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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 Page - 2 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 Page - 3