted, however, as the culmination of the preliminary engineering phase approaches, a preliminary engineering report would be submitted and this various information should be incorporated into that report.
Mr. Stark noted with regard to permitting they strongly recommend contacting DEP Fisheries right away for a pre-project screening.
Mr. Stark noted one item added earlier today was the need for a Category 2 PGP approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. A copy of the most recent PGP determination form with backup was available for review. Mr. Stark reviewed some of the Category 1 and Category 2 criteria. Perhaps the Category 1 criteria could be met. The goal is to stay within the Category 1 guidelines if possible and coordinating with DEP Fisheries would help in that regard.
Mr. Stark noted the Town needs to advise Cardinal Engineering if they would like any sort of aesthetic enhancements on the bridge, such as concrete form liner on the endwalls or headwalls. This is typically an item included in the Federal Bridge Program. The cost would be $30 to $50 a square foot. A catalog can be provided with a company that does a lot of business with CONN DOT. Timber approach rails might also be an option.
Mr. Stark noted he reminded Cardinal Engineering they need to include in their preliminary engineering report a discussion of the geometric values and ADT's that were used for the highway. The roadway width might want to be reconsidered. If the ADT is under 1000, the width could go down to 22 feet instead of 24 feet. This may be an option. The current report did not present any sort of geometric review, therefore, Mr. Stark noted it was hard for him to comment on that at this time.
In summary, Mr. Stark noted the report is tentatively approved pending receipt of further information. Once that information is received, the P. E. phase can continue and the State will review the preliminary engineering report and provide final approval of all the documentation. After that approval is received, then the preliminary design phase begins. Stark reviewed time line for these approvals.
There was a brief discussion regarding a letter to the Town from Cardinal Engineering regarding extra work cost. Mr. Stark noted he thought that letter was in progress of being prepared.
The size of the watershed was reviewed.
The process for determining Category 1 or Category 2 criteria was again reviewed. It was noted a preliminary determination should be received from CONN DOT or DEP/Army Corps before proceeding with final design. Mr. Stark noted he would stress with Cardinal Engineering the coordination with DEP Fisheries during the P. E. phase and CJM will work as liaison with the various organizations.
First Selectman Klein asked what the CFS was. Chairman Coppola noted it was 1100 cubic feet with design discharge of 1170 for the 100 year storm.
The estimate for 'handling water' during installation was again reviewed.
There was further discussion regarding the form liner, the timber rails and the narrower bridge. First Selectman Klein noted he would object to a narrower bridge. It was noted if the width of the road is 24 feet then the bridge should be 24 feet. Discussion ensued regarding the width of the road and bridge and whether a narrower structure would avoid any right-of-way issues.
Time line of the preliminary engineering phase was again reviewed. Perhaps an informational meeting can be scheduled for late October and then the process can continue to final design, etc. The biggest log jam in the process right now is DEP approval for flood management certification. The design could be completed by the fall of 2008 with construction in the summer of 2009.
Chairman Coppola asked Mr. Stark if Cardinal Engineering is aware of all these issues just mentioned. Mr. Stark indicated he did not know, but they have done these projects before and have had experience on the State Local Bridge Program. Coppola asked who would look at what hasn't been done. Should a letter be sent to Cardinal from either CJM or from First Selectman Klein? Stark noted once the preliminary engineering report has been submitted, they will receive another letter similar to the current one. Cardinal is familiar with the process and what they need to provide. Stark indicated the scope of services did a good job of outlining what should be presented at each point in time.
First Selectman Klein asked to be advised if Cardinal Engineering doesn't respond to requests. Stark noted all correspondence will be copied to First Selectman Klein. He indicated it was his job to make sure everything gets submitted at the proper times and nothing falls through the cracks. Klein noted he is aggressively pursuing this project every day and talking with both Cardinal and CJM to follow up on issues.
Mr. Stark noted he was not aware of any environmental issues that could hold up this project.
First Selectman Klein noted there shouldn't be any surprises on this project. He briefly reviewed the Burr Hill Road project.
The timing of the public informational meeting as well as final design were again reviewed. Stark noted the design could possibly go right to 90 percent versus 70 percent. This also has to go before the local Inland Wetlands and Planning & Zoning Commissions.
Chairman Coppola thanked Brett Stark for coming to the meeting and giving a status update of the project.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 8:35 PM.
The Killingworth Reservoir Road Bridge Engineer Review Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were Edward Coppola, Paul McGuinness, Steve Durdy and Brian Ahearn. Louis Fronte and Kurt Weiss had both contacted Chairman Coppola to say they could not attend this evening.
2. Visitors/Correspondence
Visitors included First Selectman Martin Klein, Brett Stark from Close Jensen and Miller and Tom Dansseru (51 Blueberry Hill).
Correspondence -
1. Letter from the Committee to Cardinal Engineering dated May 30, 2007 asking for additional information based on their hydrology report and the meeting they attended.
2. Letter from Cardinal Engineering dated June 15, 2007 in response to the May 30, 2007 letter.
3. Letter dated July 9, 2007 from Killingworth Selectmen's Office to Chairmen of Boards, Committees, Commissions, etc. concerning Affordable Workforce/Housing for the Elderly meeting.
4. Letter dated July 19, 2007 (hand delivered this evening by Brett Stark) to Honorable Martin Klein concerning the bridge closing from Julie Georges P.E. Transportation Principal Engineer.
5. Copies of Programatic General Permit, Army Corps of Engineers for information purposes.
6. Letter dated July 11, 2007 from First Selectman Martin Klein to John Miller of Close Jensen and Miller indicating the Town is pleased with the work relationship with the engineering firm of Close Jensen and Miller and in particular Brett Stark.
7. Letter dated July 16, 2007 to First Selectman Martin Klein from Cardinal Engineering summarizing the status of the project.
8. Copy of Draft Structure Type Study Report Bridge No. 4716 from Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. dated June 7, 2007.
3. Approval of 5/16/07 Meeting Minutes
Tabled until the next meeting as a quorum was not present.
4. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering Report of 6/15/07
Chairman Coppola noted he had sent a letter to Cardinal Engineering after the May 16th meeting. There were two major items that needed clarification. The first item was that the hydrology report mentioned the size of the existing culverts were not sufficient to pass a 100 year storm. Chairman Coppola asked at that meeting if he had missed something in their report pertaining to upland storage areas. The second item was that this Committee understood from the beginning based on preliminary reports that in 1982 the culverts passed that storm. One consultant from Cardinal stated at that meeting that the culverts did not pass that 1982 storm. A response was received from Cardinal indicating their calculations did include those storage systems and also mentioned their contacts with reference to the 1982 storm and the information received that the road was closed. Chairman Coppola noted this was important as the Committee was working under a different premise for the last 14 months. There was a brief discussion regarding the storage areas and the fact that is private property. There was also further discussion regarding what occurred with the culverts and the closing of the road during the 1982 storm.
Brett Stark noted the hydrology analysis has been approved by Close Jensen and Miller on behalf of the State.
5. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering progress to date
Chairman Coppola read into the record a letter from Cardinal Engineering dated July 16, 2007 addressed to First Selectman Martin Klein regarding the status of the project. Chairman Coppola also noted there was a report from Julie Georges, Transportation Principal Engineer, State DOT.
Brett Stark reviewed the report from Julie Georges. Mr. Stark noted a letter has been sent to the DOT for signature for tentative approval of the structure type presented in Cardinal's June 2007 Structure Type Study Report prepared by TransDesign Inc., their consultant. This report evaluated various types of structures as well as the rehabilitation option of the existing structure. The recommendation was the installation of two 12 foot wide pre-cast concrete box culverts, one 9 feet deep and the second 7 or 8 feet deep. Generally speaking this structure is basic but sufficient. Mr. Stark noted this structure type is tentatively approved and explained the reasons why it is only tentative. The successful completion of the soil borings and the preparation of the geotechnical report will allow CJM to verify soil conditions. The box culverts are presented as being the lowest cost option (10 percent is added each year for inflation). Mr. Stark further noted there should be some discussion as to what the plan is to handle the water at the site during the installation of the box culverts. The basic estimates for this applied a flat lump sum fee of $25,000 to this item. He indicated from personal experience that he felt that number is a little low. It can also vary greatly in the proposed method for handling water at the site.
Mr. Stark indicated it is not anticipated that an amended structure type study report would be resubmitted, however, as the culmination of the preliminary engineering phase approaches, a preliminary engineering report would be submitted and this various information should be incorporated into that report.
Mr. Stark noted with regard to permitting they strongly recommend contacting DEP Fisheries right away for a pre-project screening.
Mr. Stark noted one item added earlier today was the need for a Category 2 PGP approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. A copy of the most recent PGP determination form with backup was available for review. Mr. Stark reviewed some of the Category 1 and Category 2 criteria. Perhaps the Category 1 criteria could be met. The goal is to stay within the Category 1 guidelines if possible and coordinating with DEP Fisheries would help in that regard.
Mr. Stark noted the Town needs to advise Cardinal Engineering if they would like any sort of aesthetic enhancements on the bridge, such as concrete form liner on the endwalls or headwalls. This is typically an item included in the Federal Bridge Program. The cost would be $30 to $50 a square foot. A catalog can be provided with a company that does a lot of business with CONN DOT. Timber approach rails might also be an option.
Mr. Stark noted he reminded Cardinal Engineering they need to include in their preliminary engineering report a discussion of the geometric values and ADT's that were used for the highway. The roadway width might want to be reconsidered. If the ADT is under 1000, the width could go down to 22 feet instead of 24 feet. This may be an option. The current report did not present any sort of geometric review, therefore, Mr. Stark noted it was hard for him to comment on that at this time.
In summary, Mr. Stark noted the report is tentatively approved pending receipt of further information. Once that information is received, the P. E. phase can continue and the State will review the preliminary engineering report and provide final approval of all the documentation. After that approval is received, then the preliminary design phase begins. Stark reviewed time line for these approvals.
There was a brief discussion regarding a letter to the Town from Cardinal Engineering regarding extra work cost. Mr. Stark noted he thought that letter was in progress of being prepared.
The size of the watershed was reviewed.
The process for determining Category 1 or Category 2 criteria was again reviewed. It was noted a preliminary determination should be received from CONN DOT or DEP/Army Corps before proceeding with final design. Mr. Stark noted he would stress with Cardinal Engineering the coordination with DEP Fisheries during the P. E. phase and CJM will work as liaison with the various organizations.
First Selectman Klein asked what the CFS was. Chairman Coppola noted it was 1100 cubic feet with design discharge of 1170 for the 100 year storm.
The estimate for 'handling water' during installation was again reviewed.
There was further discussion regarding the form liner, the timber rails and the narrower bridge. First Selectman Klein noted he would object to a narrower bridge. It was noted if the width of the road is 24 feet then the bridge should be 24 feet. Discussion ensued regarding the width of the road and bridge and whether a narrower structure would avoid any right-of-way issues.
Time line of the preliminary engineering phase was again reviewed. Perhaps an informational meeting can be scheduled for late October and then the process can continue to final design, etc. The biggest log jam in the process right now is DEP approval for flood management certification. The design could be completed by the fall of 2008 with construction in the summer of 2009.
Chairman Coppola asked Mr. Stark if Cardinal Engineering is aware of all these issues just mentioned. Mr. Stark indicated he did not know, but they have done these projects before and have had experience on the State Local Bridge Program. Coppola asked who would look at what hasn't been done. Should a letter be sent to Cardinal from either CJM or from First Selectman Klein? Stark noted once the preliminary engineering report has been submitted, they will receive another letter similar to the current one. Cardinal is familiar with the process and what they need to provide. Stark indicated the scope of services did a good job of outlining what should be presented at each point in time.
First Selectman Klein asked to be advised if Cardinal Engineering doesn't respond to requests. Stark noted all correspondence will be copied to First Selectman Klein. He indicated it was his job to make sure everything gets submitted at the proper times and nothing falls through the cracks. Klein noted he is aggressively pursuing this project every day and talking with both Cardinal and CJM to follow up on issues.
Mr. Stark noted he was not aware of any environmental issues that could hold up this project.
First Selectman Klein noted there shouldn't be any surprises on this project. He briefly reviewed the Burr Hill Road project.
The timing of the public informational meeting as well as final design were again reviewed. Stark noted the design could possibly go right to 90 percent versus 70 percent. This also has to go before the local Inland Wetlands and Planning & Zoning Commissions.
Chairman Coppola thanked Brett Stark for coming to the meeting and giving a status update of the project.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 8:35 PM.
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