HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-05-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
May 18, 1994
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Reeves, Rusoff, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, and
Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Personnel Item (Executive Session)
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Report on Drop In Center.
Herman Sieverding, Deputy Planning Director, was present to present a draft design
of the Drop In Center to the Board. It has been decided that it is not economical to
build at the BT Glass site since the building would need to be torn down. A proposed
design was presented to the Board which would occupy 18,850 square feet next to the
Water and Sewer building on First Street. The drop in center is expected to provide
service to 50 children. One problem they have faced is a lack of parking space. They
are seeking off site parking which can accommodate the required amount of spaces;
one possible location is behind the Bowl -O- Drome. The consensus of the Board was
that the proposed design was too large and that the size should be greatly reduced.
The Board questioned why the design included path ways outside of each play areas.
Mr. Sieverding told them that was in case children threw toys over the fence, there
would be no danger while retrieving the objects. The Board felt that higher fences
would solve that problem. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that giving up the added area
would require city employees to park elsewhere. Commissioner Rusoff asked why a
two floor building could not be utilized? Mr. Sieverding explained that it would require
an added expense for an elevator. The Board asked Mr. Sieverding to have the
design reduced to fit on 14,000 or less square feet. He stated that it could probably
be done since they are required to provide 75 square feet of play area per child. Mr.
Sieverding will present a revised design to the Board in two weeks at the next COW
meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
May 18, 1994
2 Update on Wood StreetlConway Parks Grants.
Conway Park
Trish Norton, Deputy Director for Community Development, was present to address
the Board. Ms. Norton told the Board that there are plans for improving Conway park
with CBDG funds. The park is in need of repairs and with the recent building of
mutual housing, there is a need for a park in that area. She explained that she and
the City Forester have talked with neighbors of the park to hear their needs. The
neighbors feel that a new play area is needed along with benches, a basketball rim
and a baseball /soccer field. At this point, there is no specific plan. She explained that
the grant application is due in July. There is a lot of competition for the funds since
many cities have a greater need for the money. These projects compete against cities
which need repairs to water and sewer systems and other upgrades which promote
healthier living conditions.
Wood Street Park
Ms. Norton told the Board that last year she presented conceptual ideas of what would
be done in the Wood Street park. Since the award of the grant, plans have been
made for upgrades to the park. The basketball court will be moved to the corner of
Meadow and Wood Streets. They do not see a safety problem since there is fencing
along Meadow Street. The existing play area will be torn down and rebuilt; it will be
built to accommodate toddlers. In addition to the grant, the sidewalk program will
allow for installation of sidewalks along Wood Street. Depending on funding, an
asphalt walking/jogging path will circle the park. Commissioner Rusoff noted that if the
path is built, it should be wide enough to accommodate bicycles and roller bladers as
well as pedestrians. Ms. Norton showed the Board two proposals for the baseball
fields, both included two large fields and two small fields. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted
that they should keep in mind that at least 30 parents attend some of the softball
games. Ms. Norton will keep the Board posted on the developments of the park.
Commissioner Reeves noted that a request was made to change the name of the park
to its original name of Titus Flats.
3 Final Report on Task Force for Traffic Issues.
Joe Daley, Steve Ehrhardt and Ken Deschere of the Task Force on Traffic Issues
were present to address the Board. Mr. Daley stated that the Planning and
Development Board feels that changes to less busy streets should not be made if the
busier streets gain more traffic. Comm. Reeves said that she would like to know if
speed humps and bumps are legal before the discussion continued. Supt. Gray told
the Board that the State Attorney General has ruled speed bumps illegal. The issue
of speed humps has not been addressed, the difference in the two are that humps are
more spread out. He believed that speed humps created a liability to the city. He
added that he has literature on order which should provide additional information. Mr.
Daley stated that he did not find any information on the legality of speed humps.
Page - 2
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
'+' COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
May 18, 1994
The Task Force Representatives felt that the Board members had read the
report and did not warrant an overview, therefore offered to answer questions from the
Board. Comm. Reeves began by questioning the difference of open and closed grids.
Mr. Ehrhardt explained that an open grid allowed traffic to move about without
obstacles where as a closed grid contains one -way streets and dead ends. For
example, Fall Creek area is an open grid while the South Albany Street area is closed
since traffic is forced onto Albany Street.
Comm. Reeves commented on Page 20, paragraph 2, regarding Cornell
providing parking for the students. She noted that Cornell is beginning to plan lots for
the students. She further commented on paragraph 3 that Belle Sherman has again
requested on street parking. Staff has responded to their request by recommending
the school implement prior plans for an off street parking lot. Comm. Reeves noted
that on page 24, #8, the issue of synchronization of traffic lights is being worked on.
DPW is trying to update the signals, this will take time since they can only do about
two per year. Mr. Daley suggested that a capital project be established for the lights
since total replacement will take several years.
Mr. Ehrhardt noted that former Commissioner Brandford suggested giving
deadlines for the recommendations. The task force felt that before setting these dates
the Board and other appropriate entities should be consulted. Mayor Nichols added
that once the time lines were established, each recommendation should be monitored.
The Task Force commented on how they felt very frustrated while reviewing
each traffic problem. They did not want to solve one problem and create another.
They questioned what the next step would be. Comm. Tripp distributed a chart to the
BPW for them to identify if the recommendations should be further discussed, referred
elsewhere or are underway. The Board agreed that this was a productive way to
organize the recommendations. They also agreed that discussions will continue at the
next three Committee of the Whole meetings.
4. Executive Session.
The Board convened into Executive Session at 6:10 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Ln
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
Page - 3