HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-01-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of January 18, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Daley, Reeves and Sprague; Council Liaison
Nichols, Supt. Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following was an addition to the Agenda:
6. Golf Course Irrigation System Design.
1. REVIEW OF JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The major question is this discussion was the decision to reinstate
the Professional Engineers (PE) license as a requirement for this
position. It was noted that Mayor Gutenberger did not want the
PE license as a requirement. Supt. Dougherty felt the PE
requirement would give the City the type of qualified applicants
with the proper background. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the
salary offered for this position is good and will bring in a long
pool of applicants. He also felt that a PE with management skills
would be great for the City. Council Liaison Nichols noted that
a PE is preferable and noted that the Mayor makes the ultimate
selection of a candidate after given referrals from the search
committee. After discussion with the Mayor, the BPW decided to
advertise this position as "PE desirable" but not as a requirement.
2. DPW STUDY - REVIEW OF DRAFT PROPOSAL FROM COUNCIL LIAISON NICHOLS
Discussion followed on the draft proposal that Council Liaison
Nichols drafted. The time frame for the selection of a new
superintendent was discussed. Discussion followed concerning
Alderperson Killeen's memo suggesting a person from Cornell
University being hired as the consultant. Council Liaison Nichols
felt that there are three factors to consider a) does the BPW want
to do study at all, b) do this study before new superintendent
is hired or, c) do this study after the new superintendent is hired.
Commissioner Cannon favored doing this study after the new
superintendent is hired. Supt. Dougherty felt that when he retires
he should walk away completely and let the new person run the
department. Commissioner Reeves asked the BPW if they felt the
study should be done. Council Liaison Nichols suggested the BPW
ask one of the people mentioned in Alderperson Killeen's letter
to come and talk to the BPW. The BPW decided to ask Alderperson
Killeen and one of his suggested persons to speak with the BPW
regarding this study. Council Liaison Nichols noted that the
figures on his draft proposal were incorrect - they did not include
water /sewer figures.
3. PARKING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Pete Malison was present for discussion. Discussion began
describing the type of enforcement this person would do. It would
be all non - metered areas. Pete felt that one person with a car
would be able to handle the circuit. Council Liaison Nichols asked
if the department had someone to do this now. It was noted that
this person would have to have some kind of training. Commissioner
Cannon felt that in the beginning of this program it would be a
very full time job. Once the word gets out that two hour zones
et al. are being ticketed, things would probably slack -off. City
Engr. Gray asked if the concept behind this program was to assist
or relieve the Police Department. Commissioner Cannon noted the
boundaries between these two departments need to be delineated.
Pete noted that the DPW would enforce during the day, and the police
would do so at night. After more discussion, the BPW decided to
prepare a resolution asking Common Council for the funds necessary
for one person and one vehicle to get this program underway.
4. ENCROACHMENT REQUESTS
A) 900 West State Street
Supt. Dougherty explained why he felt the City should not enter
into a long -range agreement with the owners of this property. He
said that there is a possibility that the Route 96 relocation
project would widen this portion of West Seneca Street. Discussion
followed. The BPW decided to grant the owners of this property a
renewable, revocable license.
B) 132 University Avenue
It was noted that the steps and wall are the items in question.
It is uncertain whose wall it is and if the wall holds up the street
or the street holds up the wall. The BPW decided to delay any
action on this request until the City Engr. has looked at it.
5. WEST SIDE SIDEWALKS
Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock was present for discussion. She
noted that there is a difference in how the City assesses sidewalk
owners - if improvement to a sidewalk is done it is reassessed,
if it is construction and maintenance it is considered a special
assessment. Discussion followed concerning the West Side sidewalks.
Commissioner Reeves noted that the complaint was that the residents
did not receive prior written notification of what the approximate
cost would be to them. She also noted that the Mayor suggested
either eliminating the interest or not charging them for the street
trees. Discussion followed. Commissioner Reeves asked the BPW
if they would like to to give the owners some relief due to the
lack of notification. Commissioner Daley felt we could offer the
owners the chance to renege on paying for the trees. The general
concensus of the BPW was to charge interest on these sidewalk
assessments and to give the owners the opportunity to purchase the
tree. The BPW decided to wait to hear from the Asst. City Attorney
before discussing this topic further.
6. GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Supt. Dougherty noted there is money in the design fund and that
he would like the BPW to request Common Council to release $1,500
to design an irrigation system for the Newman Gulf Course. He
noted that this was already passed and that this irrigation system
would use non - treated water. The BPW agreed to prepare a resolution
asking Common Council to release $1,500 from the appropriate fund
for the design of an irrigation system at the Newman Golf Course.
REMINDERS
Collegetown Clean -up Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 23rd
at the Collegetown Motor Lodge at 5:30 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary