HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-03-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 7, 1990
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Berg, Cannon, Connor, Cox, Reeves,
Sprague, Mayor Nichols; Supt. Thadani, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni,
City Engr. Gray, City Attorney Guttman.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following was an addition to the Agenda:
Hudson Street Bicycle Path.
1. SIDEWALKS AT 710 STEWART AVENUE
Mr. Jeff Banfield, owner of the property at 710 Stewart Avenue,
was present fop discussion. He noted that recent bill he
received from the City for sidewalk work at his property. He
noted that the City did work on Willard Way and felt that the
City just went ahead and did his work without notifying him.
City Engr. Gray noted the procedure - he said the property owner
was given until June 10th to get the work done, he noted that the
City did work for only the sidewalks which did not have sidewalk
permits issued for them. He noted that no sidewalk permit was
issued for this property and that the City contractors were doing
work in this area. City Engr. Gray further noted that Lynne
Gifford attempted not to assess Mr. Banfield for any of the work
done in conjunction with the Willard Way project. Mr. Banfield
felt that he was billed for too much work done, and did not like
the fact that his contractor was bypassed. Staff will meet with
Mr. Banfield and try to resolve this issue and will only bring
back to the BPW if necessary.
2. COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER
Judy Saul, Director of the Community Dispute Resolution Center,
was present to discuss her agencies' services with the BPW. She
noted that their agency acts as a neutral party to help aid and
resolve conflicts. She offered the DPW a chance to use their
service once at no cost to become better acquainted with their
agency. She noted that they could be especially helpful to
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 7, 1990
resolve issues between the DPW and residents. Commissioner Cox
asked Ms. Saul how they are funded, and to provide the BPW with a
fee schedule. Commissioner Cannon noted that he is a Board
member of the Center and suggested that when the Resolution
Center be brought in very early in a proposed project. The BPW
thanked Ms. Saul for her offer and intends to utilize it in the
future.
3. ELM STREET RECONSTRUCTION
Mayor Nichols noted the meeting held this morning with staff and
the neighborhood representatives and noted that they cannot reach
an agreement regarding this project this year. Discussion
followed. The BPW agreed with staff that this has been a very
frustrating project and agreed to delaying this project until
further notice.
4. NEWMAN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE RATES
Steve Torrant, the Golf Course Manager, was present for
discussion to discuss his proposed increase in rates for the golf
course. Discussion followed about instituting two rate schedules
- one for City residents and one for non -City residents.
Commissioner Cannon felt that the current prices made the golf
course a bargain. Discussion followed about the budget and how
much of the golf course the City is subsidizing. Steve noted
that with the proposed increase, the golf course revenues should
match expenses. It was noted that the golf course's season
begins April 7th. Discussion followed about league play and the
number of people outside the City who regularly use the course.
Commissioner Cannon urged for a dual fee structure for City and
non -City residents, while Commissioner Sprague felt this should
not be implemented this year. Discussion followed about the
husband /wife rate, and Commissioners Berg and Cannon felt that
this category should be renamed. The BPW decided to have
Commissioner Sprague work out a proposal with Steve regarding
these rate increases and to report back at next COW meeting.
5. MOWING POLICY FOR FESTIVAL LANDS
Betsy Darlington, Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council, was
present for discussion. She noted her proposed resolution and
urged the BPW to agree to cutting this area only once a year.
Staff agreed with Betsy and will contact the Finger Lakes State
Parks instructing them as to the mowing of the Festival Lands.
6. STENCILLING ON CATCH BASINS - CAC PROPOSAL
Betsy Darlington was present to discuss this item. She noted
�r that the CAC, in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration,
would like to stencil the City storm sewers advising people not
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 7, 1990
to dump toxic waste into them. She noted that she has discussed
this with the former Chief Operator of the Water Filter Plant,
Steve Baker. She noted that Steve has relocated to Olympia,
Wash., and that they have stencilling on their storm sewers. She
noted that she has also discussed this with Gary Gleason, and he
felt this was a good idea. She further noted that local school
children are willing to do the stencilling, and the only thing
she would need would be material from the DPW. Discussion
followed. City Attorney Guttman expressed the liability concerns
- children in the street, etc. Supt. Thadani felt that the
stencilling of the storm sewers is a good idea, but noted that
other groups are asking for "freebies" from the DPW which are not
budgeted for. Commissioner Cox was concerned about the longevity
of the stencilling. Commissioner Cannon suggested that the DPW
and CAC do a press release about this. Discussion followed.
The BPW agreed to providing the materials necessary for
stencilling on the City catch basins from DPW funds.
6a. HUDSON STREET BICYCLE PATH
City Engr. Gray gave the BPW an update on this project and noted
2 proposed resolutions. Discussion followed about the bike path
(W and the BPW agreed to a Class 2 bicycle path with the crown in
the center. The BPW also noted the correspondence and concerns
from the Planning and Development Committee and decided to ask
them to propose an overall policy regarding bicycle paths.
7. STREET CROSSING AT AURORA STREET AND HILLVIEW PLACE
City Engr. Gray noted that after reviewing this with the Traffic
Engineer, this request has come up several times. The BPW noted
that the real problem is why can't the school pick up Mr.
Scharf's daughter on Aurora Street. The BPW decided to write a
letter to Mr. Scharf and include the background information from
the Traffic Engr. denying a push- button light at this
intersection.
8. REQUEST FROM 309 W. BUFFALO ST. FOR "NO PARKING" SIGNS
City Engr. Gray noted that he has made an appointment with
Melissa Hartley concerning this request.
9. REQUEST FOR E%PUNGEMENT OF LATE PENALTY ON WATER & SEWER
BILL - HOME DAIRY.
City Chamberlain Parsons was present for discussion. She noted
that Nancy Avery of the Home Dairy had brought her water and
sewer bill to her office on February 16th, when the due date was
the 15th. Mrs. Avery contended that delivering it to the office
on the 16th is the same as a postmark for the 15th. Debbie noted
that she is not mandated to accept postmarks. She further noted
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 7, 1990
that this is not the first time Ms. Avery has done this. The BPW
agreed with the City Chamberlain's recommendation and denied this
expungement.
10. GIAC ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Supt. Thadani updated the BPW on this project. He noted that he
is awaiting a proposal from Adelaide Environmental Services, and
hopes to have bids back on this project by the end of April. He
further noted that he is keeping the GIAC building his top
priority due to their time constraints with the summer day care
program. He also noted that he will keep Diane Sams, from the
GIAC Board of Directors, updated on this project.
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TRASH TAGS UPDATE
Due to the newly enacted trash tag system, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni
noted. that 75% of the residents are complying, 23% don't have
trash tags but do comply by taking the garbage back, and 2% are
getting fined.
Meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary
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