02/20/1978 Board of Public Works Minutes

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30 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 1978 REPORT ON RECOPMZENDATION TO MARK LOCATION OF FIRE HYDRANTS The following report was submitted to the Board on a recommendation to mark the location of fire hydrants with signs: To: Board of Public Works February 20, 1978 From: Bureau of Traffic and Lighting This Bureau has considered the request submitted by Councilman Kopczynski and Mrs. Clara Kurlanski to mark fire hydrants within the City of South Bend with a permanent metal sign at least 7 feet above the ground. If such signage is decided upon, it is recommended that it would be a standard regulatory sign with red copy on a reflective white background, which would read "No Parking Within 15', Fire Hydrant ". The minimum size sign should be 12" x 18 ". However, with that much legend, 18" x 24" would be preferable. Sign units, consisting of a sign face, sign blank, sign artist labor, one 12' post and miscellaneous nuts, bolts, etc. would cost $14.35 for a 12" x 18" sign unit and $18,67 for an 18" x 24" sign unit. In August of 1977, the City has 3,221 fire hydrants. Using the above prices for a sign unit, the materials cost would be in excess of $46,000 for the small signs and in excess of $60,000 for the larger signs. If spread over a three year program, and including a 10% inflation factor for materials, the small signs would cost $51,000 and the larger signs would cost $66,500. It should be noted that the above cost does not include labor costs nor fringe benefits attached to labor. It is estimated that it would require two men and one truck in excess of 30 weeks involving labor and equipment costs in excess of $18,000. This estimate is low and does not represent extra equipment and time necessary for concrete sidewalk installations. With its present manpower and equipment status, this bureau could not handle the installation of the above signage without added personnel and equipment. Furthermore, it is estimated that an annual maintenance cost of between $2,000 and $3,000 would be necessary for the proper maintenance of re- installation and replacement of damaged signage. The recommendation would aid in supplementing the State law which indicates a "No Parking" zone 15' each side of a fire hydrant and at the same time indicate the location of the hydrant during times of heavy snowfalls. The determination of the financial arrangements necessary for this type of signage is out of the realm of the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting's budgetary resources. s/ Ralph J. Wadzinski, manager If The Board discussed the report in some detail. It was suggested that a pole with a marker would be sufficient and would not be so costly. Mr. Brunner noted that because of damage to hydrants in the last storm, an expenditure for markers might be justified. Mr. McMahon indicated that damage to hydrants during the recent storm amounted to $19,000. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the Board directed that Mr. Wadzinski's report be filed and that he be requested to pursue cost estimates for a marker only and for marking hydrants on main routes in areas where damage is most likely to occur.