ITEM #7
01-22-08
January 18, 2008
TheGlastonbury Town Council
2155 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Re: Town Manager’s Report
Dear Council Members:
The following will keep you up-to-date on various topics:
1. PUTNAM BRIDGE:
State DOT plans to run notices in various major media outlets (TV, radio, newspapers) concerning deck repairs planned for the PutnamBridge. They also indicate plans to contact major area employers and to install variable message boards on approaches to the Putnam Bridge in advance of construction. The contract for the deck work includes liquidated damages for exceeding contract length and not opening travel lanes on time. I will keep you advised as construction work approaches.
Notices will also be posted through various Town outlets including web page, town newsletter and other opportunities.
2. BIKEWAY PLAN:
The proposed bikeway between Smith Middle School and Bell Street is under review with the Conservation Commission. The plan has been reviewed with the Commission informally on 2 occasions and I expect a 3rd review in late March or early April. Design plans and requested information is being prepared by Town Engineering staff. A plan outlining the proposed route as modified by moving a section northerly is attached. The proposal calls for a 10 foot wide bituminous concrete bike path. Items under review include plans for flood zone compensation, boardwalks through wetland areas, wetland plantings and construction sequencing plan to minimize disturbance. Town staff have provided information describing similar bike path construction throughout New England and nationwide for
background and educational purposes.
At the January 8th meeting, I was asked to provide a status report.
3. SIDEWALKS:
A list of potential new sidewalk construction is attached. A list was also forwarded with the Capital Program. At the January 8th meeting, I was asked to provide this information and wanted to make certain all Council members have the up-to-date list. The locations result from resident requests, potential to reduce school bus transportation, and Town staff recommendations. As noted, estimated costs are $3.7+ million. The matrix will be completed and forwarded for Council review.
4. TENNIS COURTS:
At the January 8th meeting, Council received a letter from Dr. Risinger in support of 4 additional tennis courts at GHS. I was asked to provide a brief summary of this proposal. Before recent GHS renovations, there were 12 tennis courts at this location. 4 lighted and 8 non-lighted. As part of renovations the 12 courts were removed and 8 newly constructed (4 lighted; 4 non-lighted) constructed. The Board of Education has confirmed 8 tennis courts satisfy school needs.
In response to resident inquiries, a plan was developed to show how 4 additional courts could be located on the site. These additional courts would be located southerly of the 4 non-lighted courts as shown on the attached page. This would require some reconstruction of adjacent athletic fields. A preliminary project estimate totals $356,000 for construction of 3 tennis courts and 1 basketball court. Cost estimates would need to be fine-tuned and could increase. I would expect design by Town Engineering staff with bidding late first quarter of the calendar year. Construction would be timed to start after spring sports and before applicable fall practices.
5. EXPENSE REPORT:
A copy of my expense report for the period October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 is forwarded separately. I will appreciate Council formally recognizing receipt of this report.
6. ENERGY CONSERVATION – ALTERNATE ENERGY:
As noted at the January 8th meeting, the Town has commissioned an independent review of Town buildings to identify energy conserving opportunities and related costs and payback. The report also includes opportunities for alternate energy including fuel cells, solar, micro turbines and other alternate energy technology. I expect to present a summary report next month. The analysis involves all major town facilities with the exception of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Energy conservation was fully integrated to the renovation and upgrade program. At the January 8th meeting, I was asked to summarize various energy related initiatives. Energy conservation and alternate renewable projects continue to be a high priority of the Town organization. Highlights
of initiatives in place and under review are as follows.
· Introduced use of biodiesel to Town and Education fleet. Considered first placeStateConnecticut municipality to introduce biodiesel fuel.
· Hybrid gas-electric vehicles introduced to Town fleet through state grant program. 5 additional gas-electric/natural gas vehicles approved for state funding and purchase in current year.
· Implemented use of nitrogen filling station for vehicle and equipment tires to improve fuel efficiency. Early results promising.
· Joined Community Clean Energy Program. Installed 4 solar panels to date at GHS.
· Secured $450,000+ in CL&P energy rebates through design of GHS, RCC, Nayaug Elementary and Wastewater Treatment Plant. $250,000 in estimated annual electric savings.
· Designed Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade to maximize energy efficiency (Plant does not generate methane gas for fuel cell application).
· Initiated comprehensive energy audit of major town buildings. Report to serve as guide to continue energy efficiency initiatives and possible alternate energy installations.
· Worked with UTC Fuel Cell to identify potential for fuel cell or micro turbines at Town or Education facilities.
· Evaluated solar applications at Town Hall, Academy and Highway-Vehicle Maintenance facility. Incorporated as part of Capital project proposals.
· Established various work practices to improve energy efficiency. Plan to implement GPS systems in Town vehicles to reduce energy consumption.
· Town Hall qualifies as Energy Star building. Awaiting analysis of other Town facilities.
This summarizes ongoing organizational initiatives. A report outlining various improvements involving motors, lighting, etc. was forwarded previously.
7. BIKE PLAN UPDATE:
The attached information is in response to questions asked at the January 8th meeting.
8. COMMUNITY DONATION:
Glastonbury Little League recently donated $20,000 for upgrades to Ross Field. This will include spectator seating, backstops, and miscellaneous repairs and materials. Thanks to Glastonbury Little League for continued support of Town programs and facilities.
I will be happy to review the preceding and any other items Tuesday evening.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Johnson
Town Manager
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