ECMS 65907

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP SYCAMORE STREET COMMITTEE

FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY

Approval of Minutes: Mr. Merjeski moved to approve the notes from the Pre-Bid Meeting on September 16, 2003.  Mr. Merjeski seconded; the motion carried unanimously. 

Committee Members and Officials Present:  Chairman Vince Lombardi; Members Joe Merjeski, Shawn Ward, Shannon Wilson, HARB representative Terry McLean, Planning Commission Chair Karen Doorley, Nelson Shaffer representing Pennoni Associates Inc.; Mario L. Palena, Jr., Federal Aid to Municipal Projects Coordinator from PennDOT; PennDOT Project Manager Tom Boccuto; Ashwin Patel and J. Mamida from PennDOT Traffic; John Hunter from Pennoni; Robert M. Pellegrino, Township Manager; Steve Giampolo from McMahon Associates, Project Designers. 

Also present:  Bill Greer, Keith Harnly, and James Flear from James D. Morrissey, Inc.; Thomas Meehan from James J. Anderson; Steve Wendling from Neshaminy Constructors; Steve Wozniak from Trinity; Paul Bizon from Viking Electric; Melinda McMahon and Mike Bonner from East Coast Stamped Concrete. 

Mr. Pellegrino called the meeting to order at 1:08 pm.  Self-introductions were made around the room. 

Mr. Lombardi gave a brief history of the project, noting that three groups are involved in this project:  The Township, Sycamore Street Committee and PennDOT.    During advanced utility construction, PECO had suggested that night work would accelerate the project’s completion.  The Committee had facilitated the process when the utility construction took place, fielding and communicating concerns of residents and contractors.  He noted that 700 to 800 people live/work on Sycamore Street, and that there is little traffic at night.  

Mr. Giampolo summarized the design elements and technical details of the project. 

Traffic & Safety - Joe Merjeski

Mr. Merjeski said the committee would be there to work with contractors, to assist with their concerns.  He noted that weekly meetings with the foreman at the site worked well in the utility phase; he would like to continue this practice.  He said there is a subcommittee, chaired by Dave Burns, to act as intermediary and take care of the concerns of residents.  A newsletter will be distributed periodically to inform residents of the work to be done. 

Streetscape - Terry McLean

Mr. McLean cautioned contractors to read the specifications carefully, as a lot of time had been spent on them.  He said the specs are very specific in detail, including installation and accessories. 

Plantings - Shannon Wilson

Mr. Wilson said quality plantings have been designed to be low maintenance.  He said they would to be maintained until their care is turned over to the Township. 

Utilities - Vince Lombardi

He noted that utility work had gone quite smoothly.  He said that a small amount of utility work is still to be completed at the south end of Sycamore Street near Chandler Hall. 

Mr. Pellegrino said that the committee has been involved with the project for a number of years and has worked very hard.  He asked contractors to pay close attention to their specifications. 

Mr. Boccuto said that PennDOT would facilitate the bidding process for the Township.  Questions should be directed to him and he will refer to the appropriate contact.  There is a time limit on any addendums; he suggested those interested should contact him soon. 

Mr. Lombardi said that PennDOT has allowed 15 months for the project.  He said he hoped the project could get started quickly and be completed early.  He said the committee would do all it could to facilitate the project. 

Questions from the audience

J.D. Morrissey:   There seemed to be many restrictions, especially with regard to the time of work.  Could any off street items be done outside of the night hours?

Mr. Lombardi said that the committee would accommodate this whenever possible.  He said that the goal was to keep Sycamore Street people working and keep the area clear for the contractor, as well as to keep traffic flowing.  He said that day work would be possible as long as what was done didn’t impact residents and businesses.  Mr. Giampolo said that the special provision required that two lanes be open 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM, and that there were items that could be done during the day.  Mr. Lombardi noted that no work was to take place Friday or Saturday night because of restaurant business and traffic at the two auto dealers. 

Anderson: Is Sunday night work OK?  Are the streetlights and traffic signals specified still available, since the project planning has take place over a long period of time?

Sunday work is OK, as outlined in MP&T Special Provisions.  It was clarified that the fixtures had been selected within the last 12 months.  Mr. Giampolo noted that fixtures should be ordered quickly, since they can take a while to arrive. 

Conclusion

Meeting was adjourned at 1:34 PM.

Notes Prepared By,

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Leslie P. Dunleavy, Recording Secretary