HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-10-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 5, 1994
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves, Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
1. Trash n in West End.
Jim Kelly, Asst. Super. for Recycling and Refuse was present to answer questions
from the board. Mr. Kelly stated that the criteria for placement of trash cans depend
on the amount of pedestrian traffic. He noted that the city is experiencing a problem
with household and commercial garbage being thrown into public cans. Discussion
followed on the amount of trash being picked up from various public cans. Joseph
Lee from The Next Step hair salon was present. He noted that. the pedestrian = traffic
on West State Street is increasing and the need for cans is obvious due to the amount
of trash on the street. Deputy Planning Director Herman Sieverding noted that the
West End Merchants voted down a proposed Business Improvement District which
would have provided funds for trash removal. Comm. Rusoff stated that she is
concerned with the appearance of the city and that she supported the idea of
providing a couple of cans. Comm. Seligmann agreed with Comm. Rusoff`s
statement. It was suggested that cans with smaller openings be placed, this would
discourage illegal dumping. Supt. Gray noted that to place vandal proof cans would
be very inefficient since most of them include locks on them. Mr. Kelly noted that
nothing can be done to violators unless they are caught in the act. Comm. Smith
suggested that signs stating that illegal dumping can result in a fine be posted on all
cans. Comm. Rusoff suggested that the BPW recommend that Common Council look
at the ordinance and include posting of trash cans. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that if
additional pick up is to be required of the crew, a compromise would have to be made
due to recent cut backs in staff. Comm. Gerard suggested that a couple of cans be
removed from the Commons or Collegetown and placed in the West End in order to
keep the same number of cans. The board agreed that illegal dumping in public cans
should have a stiffer fine and that a resolution be voted on at the next regular meeting
based on discussion.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
October 5, 1994
2. Request for Holiday Lighting in West End
Joseph Lee of The Next Step, was present to address the board. Mr. Lee explained
that many of the merchants in the West End are interested in purchasing holiday
lighting such as those used on the Commons. Mr. Lee explained that he understands
that currently there are no electrical outlets for the city to use and requested that
measures be taken in order for lights to be installed and used. He added that he has
received $1,600 in donations from the merchants for purchasing of the lights. Asst.
Supt. Ferrel told the board that City Electrician Jim Crandall has looked at the trees
and power sources in the area. It is possible to obtain power from the traffic
controllers, at an estimated amount of $19,200. As far as past policy for the
Commons, this is something the electricians have always done. Currently, there are
56 trees which take 4 to 6 weeks to decorate. The proposed area has a possibility of
an additional 55 trees which would double the time and work. Supt. Gray suggested
that the work be hired out to a private contractor. Comm. Guy suggested that the
lights on the Commons be reduced and added to the West End area to evenly
distribute the lighting. Mr. Lee noted that the merchants do not expect to have all the
trees decorated this year; it could start on a small scale and build over the next few
years. Comm. Reeves suggested that a resolution be voted on accepting the concept
of the holiday lighting and staff to work with Mr. Lee to receive proposals for the work
to be done.
3. Abandonment/Sale of Brindley Street
Attorney Dan Hoffman and Mark Zaharis, owner of Pete's Grocery, were present to
address the board concerning the abandonment of Brindley Street. Mr. Hoffman
explained that Mr. Zaharis' store will be effected by the reconstruction of Route 96.
He plans to rebuild on an alternate site which he owns between Seneca and Buffalo
Streets. He would like to purchase the approximate 60 foot wide right of way of
Brindley Street which he is currently leasing. Alderperson Schroeder was present and
stated that he does not object to the proposal, but wanted to make the board aware
that the area was included in the Inlet Island Master Plan. The board agreed that a
section of the land should be kept for a proposed pedestrian walkway and for existing
plants. A resolution will be voted on at the next meeting to recommend that Common
Council consider the sale of the property.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
October 5, 1994
Alderperson John Schroeder was present along with Geoffrey Brown, 205 DeWitt
Place, to address the board. Comm. Reeves noted that Chief McEwen has made a
recommendation for installation of signage. He suggested that a sign be posted
stating "No Thru Traffic City Cemetery Driveway Not a Public Street Violators will be
Prosecuted" along with stop signs. Alderperson Schroeder stated that the installation
of these signs would be wonderful except that residents often need the use of the
street during the winter. He asked that the notes reflect that residents may require
emergency access through the city cemetery. Comm. Tripp suggested looking at
alternatives such as speed humps. The consensus was to vote on a resolution
approving the Chief's recommendations for installation of signage.
Comm. Seligmann explained that he has read the report three times and he has
several questions about the report. The Task Force did not give data and he did not
understand how predictions of traffic flow could be given. He would have liked to see
information showing where people are going or coming from. Also, the Task Force
used a figure of 2% growth, he noted that if the growth continues as such, it will
eventually get out of hand. He did not see anything dealing with the arterials that
addressed a 2% growth. The third item he was concerned with was the lack of major
arteries. One item the report suggested was to spread traffic throughout the city. He
stated that he felt that this would cause more of a hazard throughout the city by
increasing traffic. He noted that residential streets should remain low traffic areas.
Comm. Reeves stated that the board needs to decide what to do with the
recommendations. Comm. Gerard suggested receiving input from the Planning
Committee and Traffic Engineer. Comm. Tripp explained that the grid that was
worked on at previous meetings was not to accept or reject the report but to determine
the value of the recommendations. Supt. Gray noted that the task force limited the
scope of what they wanted to deal with. The report consisted of specific areas instead
of a master plan that would allow the board to deal with specific areas. It was noted
that Common Council has not accepted the report. Comm. Seligmann commented
that the report was trial and error since there is no data to base the decisions on.
Supt. Gray explained that MPO has no choice but to deal with a more scientific
approach. They have adopted a map which indicates arterial and residential streets.
Comm. Tripp suggested that the board draft a statement with their recommendations
based on the report, it does not need to accept the report in full. Comm. Tripp agreed
to write up a draft statement for the board to review. This item will be further
discussed at a future meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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