HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-01-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
January 18, 1995
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Smith (arrived at 4:20), Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves,
Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant
Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Update on Route 96 Project
There were no deletions from the agenda.
Staff pates - evisions to Parking Meter Program.
Chief McEwen was present and explained that he would like the board to table this
item until BPW members and staff can look at the project and discuss it as it relates to
the neighborhood. Comm. Rusoff noted that staff and the parking committee have
toured the area. Supt. Gray added that staff is waiting to receive shipment of the
poles and that now would be the ideal time to tour the area. This item will return to a
future agenda.
2. Lighting at Union Fields
Comm. Reeves explained that she and Joann Cornish of the Parks Commission have
devised a proposal to create a committee to help resolve the concerns of West Hill
residents. She added that at this meeting, input on the proposal only would be
accepted from residents and the softball association. Alderperson Mackesey was
present and stated that she feels there are too many people proposed to be on the
committee. She noted that she is concerned that residents will be additionally
burdened with the Route 96 project. Alderperson Shenk suggested that the length of
time to report back to the BPW be shortened. Attorneys Ray Schlather and Ralph
Jones were present to speak on behalf of the residents and West Hill Civic
Association. The consensus is that they are not against softball, but would like the
lights redirected, moved, or turned off at an earlier time. Don Schlather, President of
IASA, was present. He stated that the number of participants on the committee
should be balanced. He suggested that the committee report back in early October
since the Youth Bureau activities should be included in the study. He added that a
shortened schedule would adversely affect the league. He noted that deposits from
teams must be received by March 15 and schedules are set by May 1st. If the
season is cut short, the league may lose players which in turn will force the fees to
increase. Supt. Gray explained that staff could collect lighting data and compare the
West Hill streets to other city streets. Wendy Paterniti from the IASA was present and
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
January 18, 1995
explained that the season runs for 10 to 11 weeks and that Monday and Wednesday
games are usually completed by 9:30 pm while Tuesday and Thursday games finish
around 11:00 pm. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the committee report back on
March 1st with a suggestion for the 1995 season and continue to meet and report
back at a later date with a proposal for future years. It was decided that the West Hill
Civic Assoc. and the IASA would each have three members on the committee along
with various staff and city officials, a total of 12 would participate. The committee will
report back at the March 1, 1995 Committee of the Whole meeting.
3. Stewart Park Tennis Courts
Comm. Reeves noted that the Parks Committee held several meetings regarding the
replacement of the Stewart Park Tennis Courts. Joann Cornish, Chairperson of the
Parks Committee, was present and explained that the committee decided that the
courts are needed since the high school and Cass Park courts are heavily used. They
further decided that the courts should remain in the same approximate area. Comm.
Tripp stated that she believes the courts are needed but they should be moved near
the Youth Bureau to be included in their activities. Comm. Reeves reminded the
board that Sam Cohen had previously distributed a letter noting the reasons why the
courts should stay in the same area. Ms. Cornish explained that the courts were
originally placed in the current location in order to fit in with a proposed plan which
was never finished. It was noted that the replacement of the courts would be around
$60,000. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to request a
capital project for replacement of the tennis courts at Stewart Park.
4. Dumaster Problems on City Property - Green Street Ramp
Comm. Reeves noted that Chief McEwen proposed to install signs prohibiting traffic to
the area next to City Hall hoping to alleviate the dumpster problem. Asst. City
Attorney Kennedy has reviewed the agreement and noted that such signs cannot be
installed. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, was present and suggested that the
city give the merchants guidance in handling the problems. She noted that a platform
could be installed and that only the merchants would have access to the dumpsters.
This item will be reported on again at a future date.
5. Committee and Liaison Assignments
Mayor Nichols noted that Commissioner Ehrhardt would assume former Comissioner
Guy Gerard's assignments. Comm. Tripp has been assigned to a special committee
for consolidation.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
January 18, 1995
6. Staff Updates - Review and Revise Emergency Snow Routes
Supt. Gray noted that streets with "No Parking" should not have been included on the
list. A resolution with the revised route will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
7. Update on Possible Changes to Curb Side Recycling Collection and
Continuation of Drop -off Centers
Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that the current drop -off centers are staffed by the county.
The drop -off centers will be abandoned when the CPF opens in the spring. The city's
contract to pick up recyclables will then expand. Once materials are picked up, they
will be delivered to the CPF for sorting.
8. 1995 Work Plan for Engineering and Superintendent's Office
Supt. Gray explained that the Engineering staff will serve as support to the various
projects within the department. He then discussed the Mitchell Street and Maple
Avenue projects. It was noted that the suicide barriers were inadvertently left off the
work list. Supt. Gray stated that he is creating a list of tasks for the new Traffic
Systems Engineer. The board requested to review that list once it is complete.
9. Update on Route 96 Pro'ect.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that he would be presenting a resolution to the
board regarding maintenance of sanitary and storm sewers. He noted that the state
has given preliminary costs for the betterment of Fulton Street. Supt. Gray and Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni had estimated $200 /ft, the state's estimate is $165/ft. Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni noted that the final figure is determined on the low bid received. Bids for the
project will be opened on February 28, 1995.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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