The Department’s infrastructure management skills are applied in several broad areas. The Department is the primary caretaker for the City’s streets. DPW cleans and beautifies the City’s streets providing street sweeping, landscaping and litter abatement services to maintain the beauty and character of the community. DPW continuously monitors and assesses the condition of the City’s streets; providing minor repairs where appropriate and maintaining an inventory of street resurfacing and reconstruction needs.  The Department also inspects and maintains bridges, culverts and other street structures; establishes grades and elevations of roadways; and the City Engineer maintains the official City map.  The City Engineer’s office issues permits for driveway and sidewalk construction and re-construction, curb cuts, right-of-way work, street openings, tree planting, removal and trimming, roadside dumpster permits, and sewer connections. 

DPW also maintains the City’s wastewater and stormwater collection systems.  Conditions of the sanitary sewer system are routinely monitored and assessed. A preventive maintenance program for the wastewater and stormwater collection systems has been implemented in 2007. The regular inspection and cleaning will occur throughout each year such that all sanitary and stormwater sewers are maintained properly. The Department assesses the need for additional sanitary sewer and stormwater collection facilities as the City continues to develop and change. 

DPW provides services to other City departments whose core competencies do not include engineering, construction, maintenance or custodial skills. Because infrastructure and facilities management is the Department’s core function, the Department is able to bring a greater level of expertise and professionalism to these activities than departments whose core missions lie elsewhere. Furthermore, by centralizing these responsibilities within DPW the City is able, to the fullest extent possible, sustain a professional capacity that would not be possible in a decentralized environment.  

The Department works closely with community groups, volunteers, community service and other stakeholders on all manners of activities from neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects to needs analyses for libraries, parks and other facilities for public use.  Needs analyses and capital planning is also performed for city-owned operational facilities and necessary construction and maintenance equipment.  The Department strives to maintain facilities and spaces that incorporate community needs and desires in a manner that effectively utilizes the limited public funds that are available.   The Department manages its construction activities and the activities of other public and private agencies to minimize the adverse impacts on the City’s residents and businesses.  

The Department further serves the public’s interest by exercising the highest levels of fiduciary accountability in its management of public infrastructure, construction projects and programs. The City Engineer’s office continuously looks for ways to reduce expenses.  In addition to reducing expenses, potential revenue sources are constantly explored where opportunity exists.  Creative solutions are constantly being evaluated so that we can make the most of the DPW budget and staff time.  The City Engineer’s office assists policy makers by providing essential expertise in the assessment of public facilities and infrastructure, and planning for capital improvement programs.  

Personnel 

In 2007, a laborer was hired to increase the work force from 19 to 20.  DPW performed the required duties with this work force of 20 employees very effectively and efficiently in 2007.  The level of service provided by these 20 employees is outstanding.  In future years, as the City’s needs grow, a modest increase in work force may be necessary to maintain the current level of service.  An increase in employees may also allow an improved level of service.  In 2007, the department was managed by the City Engineer and, starting in June 2007, Deputy City Engineer.  In June, a Deputy City Engineer was hired to fill the vacant position and complement the City Engineer’s skills and work load.  The Deputy City Engineer is primarily responsible for engineering, development of engineering and construction documents, consultant management, proposal and grant writing, construction technique guidance, technical advice, report preparation, foreclosed property management, and residential and commercial work permit issuance.  The Deputy City Engineer also has full authority in the City Engineer’s absence. 

The City Engineer and Deputy City Engineer are also responsible for the Water Department which helps ensure that both Departments act together to provide efficient and cost effective services to City taxpayers.  The City Engineer has the duties of DPW Superintendent and Water Superintendent in addition to any engineering duties and responsibilities assigned by the City Charter.  

DPW staff during the calendar year announced no retirements or resignations. 

Volunteers

This community has many volunteers who spend countless hours donating their time to assist the City of Johnstown.  In particular, a handful of talented and hard working people donate their time to help make Johnstown a more attractive community.  These volunteers spend hours in city parks and on the grounds of city buildings beautifying our properties.  Without the work of these volunteers it would be virtually impossible for the DPW to maintain such beautiful flower gardens, landscaping, and Christmas Holiday decorations.

These community volunteers should be applauded and praised for the work that they do.  The City is grateful for their energy and dedication.  Many volunteers also serve on city boards and committees such as the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Advisory Committee, and Memorial Day Parade committee, just to name a few.  Their attendance and hard work help make the City of Johnstown and our community as a whole successful and attractive.

Sidewalks

The City maintains many of its own sidewalks around City owned buildings and parks and over bridges and culverts.  It is important to maintain the sidewalks in good condition for pedestrian safety and community beautification.  In 2007, the Department of Public Works crews replaced approximately 85 linear feet of sidewalk on city property.  Without the hard work and skill of our DPW “sidewalk crew,” this would not have been possible. 

Private property owners replaced a total of 19 private sidewalks during 2007 in various locations throughout the City according to permits through the City Engineer’s Office.  The total length of the 19 replaced sidewalks was approximately 804 feet.  

The 2007 sidewalk revitalization program was a great opportunity for people to replace their aging and deteriorating sidewalks.  This year’s program was just as successful as programs in years past.  Two separate lottery style drawings were held for the sidewalk program – one for residential properties and one for business properties.  A total of 31 sidewalks were completed in 2007 under the new program.  Twenty-five sidewalks were replaced under the residential program for a total length of 3,177 linear feet of sidewalk replacement. The business program included 6 sidewalks for a total of 732 linear feet of replaced sidewalk.   The City Engineer will carefully consider the most efficient ways to administer a sidewalk program again in 2008 and make recommendations to policy makers.  Many possibilities that the whole community will benefit from will be presented once again for consideration. 

Street Resurfacing Program 

The Common Council authorized a $227,373.00 paving program for 2007.  Funded by “CHIPS” money for 2007 ($210,529.28) plus the remainder from the DPW Construction Materials budget line, resurfacing projects include: 

                                                                                                                    Total =           9,934 feet

In general, work involved the milling of existing pavement surface, utilization of tack coat to assure good asphalt adhesion, installation of truing and leveling course, binder course, and top course.  The work on Industrial Park Road involved crack filling and truing and leveling course prior to resurfacing without milling the existing pavement.  The following table shows the material quantities used: 

The City utilized its entire amount from the CHIPS Capital program awarded by New York State Dept. of Transportation.  In addition to the resurfacing that was contracted out, DPW personnel re-surfaced portions of city streets with our own equipment as well. 

Sanitary Sewers

A regular sanitary sewer maintenance program was developed and implemented in 2007.  Many manholes and sewer lines were inspected to ensure a free flowing wastewater collection system.  Upon receipt of sanitary sewer back-up calls, the immediate problem was corrected.  After the immediate response, DPW employees keep a record of the problem and go back to the problem area during normal working hours to address any other potential problems in the area and to verify the sanitary sewer was open and flowing.  On many occasions, further maintenance was performed on the sewer such as sewer jet cleaning, manhole cleaning, root cutting, and grease buildup abatement.   

The city’s three wastewater pump stations continue to be inspected on a weekly basis.  Each week the pump hours were recorded in a log to monitor pump station performance and energy usage.  Two of the pump stations have backup generators which are run once per week to maintain their operational capacity.  Some minor repairs were completed at the Glebe St. pump station and at the Enterprise Rd. pump station in 2007 by a combination of DPW personnel and a private electrical contractor. 

DPW employees assisted the Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility (GJJWTF) in dealing with a trunk sewer overflow issue just south of W. Main St.  The project involved obtaining permission to cross private property to rehabilitate a trunk sewer manhole and raise the manhole such that sanitary sewer overflows at that location could be avoided.  Occasionally, the trunk sewer would back up in this location.  GJJWTF staff along with a private contractor ultimately completed the project. 

All of the manholes on streets that were resurfaced were inspected for deterioration.  Manholes in need of repair were re-constructed prior to street resurfacing. A total of seven manholes were re-constructed and the frames and covers re-installed throughout the City, all of which were on streets receiving resurfacing. 

The City experiences a large increase in flow with storm events.  The sanitary sewers exhibit a great deal of stormwater and groundwater inflow and infiltration.  At the GJJWTF, the recorded flow rates may go from 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to as much as 25 MGD within a 24 hour period.  This increase in flow results in the wastewater collection system becoming surcharged in many locations around the city.  In 2007, the DPW started making a greater effort to seek out the sources of this infiltration and inflow and correct the problem areas.  In 2008, a couple of projects are planned to begin dealing with this problem in a more methodical way. 

Stormwater Management 

As the community develops and grows, stormwater management infrastructure must be constantly evaluated and its condition assessed.  As development occurs and more impervious surface is constructed, stormwater runoff arrives at stormwater collection points much faster.  It is because of this fact that stormwater collection pipes that were adequate thirty years ago may not be adequate today.  In an urban environment, the relationship between development and stormwater management becomes very complex.  It is difficult for city planners to foresee exactly how a cumulative development process will affect stormwater runoff and the impacts to existing infrastructure. DPW employees really face three separate challenges with stormwater management.  The first is maintenance of the existing system; second is improvement in areas that have seen development in the recent past; and three is emergency response during flooding events. 

As a part of the first challenge, DPW employees reconstructed eleven catch basins, primarily in areas where paving work was accomplished, to facilitate storm water drainage from City streets to natural drainage courses.  The City Engineer’s office continues to evaluate the stormwater collection system in several areas of recent development within the city in an attempt to address the second responsibility.  The results of the evaluation will undoubtedly result in the recommendation to replace or improve some of the stormwater collection system in various parts of the city.  The city also handles stormwater by surface methods such as sheet drainage and ditch lines to water bodies such as streams.

n 2007, the City did not see the major flooding events that occurred in 2006, thankfully. The City Engineer’s office routinely assesses conditions after flood events to analyze what can be improved to avoid flooding in the future. Many times, there isn’t one solution to the problem, rather a series of improvements are required over a significant time period to adequately address the issues. 

Property Management 

Several city-owned properties were auctioned off in 2007.  The city acquired ownership of these properties through tax foreclosures in prior years and in 2007.  These properties are now back on the tax roll.  Many of these properties are already in the process of being successfully rehabilitated.  The city is also in the process of selling off a block of vacant land known as the Mapleton Tract between Pleasant Avenue and N. Perry St.  This block of land is an attractive candidate for development.  The following is a list of properties that were successfully returned to private ownership in 2007:

        3 Washington St. – Multi-family dwelling
        321 W. Clinton St. – Single family dwelling
        202 Meadow St. – Single family dwelling
        87 E. Main St. – Multi-family dwelling
        14 Burton St. – Single family dwelling
        18 W. State St. – Vacant lot
        79 Chestnut St. – Single family dwelling
        19 W. State St. – Industrial building
        20 W. Decker St. – Single family dwelling

Other city-owned buildings are in the process of being evaluated for demolition and revitalization. Pre-demolition asbestos surveys are in the process of being completed for the following buildings to be demolished:

 ·        9-21 Hoosac St. – Vacant lots
·        312 N. Perry St. – Industrial building
·        314 N. Perry St. – Commercial building
·        422-428 N. Perry St. – Industrial building
·        19 Grove St. – Industrial building
·        311 W. State St. – Industrial building 

It is anticipated that the asbestos abatement and demolitions of the above six properties will be performed in 2008.    

Four of the above properties are former Leather Industry sites. The four sites are currently being secured and cleaned up by the Dept. of Public Works. DPW will be spending time in early 2008 to prepare the industrial buildings for asbestos abatement and demolition. At 19 Grove St., many barrels of chemicals scattered about the building must be collected and properly disposed of. DPW can save some money by collecting them all and moving them to one central location within the building for characterization and inventory. Disposal of the chemicals may be costly.

Additionally, there is a significant amount of steel and other metals in the four industrial buildings.  Dealers were paying well for scrap metal in 2007.  Because of the amount of material and the price the material was being sold for, it made sense to scrap as much of the metal in these buildings as possible.  In late 2007, the City Engineer’s office solicited bids for a salvage contract for these buildings.  The successful contractor will be salvaging metal and other items from these buildings for scrap and/or reuse.  The revenue from the salvage contract will help to defray some of the costs of handling these properties while recycling and/or reusing every possible material from the properties.  The salvage contractor began work in late 2007 and will complete his work during the first half of 2008.

Environmental Projects

Groundwater monitoring and water quality results are periodically reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for the monitoring well network surrounding City Hall.  In 2007, the NYSDEC allowed the city to cease monitoring of the monitoring well network around the former DPW garage property.  This network surrounding the former DPW garage area has been properly abandoned.  The city hall network monitoring is a result of previously removed leaking underground storage tanks.  The tanks contained fuel oil and diesel fuel.  As a part of the groundwater remediation project identified below, the groundwater must continue to be extracted, treated, and monitored until such time NYS DEC is satisfied that the remedial action has accomplished its regulatory goals. 

Continued groundwater monitoring at the former Johnstown Landfill continues to be accomplished on a semi-annual basis.  Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. was retained for this service.  The City Engineer’s office is working with U.S. EPA and the NYS DEC to remove the landfill from EPA’s National Priority List.  This action would remove EPA from jurisdiction and hand all regulatory control over to DEC.  That procedure would allow the City to monitor the groundwater at the former landfill on an annual basis instead of twice per year resulting in a $7,000.00 per year savings.  To date, these efforts have been unsuccessful, although EPA has indicated that the City has done everything it can and it is now in EPA’s hands. 

Building Projects 

City Hall had a few minor improvements in 2007 after significant changes in 2006.  Some changes to the heating system were made to improve efficiency and comfort.  Minor repairs were done to the interior and routine maintenance activities were performed.  The Assessor’s office was renovated to improve the work area and appearance.   

A new partition for the pressure washer was installed in the wash bay at the equipment and vehicle repair shop at the DPW garage.  A small block room was added in the maintenance bay as well, to house the inspection computer and a small office for the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor.  In the cold storage area of the DPW garage, a new sand blasting bay was added so that sand blasting operations could be performed safely and efficiently. 

Also at the DPW garage, a couple of energy efficiency projects were undertaken in 2007. The first was a minor upgrade to our heat control capabilities.  DPW personnel installed programmable electronic thermostats for all of the heating units. The thermostats were programmed such that they automatically control the heat depending on the time of day and day of the week. They were programmed in a “staggered” fashion to optimize energy usage. The second project was installation of a waste oil furnace in the maintenance bay. After some diligent research by the Engineer’s office, a unit was selected and purchased through a local vendor. The furnace and all of the parts required for installation cost approximately $6,600.00.  The unit was installed by DPW personnel. The DPW, Fire Dept., and GJJWTF will produce enough waste oil to allow the operation of the unit throughout each winter season. A significant reduction in natural gas consumption, and therefore expense, will be realized.  It is anticipated that the cost to install the unit will be recouped by energy savings in less than two years. The waste oil furnace is also controlled by a programmable electronic thermostat. The thermostat has been programmed such that the waste oil furnace heats the space and the natural gas units located in the maintenance space supplement with additional heat as necessary. 

Installation of this waste oil furnace helps to accomplish two separate goals for the DPW and the city – one is to minimize expenses and the other is to implement environmentally friendly solutions.  

The City continued with a yard waste drop off program during the spring, summer, and fall months.  In 2007, the yard waste drop off site was located on W. Main St. just east of Cayadutta St.  The site was open seven days per week during daylight hours.  City residents utilized this service extensively and many positive comments were received.  DPW employees worked hard to keep the site clean and orderly.   The site was left unattended by staff again this year to reduce overtime costs and so that the expanded hours could be maintained.  We continue to be very happy with this program and feedback from the residents has been great. 

The annual spring cleanup program conducted behind the Johnstown Area Community Center at the City owned materials stock yard cost the City $4,562.65 in disposal fees.  DPW employees recorded each vehicle load resulting in a total of 908 vehicle loads of debris accepted.  These loads resulted in the disposal of 138 tons of garbage, approximately 40.0 tons of metal, and 341 tires.

The cleanup of miscellaneous metals located on City owned property resulted in numerous truckloads of materials transported to Bornt’s scrap yard.  A total of several thousand pounds of metal was recycled resulting in $2,127.10 of revenue for the City.

The city initiated a new program in 2007 for residents.  The program allowed residents to purchase a disposal permit for the Fulton County Dept. of Solid Waste Disposal facility for $5.00.  This permit, upon issuance, was good for the entire year with no other fees involved.  This program was a big success and positive feedback from residents continues to roll in.  The expenses for this program were $19,156.15 and revenues were $2,709.00. 

Overall sanitation statistics are available in the Engineering Department for review. 

Equipment 

Each year it is necessary to replace some equipment and/or vehicles for the DPW.  In 2007, the following were purchased: 

The new Sewer Jet/Vacuum Combination Machine has been an outstanding purchase. The DPW has not had a vacuum for a number of years and the amount of labor and time it has saved already in 2007 is immeasurable. The old sewer jet truck will be utilized as a single axle dump truck in the future. The sewer jet components will be stripped off of the truck and auctioned off, if appropriate. 

Retired International plow truck No. 2 was sold to the City of Gloversville for approximately $7,000.00. 

In 2007, the City Engineer implemented a new fleet maintenance record keeping system.  Repairs to vehicles and equipment are now logged on work orders.  Vehicle and equipment operation logs have been maintained to keep record of employees’ use of equipment. 

Bridges 

Final restoration and project completion of the N. Market St. bridge were completed in 2007.  The project had been in the planning stage for years and finally began construction in August of 2005.  Final reimbursements from NYS Dept. of Transportation and National Grid were being finalized in December 2007.

Some minor repairs and improvements were made to three of the City’s bridges in 2007 to keep up with deteriorating conditions.  In general, most of the bridges are in reasonably good shape. 

The City Engineer’s office works closely with the Fulton County Highway Superintendent and NYS Dept. of Transportation on the evaluation of the city’s 13 bridges.  Inspections are routinely performed on a bi-annual basis on all bridges by the Dept. of Transportation.  Additionally, the City Engineer’s office informally inspects the bridges annually. 

Streetlights 

The city pays National Grid approximately $156,000.00 per year for operation of its approximately 900 city streetlights.  National Grid is also responsible for installing new streetlights on city streets and parking lots where desired by the Common Council.  National Grid has an internet based notification system for reporting light problems and/or outages.  Citizens can utilize this service by going to National Grid’s website.  Under the “Your Account” tab there is a link to report streetlight problems.  Alternatively, streetlight problems can be forwarded to the City Engineer’s office for reporting to National Grid. 

The Common Council authorized the City Engineer’s office to work with National Grid to install a new light in the city-owned parking lot off of N. Perry St. in 2007.  As of the end of 2007, the City Engineer’s office was still working with National Grid to establish a time frame for the installation of this light. 

Miscellaneous 

The Johnstown Industrial Park saw construction of the new multi-million dollar yogurt facility continue in 2007.  FAGE Dairy USA began construction of its new plant in 2006 at the intersection of Opportunity Drive and Venture Drive and continued until December 2007 when major construction work was completed.  The City worked hard in 2005 and 2006 to develop an infrastructure improvement plan for the new facility.  In spring of 2007, the city’s infrastructure improvement project began construction.  The contractor completed the project near the end of the summer and the water and sewer lines were placed into service.   

The City Engineer’s office issued many permits in 2007 including permits for properties in the city sponsored sidewalk and tree programs:           

            PERMITS                                                      2006                2007

Sidewalk                                                          25                    49
            Driveway                                                          27                    41
            Right-of-Way/Street Opening/Sewer                   28                    26
            Curb Cuts                                                          8                      5
            Trees                                                               15                    11

The City offered a limited terrace tree planting program in 2007 as a pilot to see how well the program would be received.  The program was set up to run similar to the sidewalk program.  The program was established for 12 terrace trees – three in each ward.  The program only received five applications, so all five were selected.  In future years, we may continue the program and increase advertisement and marketing to raise community participation. 

A section of the F.J.&G. Rail Trail received new fencing.  The section between W. Main St. and Union Ave. received wood fencing to protect the public from steep slopes along the trail in certain areas.  The wood fencing as fabricated and installed by DPW employees.  More fencing will be completed in 2008. 

A six year capital plan was submitted to the Mayor and Common Council as a part of the DPW budget proposal itemizing future equipment replacement needs and needed improvements for City infrastructure and buildings.  This comprehensive plan will identify several areas in need of improvements to meet the City’s needs and to be in compliance with applicable codes.  It is anticipated that this plan will be revisited and updated each year. 

The Common Council’s Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee updated the City’s Comprehensive Plan in 2007.  Work will continue on revising the city’s zoning in 2008.  The Engineering Department will continue to provide staff support as necessary to the Committee as it provides a plan for the City’s future. 

Grant Management 

In 2007, the City of Johnstown and Fulton County jointly applied for a shared municipal services incentive grant totaling $29,000 (10% local share).  This grant is for planning and engineering services related to the possible construction of a joint salt storage facility.  If successful, the money will be used to plan and design the facility and assess its feasibility.   

The F.J.&G. Rail Trail grant – Phase 3 continues.  In 2007, the city secured an extension of the grant until 2012.  The grant extension also allows the monies spent on Rail Trail “Destination Stops” to be reimbursed.  The grant award was originally for a total of $500,000.00 (80% Federal Share, 20% local share).  Approximately $279,000 of that grant remains.  It is anticipated that about half of that amount will be utilized for a new pedestrian bridge over the Cayadutta Creek between W. State St. and Washington St.  The bridge work and other miscellaneous work along the rail trail is scheduled for 2008.   

A $39,933.00 grant (10% local share) was received from the New York State Dept. of State through their Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program in 2006.  In late 2007, the city and state executed a State Assistance Contract to move forward with the work under this grant.  Work is ongoing.  This grant is administered jointly by the Dept. of State and Dept. of Environmental Conservation.  The grant is specifically for a Pre-Nomination Study to provide a preliminary description and analysis of the Karg Bros. Tannery site.  It is anticipated that this site will be the focus of a neighborhood revitalization effort.  This program attempts to reclaim and revitalize Brownfield sites that have been cleaned up under other programs. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields program resulted in the award of a $200,000 Federal grant (0% local share) for the former Kargs Brothers Tannery property in 1999.  The grant provided money for the environmental assessment of the site, but has remained inactive since 2003.  This grant was partially used for site assessments of the former Karg Brothers Tannery from 1999 to 2003, however there is approximately $168,000.00 in grant money still available.  In 2006, the city was successful in convincing U.S. EPA to extend the deadline for the grant to September 30, 2009.  This grant may now be used for environmental site assessments on other properties within the city.  It is anticipated that this money may be useful for performing environmental site assessments of various city-owned industrial properties upon successful demolition.  The environmental site assessments will ultimately clear the way for future development. 

A $185,000.00 grant (10% local share) was received from the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation through their Environmental Remediation Program in 2007 for the former Karg Bros. Tannery property.  In late 2007, the City executed a State Assistance Contract to move forward with the work under this grant.  The City is currently awaiting execution by the State.  The grant is specifically for remedial investigation of the Karg Bros. Tannery site and neighboring properties.  This site is one of the main highlights of the City’s draft updated Comprehensive Plan.  This state program is responsible for the proper characterization and investigation of brownfield sites so that they can be cleaned up for redevelopment. 

Department of Public Works and Engineering

2007 and 2008 Budgets