Public Works reports hydrant repairs and street-sweeping plan; grocery project set to begin

Public Works Director Jessica Ramirez briefed the board on recent maintenance and a new operational schedule. Ramirez said crews have swept accumulated winter debris and that the street-sweeping season will begin April 8, operating Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Branch chipping is scheduled to start March 31, crews opened and cleaned Mazzulla’s Park, stored snowplows in the secondary Public Works building, and cut hanging wires in alleys.

Ramirez and Fire Marshal/Health Inspector Eugenio Mazzulla reported that hydrants repaired by Public Works were tested and have passed. Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla commended Ramirez and her team and said the hydrant repairs have resulted in savings of "over 15k per hydrant." Ramirez has implemented an annual flushing and exercise program; the Fire Marshal and Public Works will perform yearly hydrant testing going forward.

Building Commissioner Robert Gonzini announced that work on a grocery store at 1615 N. Mannheim Road (the former G. Pacini building) will commence after earlier delays tied to MWRD and FEMA. Mayor Mazzulla said he will set up a meeting with the president of MWRD and local mayors to discuss flooding remapping.

The minutes record these operational reports and the grocery-project announcement; no permitting timeline, contract details, financing information, or final approvals were provided in the minutes.