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.
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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
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