On this Tuesday evening, Mayor Lois called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. starting with roll call. Roll Call: Robert Prailes, Peter Girolamo, Steve Rauch, Katie Simenson, Robert Miller, Kent Strong, Thomas Vos and John Thate. Also present were: Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel; City Engineer Tom Foht of Kapur and Associates, Mike Timmers of Kapur and Associates Inc. and City Attorney Thomas Kircher.

Citizen Comments – None.

Letters and Communications – City Engineer Tom Foht, Kapur and Associates was present at this evening’s meeting to discuss Communication "A" regarding the concrete overlay repair on the Riverwalk.

Mr. Foht explained that recently a contractor was out at the Riverwalk site and gave two alternatives to repair the Riverwalk. There are areas where the overlay is peeling up off of the concrete and the other areas are cracking and chipping. He noted that both alternatives would shop blast the overlay, areas which would strip the area and get it back to "clean" concrete. Mr. Foht reminded the Council that the reason for the overlay in the first place was to take care of the first colored concrete that was installed that had cracked. He explained that the reason that the cracking occurred at that time was due to the fact that control joints were not put in. In regards to the current situation with the Riverwalk, Mr. Foht explained two alternatives. Alternative One would put the colored overlay back down with the grid pattern visible only this time it would not go over the expansion joints. Alternative Two would put the colored overlay back down creating a smooth and seamless look.

Alderman Strong questioned the status of the original contract holdback. Mr. Foht explained that there were two contracts. He noted that when the problems first occurred with the colored concrete, all of the colored concrete was not yet in place. He stated that the colored concrete that was in place and that needed repair was completed by Kapur and Associates, Bane Nelson and Schreiber Anderson with the $51,000 portion of the contract. He stated that Kapur was at the site doing the inspecting, Schreiber Anderson was the designer of the site and Bane Nelson was the contractor. Mr. Foht further stated that the problems were occurring from multiple purposes including areas where there is structural concrete underneath. The concrete that was cracking wasn’t binding to that existing structural concrete. He noted that there should still be a $7,400.00 retainer remaining which he would confirm for the Council.

Alderman Vos voiced his concern with the constant repair and cost of this colored concrete. He expressed his desire to have no color in the concrete and just install quality concrete so that all of the costly repairs could stop. Alderman Girolamo agreed with Alderman Vos regarding discarding the colored concrete and just going back to plain concrete. Mr. Foht stated that in order to take out the color and repair all of the needed areas, the cost could be anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000.

Mayor Lois questioned if the area that is behind the Boardwalk Apartments is just plain concrete and if so can that area just be repaired and sealed with no color. Mr. Foht stated that it could not because under that concrete is the colored concrete that didn’t match with the rest of the project.

Alderman Simenson questioned if the problem areas could just be shop blasted without epoxy to prevent future problems and costs. Mr. Foht stated this could be done; however, there would still be a cost to get the concrete shop blasted down, as well as no guarantee of the condition of the remaining concrete.

Alderman Miller questioned if all of the colored areas are concrete and not just colored epoxy as was discussed in the beginning planning stages. Mr. Foht clarified that it was decided to go with the full colored concrete on the red stripe north of Jefferson Street, with the concrete to the north of that being plain concrete.

Alderman Strong questioned if the problems in this area could be repaired all at once or should it be done it stages. His suggestion to the City was to have the worst areas done now in order to minimize the costs. Alderman Simenson agreed to only have the worst areas fixed for now and take care of the remaining areas when they start to deteriorate.

Mayor Lois asked if Mr. Foht could get a quote together for the shop blasting of the worst areas of the Riverwalk.

Alderman Simenson questioned if the quote for this work exceeds the remaining retainer, would monies be used from the 2008 Street and Sidewalk fund to complete the project. Mr. Foht stated that he has given Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel figures for the 2008 budget already. He further stated that he would quote this project for actual numbers per square foot and if needed, the 2008 Street and Sidewalk fund may need to be used. Mayor Lois noted that monies would need to be set aside to continue annual maintenance on the Riverwalk.

Alderman Miller questioned if this area was considered a park. Both Mayor Lois and Attorney Tom Kircher stated that it is not considered a park due to the fact that it was not deeded that way, because it falls within the public right-of-way.

Alderman Girolamo questioned what would the final option for repair of this area would be and what would it look like. Mayor Lois stated that the red would still stay all the way through the Riverwalk, but there would be lighter patches of color in some of the damaged areas. Mayor Lois asked that Mr. Foht prepare a quote for the Riverwalk to be put on the 2008 Bid Program.

66. A resolution approving Contract Change Order Number Two for the 2007 Street and Sidewalk Improvement Program – Water Tower Retaining Wall concrete surface repair for the not-to-exceed amount of $9,996.00.

Alderman Vos requested a second reading of Resolution No. 66, A resolution approving Contract Change Order Number Two for the 2007 Street and Sidewalk Improvement Program – Water Tower Retaining Wall concrete surface repair for the not-to-exceed amount of $9,996.00. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Miller seconded to adopt Resolution No. 66.

Mr. Foht passed out a memo regarding clarification that the change order is only for the patch of the wall, not including the concrete sealer and crack repair previously discussed. Mr. Foht explained the process of the repair work to the wall, noting that 3 – 6" of the concrete is not solid and would require mesh to hold the patch in place.

Mr. Foht stated that this change order would cover 80 square feet of 3 – 6" repairs to the wall. He also noted that they are anticipating the damages to the wall to be less than what is outlined in the change order.

Alderman Girolamo questioned why the numbers that the Council previously received seem different and why there is no inclusion of the colored patch. Mayor Lois stated that the numbers were very close to those previously given to the Council. Mr. Foht recommended not going with the colored patch, as it would require additional work and cost to install.

Alderman Miller expressed his unhappiness regarding the additional $10,000 to repair this wall, although he does understand how problems usually arise when looking below the surface. He also stated that he wished that Kapur would have brought this information forward last fall so that these additional monies could have been approved as part of the original contract.

Mayor Lois wanted to clarify that there would not be any color in the concrete that is being repaired on the wall. Mr. Foht stated that the color would be removed from the wall and only the clear sealer would be used.

Alderman Simenson questioned when the work would start on the wall. Mayor Lois stated that the work would start immediately and be finished prior to winter. Alderman Simenson asked that if the work did not commence this week, could the DPW please clean up the debris on the sidewalk and the road for the area residents.

Alderman Thate questioned who did the initial wall examination. Mr. Foht confirmed that Kapur did check the wall. Alderman Thate expressed his disappointment with the job that has been done and expects more out of the professionals that are working with the City on this project and others.

Alderman Vos questioned if there is any drainage tile behind the wall and could that be causing the extensive damage. Mr. Foht stated that he was unaware of any drainage tile behind the wall; however he noted that the wall is very old and has probably exceeded its life. Mr. Jim Wanasek, Wanasek Corporation, stated that when the wall was constructed, concrete was made differently and that may be part of the reason why it is not holding up to today’s conditions.

Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

None.

Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Vos seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. All were in favor and the motion carried

Adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Recording Secretary – Angela M. Hansen