This afternoon, the Public Works Committee unanimously approved the use of Place de Douai by Kenosha Common Markets.  The weekly market runs on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm beginning May 19, 2012, through October 13, 2012.  Ray Forgianni, president of the organization, stated that “the market is now too large on Second Avenue.  Last year, we found the lawn area detrimental to the vendors and to the lawn.  We are asking to be allowed to expand to the area between 56th and 55th Streets.”

Alderperson Jan Michalski asked about some complaints that he’s heard about the wind situation at Place de Douai.  Forgianni responded that they will be “putting the more seasoned vendors there.  They are more capable of handling the wind issues.  In July, we will be changing the layout completely.”  Also, he stated that he wanted to clarify that the wind problem comes from the northeast, not the west as has been reported.  “It’s better with the buildings there.  Having buildings on two sides is more effective.”

Michalski also mentioned the rental of the city’s generator.  He said that he got a call today requesting a more permanent solution.  “Is there any plan to run power there?” he wanted to know.  Mike Lemens, director of public works, replied that there was no such planning.  “If there would be approval for that, it would have to come from the Parks Department,” said Lemens.

Chairman G. John Ruffolo stated that he got a call from Alderperson Tod Ohnstad earlier this afternoon, stating that there were electrical hook-ups buried in that area.  Ruffolo asked Lemens to look into that.  Also, he said that he heard that $100/week was being charged for the use of the generator; he stated that he thought that this was rather high.  He said that he thought that there was a rule that the city can’t make a profit on items, that they can only charge their cost.  He further stated that he believed that the generator was acquired from grant money.  Ruffolo asked Lemens to look into these two items.  (Click here to read the article which was reported earlier this week on the same issue:  Harbor Market to Expand to Place de Douai.)

The following additional items were acted upon:

• The first amendment to the developer’s agreement and memorandum of full satisfaction between the city of Kenosha, the Kenosha Water Utility, First Industrial Investments II, LLC, and Affiliated Foods Midwest Cooperative, Inc. (Affiliated Foods), was approved unanimously, as well as the bicycle and pedestrian easement agreement by and between Affiliated Foods Midwest Cooperative, Inc., and the city of Kenosha for property at 8100 – 60th Street (Affiliated Foods).  Brian Wilke from community development and inspections stated that both of these items had been deferred from two meetings ago.  The two issues in question were the dollar amount of the escrow, and the indemnity clause.  Lemens’ office prepared an estimate for the cash escrow for the bike easement amounting to $56,600, and First Industrial submitted that they would place $60,000 in escrow.  Regarding the indemnity clause included in the bike and pedestrian easement, the contract originally read that they would be liable during the construction and during the life of the path.  It took Affiliated Foods out of the loop and made the city liable.  The language overrode the city’s statutory rights.  The city attorney’s office rewrote the contract to read that they are liable only during the initial phase of construction.  Then, the natural course of the law would take over.  Mr. Chad Parrish from First Industrial spoke also, and he stated that he was glad that this was finally coming to a conclusion.  Parris said, “It’s been a lingering issue for us.  We’re happy to pay the $60,000 and happy to get the easement sorted out with Affiliated Foods.”
• The preliminary report/final resolution for Project #12-1024, 60th Street Resurfacing (60th Street – 22nd Avenue to 8th Avenue), was also approved unanimously.  Lemens stated that this was a customary report which addressed the city’s sidewalk work.
• The committee also unanimously approved the request for the use of Place de Douai by Karen Thomas on May 12, 2012, for a Sidewalk Chalk Art Show.  She told the committee that the event would consist of eight to ten participants drawing appropriate artwork with washable sidewalk chalk.  She is attempting to raise $1,800 for Avon Breast Cancer, and she stated that she hopes that this event will help her raise that amount through donations.
• The professional services agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc., for 18th Street Intersection Studies (39th Avenue and 30th Avenue), was also approved.  Ruffolo stated that there was an accident there today at 2 pm (at 30th Avenue and 18th Street).  He stated that a study is definitely needed because there is an average of one accident a week at that intersection.
• The committee also approved the professional service contract with Droprite Tree & Landscape, LLC, for parkway tree removal in the amount of $62,500.  Bostrom asked Lemens what the average cost for a tree removal was.  Lemens answered that it varies based on the tree size.  Nudo did a quick calculation.  The contract calls for 136 trees divided by the total cost of the contract totals approximately $460/tree.  Bostrom said that he was happy to support the contract because “it was nowhere near the $1,500 the city was gouged last year after the wind storm.”
• The approval of lawn park bioswales for the Pennoyer Beach Outfall Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant was also approved unanimously.  At the Storm Water Utility committee meeting held earlier, Lemens stated that no one attended the public information meeting held last night on this issue.  Billingsley stated that they’ve received no negative feedback from any of the neighbors in the district.  This grant covered the other two bioswales for the project.  They were looking for the committee to give them the approval to proceed with moving forward on the four bioswales.

Informational items included:

• The Shagbark Recreational Trail Development and Grant.  At the Storm Water Utility committee meeting, Lemens stated that this grant money would allow them to continue the water quantity and quality testing that was started three to four years ago.  Billingsley also stated that they also found out that the city will be receiving additional funds from the stewardship program.  Apparently, another community received this grant, and they were not able to put the matching together.  Therefore, they lost their grant money.  This money will be added to Kenosha’s grant.  (Good news for the city!)  Misner stated that the administrative staff has done an excellent job at obtaining grants.  “These are not easy to get.  We’re competing with cities all over the country and the state.  You’ve done an amazing job.  During these tough economic times, it gives us the money to do the city’s work.”
• Alderman Jan Michalski stated that there was not a City Plan Commission meeting; therefore, no update was given.

Bostrom thanked Alderperson Ray Misner for his time and effort on the committee.  He stated that he valued his work and his friendship.  (This is the last meeting at which Alderpersons Nudo and Misner will be attending due to their not winning their district aldermanic seats in the election last week.)