Special Meeting May 16, 2007
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Reservoir Road Bridge Engineer Review Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were Edward Coppola, Brian Ahearn, Paul McGuinness, Louis Fronte and Kurt Weiss. Chairman Coppola called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.
2. Visitors/Correspondence
Visitors included First Selectman Martin Klein, and David Arzt, Joe Cermola III and Valentin Zorca from Cardinal Engineering, and Shavir Vimadalal, subcontractor for Cardinal Engineering.
Correspondence and Approval of Minutes will be taken up at the end of the meeting.
3. Election of Officers
Motion made and seconded to nominate Ed Coppola as Chairman. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
Motion made and seconded to nominate Steve Durdy as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
Motion made and seconded to nominate Louis Fronte as Secretary. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
5. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering Reports and Progress to Date
David Arzt, Project Engineer, for the Bridge Replacement Project introduced himself. He noted the drainage area for the Menunketesuck River at Reservoir Road Bridge is approximately 6.2 square miles. Mr. Arzt reviewed the (cfs) figures for 2, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 year storms. He noted these were reasonably close to the Jacobson study previously done, maybe a little bit lower. He also noted the discrepancy was within the realm of accuracy of the flows and they are fairly comfortable with it. Mr. Arzt explained the purpose of the hydrology is to establish the flows and reviewed how that is accomplished. He noted field surveys were done. The low point of the roadway is about 300 feet to the south of the bridge and that's where the over topping occurs. It does not occur at the bridge, but farther down stream.
Mr. Arzt noted the existing culvert does not meet the DOT criteria for the 100 year storm, but is adequate for the 25 year storm. He reviewed over topping of the roadway which is a temporary condition where the roadway is not safely passable. Mr. Arzt noted the existing corrugated pipe is not adequate for the flow.
Mr. Arzt next reviewed a twin box culvert 12 foot wide by 7 foot high which is the hydraulic opening. This would meet DOT criteria. The box culvert method would require about 150 to 200 feet of roadway reconstruction. The 500 year storm would over top the road.
Mr. Arzt reviewed other alternatives. One alternative was a 30 foot bridge with a concrete deck, but it is susceptible to scour. He indicated the standard practice is to design for the 100 year and the 500 year scour. Allowing the roadway to over top for the 500 year would be okay, but there cannot be a bridge wash out for the 500 year storm. The box culverts are not susceptible to scour because they have a bottom, but a bridge with a foundation and water going through it is susceptible to scour. Other alternatives looked at were a precast concrete deck slab and steel I beams with a concrete slab. Both of those would have the same scour protections and does meet all the DOT criteria.
Mr. Arzt noted they are in the process of preparing the type studies which will give concept designs and costs for comparison. In general, the box culverts are most cost effective than the bridges. Design approval time for the box culvert vs. bridge would be almost the same. The construction phase for the box culvert would be about one month shorter than a bridge.
Design and construction phases were reviewed in more detail. It was noted the low point is at station 3+75 and the existing pipe culverts are at station 6+0. The over topping further down the road was reviewed. There would be no over topping for the 25 year storm and about 6" over topping for the 50 year storm.
First Selectman Klein asked what the next step in this process would be. Mr. Arzt noted it would be to finish the type studies and submit them to Close, Jensen, Miller along with the hydraulic and engineering reports. CJM's review would probably take about one month. Preliminary design would then take another month. There would then be a public information meeting. The process would probably take about six months total. Once 70 percent design is completed, it would go to DEP for certification. This could take about six months depending on DEP staffing.
Hydrology and stratified drift was reviewed. Storage areas in the watershed were reviewed.
The over topping in 1982 was discussed. Rick Albrecht noted the road was closed in 1982. Mr. Arzt noted they spoke to the highway crew who also noted the water had gone over the road in 1982. Chairman Coppola noted the Committee was not aware of this fact and stands corrected.
The low point was again reviewed.
Chairman Coppola asked about a TR20 study. It was noted that would probably give higher flows.
The conclusion is that the existing pipes are not adequate for the required 100 year flow. Sleeving the pipes is also not adequate for the 100 year flow. The only remaining option would be some type of a bridge structure (box culvert, precast bridge).
Regrading the road was reviewed. It was noted this would not help the situation as 600 feet of the road would have to be redone, this would require an additional pipe and the State would not endorse that plan.
It was noted sleeving the pipes would cost about $200,000 and it would be an inferior product for a limited life of about 20 years.
There was discussion as to whether the bridge could be opened with just one lane and if that is feasible.
In review, Chairman Coppola noted sleeving of the pipes would result in similar hydraulics and the same characteristics after storms as for the last several years. The Town of Killingworth would have to pay for the sleeving. Knowing this would not pass the 50 or 100 year storm, Chairman Coppola asked who makes that decision to just sleeve the pipes. It was noted this decision would be up to the Town. It was pointed out, however, this issue would probably have to be addressed again in another 20 years using the sleeving option.
The issue is time versus cost versus quality of the project.
First Selectman Klein reminded everyone this is an extremely sensitive environmental area.
It was noted the best solution acceptable to DOT is to oversize it and dig it a little deeper. Scouring of the bridge is a big deal.
Mr. Arzt noted completion of the design phase (four stages) for the bridge would probably be around September of 2008.
Gene Congdon, 83 Blueberry Hill, noted the flow rate studies were done on a containment flow and not the natural flow. Absorption rates were also reviewed.
Tom Dansseru, 51 Blueberry Hill, noted that given this discussion and time frames, whether it be a box culvert or pillar type structure, he recommended the Committee recommends to the Board of Selectmen to install a temporary one lane for the passage of passenger vehicles due to the extensive time for the whole process. He also submitted some petitions from local residents to the effect.
Chairman Coppola reviewed the role of this Committee noting it is not within the charge of this Committee to make a recommendation as to whether there is or is not a temporary road. The Board of Selectmen will make that decision relative to costs. He also noted the State last year misled the Town in thinking the temporary use of the Bailey Bridge would be free. It is not free, but would cost about $70,000. That cost does not include a traffic light, signage or barriers. Dismantling the bridge would be another cost.
Pam McManus, 90 Blueberry Hill, noted it is unacceptable that there is only one way out of that area. Perhaps in 50 years or 25 years there will be flooding on the other end of Reservoir Road. There must be a decision as part of this Committee to take into account whether there be a one lane road, or a temporary bridge. This road is not a thru way but the road for the people who live in that area who are greatly inconvenienced. She urged the Committee to take that into account when making their recommendations.
Dave Swanson, 57 Blueberry Hill, reviewed the issue of a temporary structure. He felt the Committee was not looking at a temporary solution. The usage of steel plates was reviewed. Paul McGuinness noted five different temporary options were looked at. Chairman Coppola reiterated the Committee reviewed temporary options.
Tom Cronin, 65 Blueberry Hill, thanked the Committee members for their efforts and time in working on this project. He indicated the time frames and dollar amounts don't square with his experience. He asked what the difference was between replacing a bridge and putting in a subdivision with a wetlands crossing. Chairman Coppola noted the watershed area in question is about 3600 acres and much bigger than a subdivision. This is a sensitive area and it will take nine months alone to get approval from DEP. If this was a private project vs. a State project, it would take much less time. The flood management certification from DEP was reviewed. If the project was being done at the Town's expense (without State funding), that certification would not be necessary.
Chairman Coppola asked what the cost range would be for the Town to pay for the box culverts itself without State approvals. It was noted the cost would be the same ($500,000), but the approval period would be shorter.
Steve Kelly, 99 Blueberry Hill, asked how old the bridge was. The reply was the bridge was put in around 1967/68. He also asked when that section of the road was paved.
Rick Albrecht noted he was confused on what was being used as a gauge for judging water quality. He also asked if it was possible to put some kind of a combination of bridges in (similar to others in town) so the water would not over top the road. The reply was that typically one structure would be more cost effective than several smaller structures. The problem again would be not having a second bridge, but the fact there would be the flood management certification aspect as the Town would be using State funds.
Tom Dansseru again asked if something could be done to have a one lane passage while the Town is waiting for the design review, etc. to be done. Could the existing pipes be taken out ahead of time during the design phase? Chairman Coppola noted that is part of the process and obtaining the permits.
Gene Congdon asked what was going on at Route 81 now and was that similar to this project. It was noted that is a State project, not a local project.
Pam McManus asked why the State closed the road when Reservoir Road is a Town road. It was noted the State does periodic bridge inspections and then recommends closure to the Town if necessary.
Chairman Coppola asked when the next aspect of the study would be completed. It was noted Cardinal is working on the type studies and hydraulics which would probably be done next week. Close Jensen Miller's review would probably take about 3 weeks. The FEMA analysis would take another 2 weeks.
It was agreed the Committee could probably meet around the end of June to discuss the type study and FEMA analysis.
Process was again briefly reviewed.
It is noted for the record Brian Ahearn left the meeting at 8:40 PM to go to the Fire Department.
2. Correspondence
Memos from First Selectman Klein to Boards, Commissions, Committees regarding shutting off the lights and locking the doors when the last person is out of the building.
Chairman Coppola read a number of memos from First Selectman Klein that didn't pertain to this Committee.
Change of address notification from Cardinal Engineering.
Questionnaire from the Town Office Building Study Committee. Chairman Coppola will complete the form and return it to the TOBSC.
Final hydraulic analysis was received from Cardinal Engineering.
4. Approval of 12/13/06 Meeting Minutes
The December 13, 2006 Minutes should be changed as follows -
Page 1, under 3. Visitors/Correspondence, 3rd paragraph, 3rd sentence should read, "Chairman Coppola pointed out that the Minutes state that if the Town wants to do a project without any Federal or State monies, the QBS system doesn't apply."
Page 1, under 4. Old Business, a. Cardinal Engineering - Contract, 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence should read, "First Selectman Klein stated there was a glitch in the process and the Board of Finance did not review this at their meeting last night and the Town Meeting was not scheduled."
6. Discussion and Decision of Committee's Charge, responsibility and direction towards direct involvement with the actual design and the review of Cardinal Engineer's reports and design.
7. Procedure to be followed by the Committee for design review.
These two agenda items were taken up together. Chairman Coppola noted he has received emails from Committee members regarding the Committee's involvement with the engineering aspect. He felt this was outside the realm of the Committee's charge to be doing engineering work, but that was his opinion. He asked for other members opinion relative to this matter. It was noted the Committee's charge is to look at all the facts and present the best possible solution to the First Selectman. The Town currently has a contract with Cardinal Engineering and the Committee should stay on top of things to make sure the process doesn't slip.
First Selectman Klein noted he would like this Committee to continue with over sight.
It was agreed Close Jensen Miller is reviewing this project and it is not necessary to have the Town Engineer review this matter. Chairman Coppola noted Planning & Zoning might ask for a review from the Town Engineer during the permit approval process.
It was agreed Committee members should not get involved in any of the engineering aspects of the project.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
The Killingworth Reservoir Road Bridge Engineer Review Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were Edward Coppola, Brian Ahearn, Paul McGuinness, Louis Fronte and Kurt Weiss. Chairman Coppola called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.
2. Visitors/Correspondence
Visitors included First Selectman Martin Klein, and David Arzt, Joe Cermola III and Valentin Zorca from Cardinal Engineering, and Shavir Vimadalal, subcontractor for Cardinal Engineering.
Correspondence and Approval of Minutes will be taken up at the end of the meeting.
3. Election of Officers
Motion made and seconded to nominate Ed Coppola as Chairman. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
Motion made and seconded to nominate Steve Durdy as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
Motion made and seconded to nominate Louis Fronte as Secretary. There were no other nominations. SO VOTED. Motion Carried.
5. Review and Discussion of Cardinal Engineering Reports and Progress to Date
David Arzt, Project Engineer, for the Bridge Replacement Project introduced himself. He noted the drainage area for the Menunketesuck River at Reservoir Road Bridge is approximately 6.2 square miles. Mr. Arzt reviewed the (cfs) figures for 2, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 year storms. He noted these were reasonably close to the Jacobson study previously done, maybe a little bit lower. He also noted the discrepancy was within the realm of accuracy of the flows and they are fairly comfortable with it. Mr. Arzt explained the purpose of the hydrology is to establish the flows and reviewed how that is accomplished. He noted field surveys were done. The low point of the roadway is about 300 feet to the south of the bridge and that's where the over topping occurs. It does not occur at the bridge, but farther down stream.
Mr. Arzt noted the existing culvert does not meet the DOT criteria for the 100 year storm, but is adequate for the 25 year storm. He reviewed over topping of the roadway which is a temporary condition where the roadway is not safely passable. Mr. Arzt noted the existing corrugated pipe is not adequate for the flow.
Mr. Arzt next reviewed a twin box culvert 12 foot wide by 7 foot high which is the hydraulic opening. This would meet DOT criteria. The box culvert method would require about 150 to 200 feet of roadway reconstruction. The 500 year storm would over top the road.
Mr. Arzt reviewed other alternatives. One alternative was a 30 foot bridge with a concrete deck, but it is susceptible to scour. He indicated the standard practice is to design for the 100 year and the 500 year scour. Allowing the roadway to over top for the 500 year would be okay, but there cannot be a bridge wash out for the 500 year storm. The box culverts are not susceptible to scour because they have a bottom, but a bridge with a foundation and water going through it is susceptible to scour. Other alternatives looked at were a precast concrete deck slab and steel I beams with a concrete slab. Both of those would have the same scour protections and does meet all the DOT criteria.
Mr. Arzt noted they are in the process of preparing the type studies which will give concept designs and costs for comparison. In general, the box culverts are most cost effective than the bridges. Design approval time for the box culvert vs. bridge would be almost the same. The construction phase for the box culvert would be about one month shorter than a bridge.
Design and construction phases were reviewed in more detail. It was noted the low point is at station 3+75 and the existing pipe culverts are at station 6+0. The over topping further down the road was reviewed. There would be no over topping for the 25 year storm and about 6" over topping for the 50 year storm.
First Selectman Klein asked what the next step in this process would be. Mr. Arzt noted it would be to finish the type studies and submit them to Close, Jensen, Miller along with the hydraulic and engineering reports. CJM's review would probably take about one month. Preliminary design would then take another month. There would then be a public information meeting. The process would probably take about six months total. Once 70 percent design is completed, it would go to DEP for certification. This could take about six months depending on DEP staffing.
Hydrology and stratified drift was reviewed. Storage areas in the watershed were reviewed.
The over topping in 1982 was discussed. Rick Albrecht noted the road was closed in 1982. Mr. Arzt noted they spoke to the highway crew who also noted the water had gone over the road in 1982. Chairman Coppola noted the Committee was not aware of this fact and stands corrected.
The low point was again reviewed.
Chairman Coppola asked about a TR20 study. It was noted that would probably give higher flows.
The conclusion is that the existing pipes are not adequate for the required 100 year flow. Sleeving the pipes is also not adequate for the 100 year flow. The only remaining option would be some type of a bridge structure (box culvert, precast bridge).
Regrading the road was reviewed. It was noted this would not help the situation as 600 feet of the road would have to be redone, this would require an additional pipe and the State would not endorse that plan.
It was noted sleeving the pipes would cost about $200,000 and it would be an inferior product for a limited life of about 20 years.
There was discussion as to whether the bridge could be opened with just one lane and if that is feasible.
In review, Chairman Coppola noted sleeving of the pipes would result in similar hydraulics and the same characteristics after storms as for the last several years. The Town of Killingworth would have to pay for the sleeving. Knowing this would not pass the 50 or 100 year storm, Chairman Coppola asked who makes that decision to just sleeve the pipes. It was noted this decision would be up to the Town. It was pointed out, however, this issue would probably have to be addressed again in another 20 years using the sleeving option.
The issue is time versus cost versus quality of the project.
First Selectman Klein reminded everyone this is an extremely sensitive environmental area.
It was noted the best solution acceptable to DOT is to oversize it and dig it a little deeper. Scouring of the bridge is a big deal.
Mr. Arzt noted completion of the design phase (four stages) for the bridge would probably be around September of 2008.
Gene Congdon, 83 Blueberry Hill, noted the flow rate studies were done on a containment flow and not the natural flow. Absorption rates were also reviewed.
Tom Dansseru, 51 Blueberry Hill, noted that given this discussion and time frames, whether it be a box culvert or pillar type structure, he recommended the Committee recommends to the Board of Selectmen to install a temporary one lane for the passage of passenger vehicles due to the extensive time for the whole process. He also submitted some petitions from local residents to the effect.
Chairman Coppola reviewed the role of this Committee noting it is not within the charge of this Committee to make a recommendation as to whether there is or is not a temporary road. The Board of Selectmen will make that decision relative to costs. He also noted the State last year misled the Town in thinking the temporary use of the Bailey Bridge would be free. It is not free, but would cost about $70,000. That cost does not include a traffic light, signage or barriers. Dismantling the bridge would be another cost.
Pam McManus, 90 Blueberry Hill, noted it is unacceptable that there is only one way out of that area. Perhaps in 50 years or 25 years there will be flooding on the other end of Reservoir Road. There must be a decision as part of this Committee to take into account whether there be a one lane road, or a temporary bridge. This road is not a thru way but the road for the people who live in that area who are greatly inconvenienced. She urged the Committee to take that into account when making their recommendations.
Dave Swanson, 57 Blueberry Hill, reviewed the issue of a temporary structure. He felt the Committee was not looking at a temporary solution. The usage of steel plates was reviewed. Paul McGuinness noted five different temporary options were looked at. Chairman Coppola reiterated the Committee reviewed temporary options.
Tom Cronin, 65 Blueberry Hill, thanked the Committee members for their efforts and time in working on this project. He indicated the time frames and dollar amounts don't square with his experience. He asked what the difference was between replacing a bridge and putting in a subdivision with a wetlands crossing. Chairman Coppola noted the watershed area in question is about 3600 acres and much bigger than a subdivision. This is a sensitive area and it will take nine months alone to get approval from DEP. If this was a private project vs. a State project, it would take much less time. The flood management certification from DEP was reviewed. If the project was being done at the Town's expense (without State funding), that certification would not be necessary.
Chairman Coppola asked what the cost range would be for the Town to pay for the box culverts itself without State approvals. It was noted the cost would be the same ($500,000), but the approval period would be shorter.
Steve Kelly, 99 Blueberry Hill, asked how old the bridge was. The reply was the bridge was put in around 1967/68. He also asked when that section of the road was paved.
Rick Albrecht noted he was confused on what was being used as a gauge for judging water quality. He also asked if it was possible to put some kind of a combination of bridges in (similar to others in town) so the water would not over top the road. The reply was that typically one structure would be more cost effective than several smaller structures. The problem again would be not having a second bridge, but the fact there would be the flood management certification aspect as the Town would be using State funds.
Tom Dansseru again asked if something could be done to have a one lane passage while the Town is waiting for the design review, etc. to be done. Could the existing pipes be taken out ahead of time during the design phase? Chairman Coppola noted that is part of the process and obtaining the permits.
Gene Congdon asked what was going on at Route 81 now and was that similar to this project. It was noted that is a State project, not a local project.
Pam McManus asked why the State closed the road when Reservoir Road is a Town road. It was noted the State does periodic bridge inspections and then recommends closure to the Town if necessary.
Chairman Coppola asked when the next aspect of the study would be completed. It was noted Cardinal is working on the type studies and hydraulics which would probably be done next week. Close Jensen Miller's review would probably take about 3 weeks. The FEMA analysis would take another 2 weeks.
It was agreed the Committee could probably meet around the end of June to discuss the type study and FEMA analysis.
Process was again briefly reviewed.
It is noted for the record Brian Ahearn left the meeting at 8:40 PM to go to the Fire Department.
2. Correspondence
Memos from First Selectman Klein to Boards, Commissions, Committees regarding shutting off the lights and locking the doors when the last person is out of the building.
Chairman Coppola read a number of memos from First Selectman Klein that didn't pertain to this Committee.
Change of address notification from Cardinal Engineering.
Questionnaire from the Town Office Building Study Committee. Chairman Coppola will complete the form and return it to the TOBSC.
Final hydraulic analysis was received from Cardinal Engineering.
4. Approval of 12/13/06 Meeting Minutes
The December 13, 2006 Minutes should be changed as follows -
Page 1, under 3. Visitors/Correspondence, 3rd paragraph, 3rd sentence should read, "Chairman Coppola pointed out that the Minutes state that if the Town wants to do a project without any Federal or State monies, the QBS system doesn't apply."
Page 1, under 4. Old Business, a. Cardinal Engineering - Contract, 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence should read, "First Selectman Klein stated there was a glitch in the process and the Board of Finance did not review this at their meeting last night and the Town Meeting was not scheduled."
6. Discussion and Decision of Committee's Charge, responsibility and direction towards direct involvement with the actual design and the review of Cardinal Engineer's reports and design.
7. Procedure to be followed by the Committee for design review.
These two agenda items were taken up together. Chairman Coppola noted he has received emails from Committee members regarding the Committee's involvement with the engineering aspect. He felt this was outside the realm of the Committee's charge to be doing engineering work, but that was his opinion. He asked for other members opinion relative to this matter. It was noted the Committee's charge is to look at all the facts and present the best possible solution to the First Selectman. The Town currently has a contract with Cardinal Engineering and the Committee should stay on top of things to make sure the process doesn't slip.
First Selectman Klein noted he would like this Committee to continue with over sight.
It was agreed Close Jensen Miller is reviewing this project and it is not necessary to have the Town Engineer review this matter. Chairman Coppola noted Planning & Zoning might ask for a review from the Town Engineer during the permit approval process.
It was agreed Committee members should not get involved in any of the engineering aspects of the project.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
