HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-02-03BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
r COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 3, 1993
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Smith, Tripp,
Alderperson Berg, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray, Assistant
Superintendent Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting.
ADDITIONS: Trash Collection in City Parks
Executive Session concerning contract issue
DELETIONS: Farmers Market request to increase hour at DeWitt Park
1. Trash Collection in City Parks Don Oliver of New York State
Parks and Recreation, was present to discuss the State's trash
program of carry in - carry out which started in 1991. The
previous program which required people to sort their trash into
recycling bins was found to be ineffective in the picnic areas.
Mr. Oliver explained to the Board that at the entrances of the
State Parks, the "new" program is explained to people and they
are given bags for trash generated in the park. Unlike City
parks, they have staff that regularly patrol which picks up trash
left behind, remind people of the program and answer questions.
The steps taken by staff to clean up are very important since
trash left behind will be strewn about by animals over night.
Mr. Oliver said there has been some problems with the program.
They have had to increase staff for the night shift which does
the pick ups, many times people leave trash bags in the restrooms
and occasionally, bags are dumped illegally along the road sides.
He stated that close to 100% of the picnic area users do comply
with the program. The State was very apprehensive whether people
would follow the program, it has turned out to be very
successful. Commissioner Smith questioned whether a fine has
been set for violators. Mr. Oliver stated there is a fine but he
was not aware if it has ever been used. Commissioner Gerard
pointed out there is a tremendous difference between the State
and City parks in that City parks are not staffed adequately to
hand out bags and give out information. Commissioner Tripp
recommended a program be implemented on a trial basis, she added
that those who do not use trash cans now will not comply with the
program. Commissioner Brandford asked what approach should be
taken with the concession stands. Discussion followed on where
to begin a temporary program and how the concession stands
contribute to the trash problem. The Board decided to get
recommendations from staff and the concessionaires before
proceeding and the targeted park would be Stewart Park. This
item will appear on the next Committee of the Whole agenda.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 3, 1993
2. "No Bicycling" signs in Wildflower Preserve David Nutter
and Jon Meigs were present from the Bicycle Advisory Committee to
clarify the original request from the BAC. Mr. Nutter stated the
BAC feels that the signs should not be in the South Hill
Recreationway. He agreed bicycles should not be allowed in the
Wildflower Preserve since it is not appropriate terrain.
Commissioner Gerard noted in one area, the path is being widened
by bikes avoiding a muddy area. He also feels pedestrians are
being deterred from using the trail due to excessive bicycle
usage. It was determined that the area in question is not up to
specifications although there are plans to improve it. The Board
requested that a recommendation from the Six Mile Creek Committee
be brought before the Board for further consideration on the
issue.
The Board adjourned into executive session at 5:20 to discuss a
contract matter. The Board reconvened at 5:30.
3. Softball Contract Review. Asst. Supt. Ferrel discussed the
1992 contracts. There are several organizations which use the
Cass Park fields, some requiring maintenance requests. The IASA
has had a flat fee of $8,000 through the year 1991, while the
other leagues have paid by the game or use the fields without
maintenance being performed. The IASA was required to pay for
half of the maintenance of the fields in 1992, that amount was
for over $10,000. The league requires the use of lights besides
the usual maintenance. It was pointed out that the IASA league
feels they have contributed a lot to the fields, therefore their
rate should not increase. They provided the lighting equipment
and built the concession stand. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated there
are conflicts between the Senior Citizen league and staff. The
Senior's games are held at Union Fields during the day while
staff is preparing the fields for IASA. Asst. Supt. Ferrel
explained to the Board that they will have to meet with league
representatives at some point with a proposal. It was suggested
a fee be determined for each game depending on the maintenance
requests. This item will be discussed further at the February
17th Committee of the Whole meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Notes by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary