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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-03-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 17, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Reeves, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer. ADDITIONS: Green Street Garage - Parking for Prospective Tenants of "McCurdy's" Building. DELETIONS: Traffic Concerns: S. Albany and S. Titus 1. South Titus Avenue Barricades. Commissioner Reeves explained to the Board that the 120 day trial period for the placement of temporary barricades at South Titus Avenue will expire at the end of March. The Board needs to decide if the intersection should be changed or revert to its original state. Alderperson Blanchard was present to offer feedback from several neighboring residents. The consensus of the residents is that the barricades should be removed. It was suggested that further input be requested from the local residents and that the Board review the situation. It was agreed that input would be requested and that the barricades remain in place for an additional 60 days in order to make the final determination. 2. Report from Task Force on Traffic Issues Alderperson Daley was present to report to the Board. He explained that the Task Force had divided the city into five sections and identified all the potential problem areas within those sections. Next, they considered possible improvements for those areas. The Task Force intends to give the Board recommendations to improve traffic flows that will benefit the city as a whole, not by individual neighborhoods. This will avoid shifting problems to other areas. He discussed a few locations that are being considered for improvements although no definite recommendations have been decided on. He further explained that the first phase of the report is being worked on. 3. Green Street Garaae - Parking for Prospective Tenants of "McCurdy's" Building Ken Walker of COMEX Plaza was present to discuss the "McCurdy's" Building. He explained that a professional services organization intends to fill up new office space on the second floor of the building. The company is concerned with parking for their employees and has requested that the city guarantee parking permits for them. They are requesting 90 permits, which will increase to 125 permits, for ten years. There was question as to whether the Board could reserve permits in a public facility for a private organization. Assistant City Attorney Kennedy was present to explain that this is a legal procedure. Commissioner Reeves pointed out that permits may be BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 17, 1993 guaranteed but parking spaces can not. Herman Sieverding, Deputy Planning Director, provided the Board with figures of current permits sold. He noted that the garage does not sell out and that the use of 90 permits will not make an impact. Mr. Walker added that the tenant would prefer lower level permits for the initial 90 and the additional 35 could be in the Seneca Street garage. The tenant would be willing to purchase these permits on a six month basis, making it easier for the City Chamberlain and the tenant. The Board agreed that this was an acceptable request and that a resolution approving it would be presented at the next regular meeting. 4. Water /Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic Position The Board had tabled the resolution presented at its March 10, 1993 meeting to further discuss the need for this position. Asst. Supt. Shimer explained that the current Mechanic Position is filled but expected to become vacant due to retirement. This is a highly technical position which would require extensive training from within the department. The position oversees a wide range of tasks including tending to pump stations, telemetering and electrical work within the building, in addition to the needs at Water and Sewer, the position also covers for the City Electrician. The Board agreed that the Water and Sewer roster should be amended to include an additional person for the Mechanic Position. 5. Miscellaneous Budget The Board discussed the Mayor's request to reduce the department by six positions; discussion also included current vacant positions. Discussion turned to the cleaning of City Hall air ducts, cost and time tables for completion. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2