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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-10-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 19, 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 the agenda. Deletions: Sciencenter Proposal for Sludge Drying Building Capital Project for Trash Cans on Commons and in Collegetown 1. Golf ourse Sul - ommi' -._ resentation. Comm. Reeves explained to the board and members of the public that the meeting would include a report from the sub - committee and that public comment would not be received until the regular meeting on October 26, 1994. The purpose of the discussion was to hear proposals being brought forward by the sub - committee and Golf Course Manager, Steve Torrant. Comm. Tripp began by outlining the five recommendations introduced at the August 17, 1994 meeting. She next explained that the sub - committee has looked at clarifying private concessions. Current practice is that the course manager's job, in accordance with the old contract, allows him to conduct private concessions. A letter dated September 22, 1994 to Mr. Torrant stated that the board wishes to discontinue this practice. Comm. Tripp noted that there are a total of four options to be considered. The first is to put concessions out for bid. She then noted the advantages would be that city employees would be removed from the concessions and no additional employees would be needed. Disadvantages are that a bid process would take a lot of time, that it would be too late for the 1995 season and that it may be difficult for city to retain control over concessionaire operations. Comm. Rusoff noted that if the contract was written with specific language, the city may be able to control the consessions. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy noted that the state park system licenses out many different operations. Comm. Smith noted that he felt another disadvantage is that extra personnel is needed. Someone would be on city staff to collect greens fees while someone from the concession stand would need to be working, essentially having double staff. Comm. Tripp explained option B is to turn the concession operations over to the Youth Bureau Management. She noted the advantages as the Y.B. having experience in concessions and that the city could maintain control over the concessions. The disadvantage that she saw was that additional city personnel would be required at the golf course. Mayor Nichols noted that this would remove control from the DPW and is this appropriate? Comm. Tripp noted that it would be one less BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 19, 1994 responsibility for DPW. Comm. Tripp reviewed the final option which is to have current DPW staff assume duties of the concessions. Advantages would be that this would be least disruptive to current operations, allows DPW to develop a financial record for concessions and that the city would retain control over operations. The disadvantage is that it would require additional city personnel. Comm. Rusoff questioned if the sale of alcohol would be permitted by a city employee. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy replied that it would not be acceptable and that she believes it would be legal for a private concessionaire to sell alcohol. She further explained that what the city does with the concessions is going to effect the city's tax exempt status. Alderperson Johnson suggested that the board get information on state concessions and the sale of alcohol. Comm. Smith proposed an alternate option. He noted that several weeks ago, he had agreed with the previously noted suggestions, but changed his views when he received public comments. He added that the current system has worked for fourteen years. He then asked Steve Torrant to present his proposal to the board. Mr. Torrant reviewed his letter of October 17, 1994 to the board. He noted that the memo included the history of his position and the fact that he was enabled to operate the concessions. He has been advised that it is not illegal for him to be a city employee while operating the concessions privately. He wanted the board to know that during the entire review process, he was not included in the sub - committee discussions. Mr. Torrant has proposed to employ all clubhouse staff on his own payroll. He would agree that his staff would collect greens fees, while memberships would be purchased at City Hall. He also recommends that a part-time ranger be employed by the city to randomly spot check. In addition, he is proposing that 10 to 15 percent of the greens fee be given to him to assist in his payroll. This would insure collection of fees. The concerns that the board has with youth being separated from adult activities would also be addressed. Mr. Torrant stated that he would be willing to build a barrier in the club house at his own expense. The improvements would also include a ventilating system, improvements to the pavilion area and hiring of a cleaning service. Mr. Torrant stated that he feels that his proposal addresses the boards concerns without major changes to current operations. Comm. Rusoff questioned if it's legally possible for Mr. Torrant to remain a city employee while privately running concessions. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy stated that she was not ready to give a legal opinion at this time. She would review the question and make a determination. Alderperson Johnson questioned if there is a precedent of city employees wearing "two hats" within their position. Comm. Reeves told the board that the item could be discussed further at the next regular meeting, in addition to receiving public comments. The item will also be added for discussion at the next COW meeting. Alderperson Johnson asked that Mr. Torrant's proposal be presented in the same format as Comm. Tripp's proposals at the next COW meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 19, 1994 2.A Route 96 Update. Alderperson Schroeder was present to update the board on the Route 96 project. He outlined the project by explaining that Route 13 north would be one way and that Fulton Street would be widened and made one way south. The octopus is being dismantled due to two additional bridges over the channel. Comm. Rusoff questioned if the streets between Fulton and Meadow would be new. Alderperson Schroeder stated that most of the area will have new roads. Discussion followed on the Clinton /Fulton /Meadow Street intersection. Alderperson Schroeder noted that there are no final plans, although a traffic island is planned for pedestrian safety. He noted that several plantings will be made in the island and all along the entire project. Discussion turned to the design of the new bridges. Alderperson Schroeder noted that the concrete railing and lamp posts will resemble the N. Cayuga and Madison Street bridges. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that every storm sewer will be replaced within the project. He added that a lot of work has been put off in the area due to the expected reconstruction. He explained the various problems with the water and sewer lines including the type and size of existing pipe. He said that this would be the best opportunity to replace all utilities including services. Comm. Rusoff stated that she understands that the services will be replaced at the owners expense. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that any service that interferes with the project will be replaced from the main to the curb box at the projects expense. Comm. Gerard questioned what kind of impact project will have on staff. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni and Supt. Gray both agreed that staff will be very involved with the project. Comm. Reeves questioned Alderperson Schroeder on whether the resolution will be passed by council. He replied that everyone would like to see it resolved. He then reviewed the various resolutions being presented to council. Alderperson John Schroeder noted that the state decided that the canal system should be revitalized. Comm. Reeves noted that the resolution presented to Common Council on October 5, 1994 was tabled since it directly effects the DPW and the BPW had not been consulted. Alderperson Schroeder explained that a master plan is being established from input from municipalities involved in the canal system. He noted that the list of recommendations does not guarantee the work will be included. Alderperson Schroeder reviewed the 12 recommendations listed in the council resolution. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni asked that Hogs Hole and the Fall Creek area between the railroad bridge and the Cayuga Inlet be added to the list. Comm. Reeves stated that if additions are to be made, they could be added. Mayor Nichols said that a resolution to council from the board endorsing the list would be helpful. A resolution will appear at the next regular meeting supporting the proposed list for the canal recreation way. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3