Westfield city engineer Mark Cressotti
WESTFIELD – City Engineer Mark Cressotti presented an engineering budget of $863,386 to the Finance sub-committee, comprised of Councilors Andrew K. Surprise, chairman pro temp and Matthew Emmershy on Tuesday. Cressotti’s original request to Mayor Brian P. Sullivan for fiscal year 2019 was $1,523,386, which the Mayor already reduced by approximately half.
Cressotti said staff-wise, the department has a new GIS (Geographic Information System) staff person, who is getting up to speed. He said purchase of services is level funded for the department, with new computer setups included in replacement equipment. “We try to buy one a year, and move it around. The scanner was replaced a year ago,” he said.
Asked about the increase in construction costs, Cressotti said, “Every year we ask for a lot. It’s my job to ask – if I don’t ask, shame on me.”
Emmershy asked about the multi-use trail listed under construction. Cressotti said the trail was on the Westfield River levee, and was a part of the MassDOT there. “The MassDOT put out a directive; we have to advance projects, not let them sit there. This is funds to advance the project,” he said, which involves adding a protective wall to the levee.
“First of all, there is more need than money. If the purpose is the issue, I would suggest you repurpose the funds not cut them,” Cressotti said.
Cressotti said the traffic signal analysis listed is for Union St at Springdale Road. He said in last year’s budget they did the conceptual work, and discovered the signal is warranted. He said the $70,000 listed this year is to get it ready to be contracted out.
Other projects in the Engineering budget include Western Avenue, and the intersections of Washington Street at Court and Franklin, which he said “need to be looked at.” He also said there are issues on Cowles Bridge the city needs to work on, adding, “the state has cut back.”
Cressotti also said that New Broadway and Northwest Road need to be redone.
Emmershy asked in moving forward, what they would need staff wise to do more of this design work in-house.
Cressotti said when they contract out, it is in pursuit of state and federal highway monies. He said 20+ agencies at MassDOT participate in review of projects. “It doesn’t pay to have that much in-house to try and advance a project like that,” he said, adding, “We’ve been very successful in getting state and federal funds.”
Cressotti talked about other projects that needed work in the city. “There are sewer issues out there, and a lot of demand. (There are) a number of projects out there that I’d love to be starting and doing,” he said. He also talked about Interchange 3 at I90. “I would love to reinstitute a slip ramp to facilitate getting off the turnpike. We’re looking to try to sell the idea,” he said.
“There’s a lot more to be done here. If there’s something more on the list, I strongly encourage you to keep the funding and work out what you do with it,” Cressotti said.
