SLC March 4 draft packet

SILVER LAKE COMMISSION March 4, 2020 5:30 PM at Dover City Hall Large Conference Room AGENDA 1. Welcome/Call to order 2. Approval of January 2020 meeting minutes 3. Kent County Public Works, Sewer Main Update 4. Public Works Updates 5. Parks Projects and Maintenance Crew Updates 6. Council Committee as a Whole 7. Spring Clean Up Event (Canoe & Kayak activity) 8. New Business 9. Adjournment

Silver Lake Commission January 8, 2020 5:30 PM, Conference Room Dover City Hall * DRAFT * Members Present Others In Attendance Trisha Arndt Carolyn Courtney, Parks & Recreation Staff Zach Carter Kathy Doyle, Dover Resident Kirby Hudson Robin Eaton, City of Dover, Public Works, Operations Lyle Jones Matt Harline, Asst. City Manager Michael Lewis Roger Ridgeway, Jr. Public Works, Grounds Marie Kozel Andy Riggi, Kent County Public Works Councilman David Anderson Councilman Ralph Taylor WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 P M INTRODUCTIONS Everyone gave a brief introduction. AGENDA The chair presented agenda. With no discussion the meeting proceeded. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 2019 MINUTES The chair presented the minutes. Mr. Jones name was omitted from the attendee list. This will be revised. With that, Mr. Carter motioned to accept with a second from Mr. Jones the minutes was then passed without objection. SILVER LAKE PARK CLOSURE Mr. Riggi stated on December 19, the County had finished the project on RT13, relining the forcemain from Denneys Road to Garden Lane. We turned it on and that same day we had the failure in Silver Lake Park. The line broke downstream from the repair work. There was discharge of sewage into the park but not the lake. The sewage ran into the river south of the spillway/boat ramp. (Referred to displayed map.) Right where the force main entered the park is where it failed, running across the grass into the river. The pipe was the same age as what was fixed on the highway. We had not had any failures in this area prior to this, previous failures were on the north side of Dover. Mr. Harline added they acted right away. They spread lime, (inaudible). Mr. Riggi we responded within ½ hour including calling DRNEC. The flow was stopped by 3 pm. We had trucks onsite to vacuum the water. We were able to start catching it as it drained down. There were some depressed areas where it ponded. Those areas seem to have higher levels of bacteria and we are continuing to monitor those. Mrs. Arndt asked if coordination with DNREC had taken place? Mr. Riggi responded with yes, even Secretary Garvin was onsite that day. Enforcement officers and other DNREC officials were onsite most of the day. River samples noted it was flushed out of the river in 3 or 4 days and river returned to normal levels. We had it all cleaned up and now we are continuing investigation. We have found the pipe is not really there, it’s gone. We are looking at the failure points and continuing to investigate the pipe. He then discussed the sampling that has been done and that will continue. They are testing for E.coli, fecal and salmonella. Today we dug (up the pipe) at Lake Club apartments and found good pipe, so for the next few weeks we are continuing to investigate and then we will replace the portions of the 1.6 miles of pipe. The hard thing is that is not a straight line, it zig‐zags, through neighborhoods, hotels, Luther Towers, along Park Drive etc. This is the main line running from Smyrna to Frederica built in the 70’s. Some discussion on the north Dover pipe repairs. Repairs at Denny’s Road to Garden Lane have been completed by pulling another pipe thru the existing line. Due to the all the bends, we can’t use the same methodology used to repair other issues.

Mrs. Arndt what will be the impacts to the park going forward are you going to have to dig up and replace? Mr. Riggi responded worst case we have to place all the pipe along this line. Where it comes thru at Lake View Drive along the path and houses along Kings Highway to the old cooling plant at Division Street. Hopefully, where the pipe runs along the river it’s in good shape as it is always full of water, no chances for gases to deteriorate it. So, we going to dig another hole tomorrow to look at it. The first pipe we dug up was exposed and in very bad condition. But again, at Lake Club apartments that pipe was fine as it is always full of water. Mrs. Arndt asked if there was a schedule for the work being done? Mr. Riggi said we are working on investigation now and brainstorming the possibilities. Ms. Kozel asked if the park was open, as the gates keep getting open? Mr. Harline replied the park is closed. Ms. Courtney noted we have discussed that internally with staff as there as workers and trucks that need to go /in out. We do send staff out to close the gates. Mr. Riggi noted as soon as the contractor goes thru the gate they are followed by people and the contractor has had to ask them to leave. Mrs. Arndt asked what about people walking thru as this appears to be happening as there is no indication to not walk thru the park? Mr. Harline responded with if you are walking on the trail you are fine. There is one spot marked as number 3, that is at risk. The main break area. Mr. Harline noted unless you roll in the grass you should be fine. The white chalky lime is visible and it is to bring the PH level back in check. Mrs. Arndt what people and their pets? Mr. Harline that is probably not good. The park is still closed, we are going to fence in that one area and evaluate. Mr. Jones asked how close the sink hole is this break (sink hole behind 256 Kings Highway)? He wondered if that was involved. Mr. Riggi this needs to be looked at, this could be cause of the sink hole. Mr. Riggi noted as updates are available they will be shared with the city. Some brief discussion on the type of pipe then took place. Mrs. Arndt noted where the sink hole was there is a sewer line right under it. We discussed this at our last meeting. Mr. Eaton noted yes, there is a storm drain there and it appeared whatever was going on was below the storm pipe. We can probe down about 6 feet and we can’t see anything but bubbling water that’s why we thought maybe a spring. However, it does not appear to have flow in the pipe (Kent County pipe). Mr. Lewis asked what is the life expectancy of this type of pipe? Mr. Riggi normally like 50 – 100 years, but it depends on the environment it is in. Offering some examples. PVC sewer last longer than clay. It will hold up better and less (joint) leaks. Mr. Lewis asked if a 50 year old pipe is an average age for pipes all over Dover? Mr. Riggi noted in the 70’s when the county started the sewer project, we connected to the cities and towns. Dover’s could be over 100 years old, when I was here several years ago, we a found water main that was over 100 years. Mr. Arndt noted her applause to the county and how the handled the spill. My concern is the general conception of the park as we’ve had some crime issues. Silver Lake Park is not getting the best press of late, and just one more thing that the park was closed for a sewer spill was just one more thing that the park is not favorable in terms of public relations. This commission is to advocate for resources for the park and getting people to use the park. Mr. Carter noted there was no signage as to why the park was closed. Ms. Kozel noted no signs to indicate this. She felt the city had done a terrible job to the public at large. I live on Washington Street and the gate is closed but people are in there. There’s nothing on Facebook. If you are walking, it is open. They expressed a sentiment that signage could have been posed. Ms. Courtney noted that Kay Sass had put out on Facebook the park was closed when this first happened. I had raised the concern on no signage, however with so many factors still unknown the city chose not to put up signage. Our message from parks, was the lake is fine and the park is closed. Ms. Courtney noted this constructive criticism would be used to prevent confusion as we move forward. Mr. Riggi noted the next step is figure how much pipe is damaged and make a path forward for replacement. There will be fenced off areas of the park while this work continues. Mrs. Arndt as is there a reason not to have vehicles in the park at this point if people can walk in? Mr. Harline replied we haven’t tried to stop people from walking because they are walking along the path they are not really at risk. It’s if they get into the area that is now fenced off. We are running more soil samples now. The soil test comes back ok we can open the park. We didn’t anticipate the soil samples to stay at the elevated at the levels they did. The creek was clear in 3 – 4 days. How much contamination is a dicey area. Councilman Taylor asked when the test results would be back? Mr. Riggi noted in the next few days as we have taken a series of them since the spill. Mrs. Arndt the point I was trying to make I don’t’ see the difference of walking to the park or driving in? Why not just open up the parking lot to vehicles if people can walk into the park? Mr. Harline responded we because if you open the parking lot it’s basically it…the park is officially closed and in hindsight maybe we should have done a better job in closing the park. Mr. Riggi noted we fenced the area that is still contaminated. Mr. Harline at this time we relying the county for information. Mr. Carter asked about notifying the neighbors? Mr. Riggi noted Mr. Yerger does know and I have

been speaking with him. Mr. Lewis to Mrs. Arndt to your point, yes we should have put up some signage, referring to an online report he read with the headline Silver Lake Park still closed. It was discussed that is a confusing message. Mr. Carter asked if the west entrance could be open? Mrs. Arndt noted it sounds like its closed to bacteria levels so it doesn’t matter how you get in the park by walking or driving would face the same issue. Mr. Harline I don’t remember saying the park is open to foot traffic. Mr. Carter noted you are permitting people to walk in so it confusing. Mr. RIggi was thanked for the update and his information. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Eaton shared the Public Works update (attached). He briefly reviewed the items within the memorandum. 1) Maintenance of areas along the river's edge from the Silver Lake Dam to Loockerman Street. A Comprehensive Vegetation Management Plan has been prepared with DNREC . The plan is available on the City’s website. 2) Fertilize, Lime or otherwise appropriately amend turf areas for healthy grass. 3) FY19 Dam Annual Inspection. Has been review and things on the report are being addressed. The more costly items are being put in our FY21 budget, while minor items will be done inhouse. The boat ramp dock will be completely re‐ decked by spring. The next inspection will be in the Spring in 2020. Chair Arndt noted it was nice to hear the Maintenance Document was done in coordination with DRNEC. Mr. Eaton noted the document is available on the city website. With pictures of what should be there and how it will be maintained. It was noted that we may need to consider the Kent County Sewer project now as we move forward with plantings, etc. Capital Improvements Projects 1) Investigate drainage issue near Division Street. Mr. Eaton noted we have been out there and done some investigative work. There is concern there may be an underground spring here. Or now with the County issue, we may just need to see what they need to do and see what happens. Mr. Jones asked if the water temp had been tested. Mr. Eaton, not yet but I have a laser gauge I can test that. This does have me scratching my head a little. But again, we are going to work with the County and go from there. Discussion took place about what this whole could be. There are a lot of options out there. I was trying to let it dry up, as wet as it is, it will collapse. But its wet and when we dig so deep we need to bring in a box. Again, we will continue to work on this. Mr. Jones noted back to #2, I sent in fertilizer results on item #2 and sent to the U of D but I haven’t gotten them back. I will send in another sample. Mr. Eaton review the 2019 lake draw down and noted the 2020 dates are selected for Oct. 12 – 23. A brief discussion on the tide and full moon phases taking place during this timeframe. As this does effect the fish downstream. Mrs. Arndt asked if the city tracked how many property owner do repairs, etc. Ms. Courtney replied Parks & Recreation does not, however planning/inspections may as they would issue the permits. We do get calls from the residents, I believed Bill Winters and another resident were able to get their repairs done this year. We could generate a statement or two in the announcement letter asking home/property owners to let us know what was done. That was agreed to for this year’s notices. PARKS PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE CREW UPDATES Mr. Hudson began by thanking the commission for their support letter of the ORPT grant request. It was awarded to us and we are looking forward to moving these projects along. Briefly want to talk about five different things, we put in our last piece of playground equipment in the area. Ms. Kozel noted she tried it out and it’s good (it’s a balance beam). Mr. Hudson noted kids and adult like it, we applied engineered wood fiber so we set there. For the first time to his knowledge, we wintered all the picnic tables and pavilions. They were all stained and painted. It think will help protect them and we did some light painting and repair work to pavilions, removed all the tape, tacks, nails, etc. They are set and ready to go for the spring. Ms. Kozel said she has noticed these things. You may notice the large telephones poles are in place for the volleyball pit. We are looking to do a volleyball tournament as a kickoff to getting the word out about these updates. Probably end of March, early April for this. We are

looking into new signage for kayak/canoe launch area. We the intent to make it clear no swimming permitted. In the spring we will be adding topsoil and applying grass seed to the area. We will comb the area, remove hazards such as glass, etc. We do not want to refer to this area as “beach” area any longer. This is the whole idea of changing the aesthetic of this park area. We’d like to have a grand opening with press and welcoming people to the park. Mrs. Arndt asked if we did the grant? Mr. Hudson replied yes. We are moving forward and need the weather to improve now to complete the projects. Mr. Jones noted to mix the soil and sand together for better drainage. Mrs. Doyle is the thinking there can never again be swimming at Silver Lake? Mr. Jones noted yes. Due to the bloom/green algae. This is a problem everywhere and cannot really be beat for this body of water. Discussion took place about the lake and how this caused. No all human issues, the amount of trees around the lake and many factors play into the problem. SPRING CLEAN UP EVENT (CANOE & KAYAK ACTIVITY) Mrs. Arndt asked Parks & Recreation for a recommendation. With discussion it was agreed to do an event together or almost immediately following. March 2 we have a traveling group of college students from Michigan State University coming. We will plan our clean up date for then and a event to follow. Much discussion took place on dates between proms, kids soccers/baseball, etc. A smaller group of members will coordinate together for a more formalized plan and report back to the commission. Ms. Courtney will coordinate these events. Mr. Jones noted to get the Kent County Conservancy on board as they want to help. NEW BUSINESS Mrs. Arndt noted she was at a meeting last night of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee with Councilman Taylor. A committee member brought up the access to Silver Lake Park and the issue to see a crosswalk at Washington crossing State Street. Ms. Kozel asked where it would cross from? This isn’t a corner. Ms. Courtney noted in the past this has been addressed. When Ann Marie Townshend was with the city this idea was briefly discussed with the state. The state tentatively agreed. However, due to other projects on State Street the traffic calming measures, residents came out in strong opposition against this. A cross walk would talk parking and frontage away from property owners along State Street. The state decided this is not an issue they wanted to pursue. Mid‐block cross walks require quite a bit of curbing and landscape changes to meet guidelines. Councilman Taylor felt there must be a solution somewhere. It was agreed there must be a solution but this is state road and the city would need to go to the state for this. There is no easy answer for the mid‐block cross walk. Councilman Anderson invited the Silver Lake Commission to attend at Parks, Recreation Community Enhancement meeting to report/update about projects and topics being addressed. I think we need better communication. Mrs. Arndt thanked the Councilman and noted she would very much like this opportunity. We will work on a date, just not May. Possibly an bi‐annual report as they group meets quarterly. NEXT MEETING DATE Wednesdays: March 4, June 3, September 3, and December 2 ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.