HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-02-17co BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 17, 1993
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Smith,
Alderperson Berg, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray, Assistant
Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
ADDITIONS: None.
DELETIONS: Trash Collection in City Parks.
1. Farmers' Market Request to increase hours at DeWitt Park
Anna Steinkraus was present to discuss the possibility of
extending the market's hours from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on
Tuesdays in DeWitt Park. No Board member objected to this
request. Commissioner Reeves added that the use of Steamboat
Landing needed to be discussed. A copy of the proposed
application form was distributed. Ms. Steinkraus explained that
the Farmers Market Board would need to review the form and return
to the BPW. A resolution will appear on the next agenda
regarding the extension of hours for the Tuesday market.
2. Six Mile Creek Recommendation for "No Bicycle" Signs in
Watershed. A recommendation was received from the Six Mile Creek
Committee which was to leave the "No Bicycles" signs in place
until the South Hill Recreationway surface is completed by the
Town. Discussion followed on the placement of the signs and the
Town's scheduling for the project. The Board decided to leave
the signs in place until the project is completed this summer,
the issue will be reviewed at that time.
3. Traffic Concerns.
University, Lake and Willard Way:
Supt. Gray presented the Board with traffic accident maps and a
proposal from August, 1989 which would realign the curbs and
remove much of the "excess" pavement. He gave the Board a rough
estimate of $10,000 to $20,000 for the project. Commissioner
Brandford stated that the Task Force on Traffic Issues felt that
this intersection did not warrant changes. The Board decided
that the intersection needs improvements and should be scheduled
appropriately in either 1993 or 1994 to be done in house. A
resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting for the
Board's consideration.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 17, 1993
Center Street and North Titus Avenue:
The Board discussed the possibilities of placing a yield sign on
Center Street at North Titus Avenue where there is no traffic
control devices. Supt. Gray noted that there is an existing
driveway which would interfere with the placement of such a sign.
He also added that with the Route 96 reconstruction, North Titus
will be disconnected from Clinton Street and made into a cul -de-
sac. This change will occur in about three years. The Board
decided that due to the future plans, the intersection should
remain as it is.
Albany Street and North & South Titus Avenues:
The Board has received requests to install strobe red lights and
"No Turn on Red" signs. It was decided that the strobe light was
not appropriate for the neighborhood and that a resolution
indicating this should be passed for the record. Discussion
followed on visibility of the two intersections. Supt. Gray
stated that the accident reports which he looked at were not
caused by rights on red. This item will be brought back to the
next Committee of the Whole.
Brindley and West State Streets:
A letter from Anthony Treadwell, of Wallace Steel, was received
requesting that the Board install "No Left Turn" signs on
Brindley at W. State Street. Chief McEwen stated in his letter
of recommendation that the BPW "should give favorable
consideration" to the request. There was much discussion on
placement of the sign and the possibility of placement of an
island to assist in directing traffic through the intersection.
Supt. Gray stated that he would like to have some time to
research the intersection and bring his recommendation to the
Board. This item will be discussed further at the next Committee
of the Whole meeting.
4. Softball Contract. Asst. Supt. Ferrel reiterated the
situation with the maintenance costs and the fees for the fields
at Cass Park as discussed at the last COW meeting. Discussion
followed with the Board deciding that a fee rate be established
and presented at the next Committee Meeting.
5. Trash Collection - Large Apt Complexes Alderperson Booth
has requested that the Board review the possibility of trash
collection for large apartment complexes. Commissioner Reeves
stated that she had conversations with Supt. Gray and Asst. Supt.
Ferrel and they concurred that the possibility of the City
collecting trash at large complexes is not feasible. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel explained to the Board that most apartment complexes
currently use dumpsters. Private haulers have the necessary
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
r COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 17, 1993
equipment for dealing with dumpsters, the City does not. He
further explained the complexes suggested they could leave
untagged bags for the City to pick up and bill for the service.
In addition, the crew would have to leave the street and enter
into the complex which is a liability concern. The Department
does not have the staff to accomplish the tasks that are being
requested. It was pointed out that if the City agrees to collect
the trash, the complexes would have to comply with the City Code
by leaving tagged trash at the curb. Discussion followed
concerning staffing, costs, and regulations. It was decided that
Supt. Gray would write a letter to Alderperson Booth and explain
that the proposal is not feasible.
6. 1993 Revenues. Common Council requested that the Board
review three issues: Garages and Parking lots, Golf Course Rates
and Street Permits. The first two items have been reviewed and
acted upon. Commissioner Reeves stated that it is very difficult
to predict how many permits will be requested in order to project
the amount of 1993 revenue. The current fees are: $5.00 for
construction permits and $10.00 for street opening permits.
Supt. Gray pointed out that with each permit, staff is required
to inspect the site. Discussion followed and the Board decided
to increase fees as follows: construction permits - $10.00 and
street opening permits - $30.00. The Board will vote on a
resolution at the next regular meeting to approve the fees.
7. Snow Removal from Sidewalks. Mayor Nichols questioned the
Policy of snow removal . Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the
Charter had been revised last year and that press releases have
been made. The new ordinance states that the Department may
remove snow at the homeowners expense without notice. He further
explained that due to the recent storms, there has not been
enough time to clear off the walks. Crews will be clearing off
walks in the next day or two, weather permitting, and bills will
be issued. Discussion followed regarding public notification of
the ordinance.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Meeting Notes by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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