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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-06-29BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS c COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 29, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Reeves, Rusoff, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to the agenda. Deletions: Trash Tag Fees: Discussion on Possible Rate Reduction 1. eauest for giver o arges for Exclusive use o arge Pavilion in Stewart Park. Comm. Reeves explained that the CSEA union is holding a picnic for the DPW and Admin. units. They have requested that the pavilion fee be waived for the event. No board member objected. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving of the request. 2. Request for Outdoor Dining - Stella's Cafe The board has received a request for outdoor dining at 403 College Avenue. The consensus of the board was that the sidewalk is very narrow and that placement of tables would disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic. The board will vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting to deny the request for outdoor dining. 3. Request for Snow Removal Bill - 318 -320 Pleasant Street David Gardner, owner of 318 -320 Pleasant Street, appeared before the board at the last regular meeting (June 22). Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that the crews had been told to remove accumulated snow and not the freshly fallen snow. The board questioned what procedures would take place during the next snow season to avoid the numerous complaints. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that pictures will be taken of properties before and after they are cleared by crews. The board was undecided on the request. A resolution will appear at the next regular meeting for the board's vote. 4. Request for "No Parking" zone on Crescent Place Supt. Gray stated that he thought parking on the inside of the curve had been removed some time ago. He added that he saw no reason not to remove the parking on that side though removal of parking on both sides would not be favorable to the residents. The consensus of the board was to remove parking from the inside of the curve. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS %w COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 29, 1994 2. Request for Outdoor Dining_ Greg Merrel, owner of Stella's Cafe, arrived at the meeting late. The board explained to him that the sidewalks in collegetown contain heavy pedestrian traffic. Outdoor dining would interfere with pedestrian flow, therefore his request was being denied. Mr. Merrel explained that he would like to have outdoor dining during the summer when students are out of town. He added that pedestrian flow decreases and that the tables would not be in the way. Alderperson Johnson noted that during lunch time, the sidewalks become crowded even without the students in town. Mr. Merrel said that he could flex the time the tables were in place on the sidewalk. After further discussion, the board agreed that if sufficient data were received, approval could be granted. The board asked Mr. Merrel if he could get pedestrian counts while Supt. Gray would look at the site and give a recommendation to the board. The board agreed that they would look at the data to be collected and consider a revokable outdoor dining license for the summer. 5. Review of Task Force Recommendations. This item is continued from the last Committee of the Whole meeting. The board completed sorting the recommendations made by the Task Force. Investigation to alleviate "blind corners" at Linn & University, Turner & Prospect and S. Albany at N. Titus were determined to be underway. Investigation of visibility at downtown traffic signals for pedestrians is being referred to staff. New policies are being set for improved snow removal in front of city owned properties and curb cuts. Construction of an additional bridge over the flood channel and railroad between Floral Ave. and Route 13 will be referred to the Planning Department. Joe Daley stated that the task force felt the synchronization of the lights should be the priority item followed by the gateway streets, southwest traffic plan and making Aurora and Cayuga Streets two way. The board agreed that these were priority items but policies should be set first. The board agreed that they should discuss how to handle requests and notify residents of potential changes. They agreed that once policies were set, specific recommendations could then be considered. Comm. Rusoff suggested waiting to finalize any recommendations until a traffic engineer is on staff. The board decided that they would discuss how to deal with requests, enforcement issues and how to insure the recommendations are handled. Alderperson Thorpe spoke to the board regarding some concerns that residents have, including the need for installation of "traffic calming devices" such as stop signs. The board will address the issues at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2