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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-09-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS %W COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE September 15, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shinier. Mayor Nichols chaired the meeting. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. 1. Street Trees - North Cayuga Street John Friedeborn, City Forester, was present to discuss the possibility of removing three trees in front of the Clinton House. Joe Ciaschi, owner of Clinton House, has requested the removal due to its flowers. He has received complaints of the messiness and slipping hazard of the flowers. Mr. Friedeborn stated that he has no major objections to the removal only V that it may be setting a precedent. He noted that the tree should be no smaller than a 4" caliper and would cost around $250 each. He was mainly concerned with the cost of removal. Supt. Gray noted that Mr. Ciaschi had made an offer of $300 for all three trees. Mr. Friedeborn stated that, that figure was too low. It was suggested that the trees be replaced and removed one year at a time. The first replacement would then be the basis for the second and third year charges. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving the removal and replacement of the trees on North Cayuga Street. 2. Southside Community Center - Request for Outdoor Lighting. Mayor Nichols opened the discussion by stating that everyone involved agrees that lighting is needed at the center. Details are needed as to what type of lights and the cost of installation. Art Watkins of Southside Community Center was present to explain what type of problems they are having. He stated that there is a large problem with the processing and distribution of drugs behind the building where there is no lighting. He felt that any lights that are installed would require some type of protection from vandals. Mr. Watkins stated that he appreciated the increased police patrol and that the neighbors feel somewhat safer but more improvements are needed. Tony Poole, Director of Southside was also present. He noted that "No Loitering" signs were to be posted soon. He felt that signs would enable the police department to take action. This item will go to the B &A Committee for funding approval. Mayor Nichols requested that Supt. Gray give the Board a report at the next meeting. A BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CONDUTTEE OF THE WHOLE September 15, 1993 3. Stewart Park - Replacement of Tennis Court Mayor Nichols noted that this was not an item for consideration for the Capital Project Committee. Alderperson Berg stated that the court is in terrible condition. Commissioner Rusoff stated that the proposal of replacement was turned down due to the cost. Supt. Gray noted that the cost would be approximately $26,000. It was questioned whether the courts are needed; there are accessible courts at Cass Park. It was suggested that the courts be considered for replacement under a capital project for next year. The Parks Commission will be consulted as to whether the tennis courts are needed or if the area could be converted into a grassy area. 4. Youth Bureau Request for Air Conditioning_ Mayor Nichols stated that this item is being considered by the Capital Project Review Committee. There were questions as to why there are so many windows unable to be opened. By opening windows, air flow would change greatly. It was suggested that the air conditioning upgrade be considered along with the acoustical upgrade in the building. S. Review of Proposed Dog Ordinance Chances Alderperson Berg suggested that the Board approve and recommend that the proposal be accepted by Charter and Ordinance. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting for the Board's consideration. 6. Upgrade of Parking System for Garages Commissioner Rusoff stated that the committee on parking systems has quite a bit of information for the presentation and that costs of the upgrade were not available yet. Commissioner Tripp said that the options should be presented even without the costs in order to get the ball rolling. A presentation will be given by the parking system committee at the next COW meeting. 7. City Hall HVAC Upgrade. Supt. Gray explained to the Board that upgrade of the HVAC system will require several meetings to take place in other buildings. It was decided that the BPW meeting should be shifted to the Court Facility making it easier for the public. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMUTTEE OF THE WHOLE September 15, 1993 8. DPW Scheduling Supt. Gray stated that he felt that there are often too many projects being started and not completed in a timely manner. Emergency jobs such as the Strand, collapsed sewers and the extensive work on the Octopus Bridge held up scheduled jobs. Supt. Gray asked the Board if they could suggest or comment on how to handle such situations. Commissioner Rusoff stated that she feels that the public's perception is very important and that extra money should be spent to complete the more visible projects. She further elaborated that if the cost runs too high, the department would have to do the best they could. Asst. Supt. Ferrel added that he's received comments that the department has been completing a lot of work this year. Commissioner Brandford said that the department may be taking on too many tasks and that if too many are assigned, the Board should step in. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Pq A Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3