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
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