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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. Page - 2 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 Page - 3