Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-12-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE December 1, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Reeves, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Request from DII to Improve Flow of Exiting Traffic from Seneca Street Garage Staff Recommendation to Increase Parking Lot/Ramp Rates There were no deletions to the agenda. 1. Parking Concerns - Request for Handicap Parking from First Unitarian Church John Taylor, Minister of the First Unitarian Church was present to address the Board concerning handicap parking on Sundays. He requested that the church be allowed to bag the "No Parking" sign along with three meters on N. Aurora Street. He explained that the area is only needed on Sunday mornings and occasional Sunday evenings therefore will not interfere with any commercial business. Supt. Gray noted that churches usually request "No Parking" signs at their front door for a loading zone. If this area is not needed, meters could be installed and the space could be utilized on business days. Commissioner Brandford suggested that the church try the bags and if they work out, then meters could be installed. Reverend Taylor stated that the church would provide bags and that he would report back to the Board on the status of the use of the bags. A resolution authorizing the use of meter bags to provide handicap parking on Aurora Street will be presented at the next regular meeting. 2. Request from DII to Improve Flow of Exiting Traffic from Seneca Street Garage Beverly Apgar was present to address the Board regarding the Seneca Street Garage. She noted that the exiting traffic between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm is often backed up to the third level. She questioned if the existing closed exit could be utilized. If this were to be done the trash would need to be stored elsewhere. She noted that the trash is unsightly and regardless of what action takes place with the booth, the trash should be removed. Commissioner Reeves stated that her concern is how to staff the additional booth. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that an employee would need to be paid overtime. He added that there is no register or card reader in that booth. Commissioner Brandford questioned why the exit could not be used for permit holders only? Alderperson Berg stated that both paying customers and permit holders should be allowed to exit there since it may be confusing for customers who do not see posted signs. Supt. Gray suggested having an attendant approach cars in the line and accept payment, this may move cars along quicker. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting to approve of a method to expedite the exiting cars. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 1, 1993 Ms. Apgar told the Board that an anonymous donor is providing staff to pick up trash around the Commons until Christmas. Supt. Gray noted that arrangements could be made for the city to provide trash tags for the pick up of the garbage. 3. Final DPW Budget - Results of Yard Waste Discussion Mayor Nichols stated that $12,000 has been reinstated for pick up of yard waste. It is the Board's and Department's decision as to when and how the pick up will take place. Commissioner Reeves stated that Alderperson Efroymson has requested that money be set aside for neighborhoods and organizations to pick up trash and have it removed at the City's expense. Alderperson Berg next questioned the installation of meters on Thurston Avenue. Commissioner Reeves noted that the meter division will soon be the responsibility of the Police Department therefore if a decision is made it is being made for them. Supt. Gray stated that installation of the meters will pay for themselves within a year. Commissioner Reeves reminded the Board that the Bicycle Plan may require removal of some of the meters. This item will be discussed further at a future meeting. 4. Staff Recommendation to Increase Parkin Lot/Ramp Rates. Supt. Gray stated that both he and Chamberlain Parsons are recommending rate increases for the Green and Seneca Street Garages. Permits in the Seneca Street garage could be limited to the upper levels while short term parking could be limited to the lower levels. The Woolworth Lot (Lot D) should also be adjusted and have a maximum of 50 sold. Supt. Gray stated that he is concerned with people garaging their vehicles for more than one day. He asked the Board if a policy should be set to approve or deny garaging of vehicles. Commissioner Brandford stated that he believes that policy should be up to the department, if the vehicles do not interfere with operations then why not let them park for long periods of time. Supt. Gray stated that during snow removal they may be in the way. The Board agreed that DII should be contacted and told of the proposed increase in rates and then adopted at the January 12, 1994 meeting. 5. Status of Parking Lot Booths Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that a new price quote must be received and that a purchase order will be issued once it is received. He further stated that the City Controller has objected to the purchase of the booths due to the possibility of implementing a new parking system which is currently being considered. The consensus of the Board was the booths are needed in order to protect staff from the weather. 6. Date of One -Way Implementation of Dunmore Place Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the Board that the One -Way signs will be in place by Monday, December 6, 1993. Page - 2 tv BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 1, 1993 7. Street Lighting at 100 Block of Hancock Street Supt. Gray stated that light meter readings were done on Hancock Street for a span of 260 feet. Light reading were also taken in the 500 and 600 block of North Cayuga Street. The numbers were compared and found to be similar. He explained that if the Board felt lights should be installed they could be replaced from other parts of the city in order to keep the light bill at the current rate. He said that there are many requests for lighting in the fall because of the time change and the weather. People are use to it being lighter later in the evenings and bad weather reduces the light illumination. The Board agreed that the meter readings were sufficient and that a letter should be sent to Pat Dunn explaining the meter readings and suggest the installation of a security light on her property. 8. All -Way Red at South and North Titus Asst. Supt. Ferrel said that the all -way red is possible to do and that it did not need Board action to implement. Supt. Gray believes that the all -way red will not reduce accidents; motorists will realize that the opposite street will remain red and that they will have an extra second or two to proceed when the light is yellow. He further explained that the all -way red cycle is generally used in large intersections in order to clear the intersection before cars receive a green signal. The Board was in agreement to implement the all -way stop and to have a status report in a few months. 9. Removal of Mini Pool Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported that the pool is currently under demolition and that it should be completed by December 3, 1993. He explained that very little material was being sent to the landfill and that most of the debris would be recycled in one way or another. Commissioner Reeves questioned if the school district was going to be notified of the availability of the space for school parking. In addition, she requested that they be thanked for the use of the land. 10. Striping Proposal Supt. Gray said upon completion of the striping of Green and Seneca Streets, after reconstruction, he plans to hire the striping contractor to get a sample of the work. He will have them complete cross walks and then review their work. This item will return to the Board at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3