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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-02-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 1, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff (excused at 5:00 pm), Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 112-114 c uv er Place Encroachment - Board has Power to Act. Attorney Peter Walsh was present to request that the board authorize an encroachment agreement for the property at 112 -114 Schuyler Place. He explained that two porches encroach onto the city right of way. Supt. Gray explained that it was not probable that the street will be moved and felt the encroachment agreement is in order. Attorney Walsh noted that the agreement could be revokable. 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS A. Request for Encroachment for 112 -114 Schuyler Place. By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Tripp. WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has received and reviewed a request for an encroachment agreement for 112 -114 Schuyler Place, and WHEREAS, the existing structure contains two porches which encroach onto city property, one by 1.7 feet and the other by 5.1 feet; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment, contingent upon approval from the City Attorney, for the property at 112 -114 Schuyler Place, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Mayor or Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement. Carried Unanimously BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING February 1, 1995 2, Lfahtina at Union Fields Commissioner Reeves noted a draft letter from Asst. City Attorney Kennedy. The letter explained to the leagues that their proposed three year contract cannot be signed due to recent residential concerns. The consensus of the board was for the letter to be sent to the leagues. It was noted that the committee for this item will report to the board on March 1, 1995. 3. Revisions to Oak Avenue Parking Meters This Item is a continuation of the project to upgrade parking meters. Lynne Yost, Junior Engineer, was present to address the board on a request from the Police Department to change parking on Oak Avenue. The request is to move parking from the north side of the street to the south side. She noted that moving the parking would eliminate problems with the steep banks and potential hazards in the 200 block for meter users. Although it would create hazards at intersections. In order to move the parking onto the south side, road reconstruction, guiderail and sidewalk Installation would be required. She explained that leaving parking on the north side would allow drivers to exit their vehicles at the curbside in the one way section. In addition, there are more meter spaces on the north side resulting in higher revenue. There are problems with access to a few meters on the north side which can be remedied by a 4 -space meter. Supt. Gray noted that reconstruction to the road would be around $200,000. Tffe board decided that a resolution would be voted on at the next meeting to keep parking on the north side of the street. 4. Cleveland Avenue - Street Improvements Herman Sieverding, Deputy Director of Planning and Development, was present to address the board. He explained that he is working on a community block grant application for improvements to Cleveland Avenue. He told the board that input from the residents have been received and a design has been drawn up for consideration by the neighborhood and the board. He noted that the residents are concerned with street lighting and traffic volume and speed. Changes would include a chicane, narrowing of the curb line; on Cleveland at Meadow; in -laid cross walks; a traffic rotary at Corn and Cleveland; and additional trees and street lights. Estimates have been received from the Engineering Department at $270,000. As part of the CDBG application, it will be budgeted over three years at $195,000, leaving many cuts to be made. He noted that there are four criteria to be addressed for consideration of the grant. Mr. Sieverding noted that the primary criteria being focused on is neighborhood preservation and stabilization. Comm. Ehrhardt questioned where traffic will go instead of going onto Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Sieverding stated that there may not be a long term effect due to Meadow Street becoming a one way street. Comm. Tripp Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING February 1, 1995 noted that she would be in support of a version of the design because these are innovative traffic calming device$. Mayor Nichols noted that the neighborhood was not picked at random, the changes are being proposed in order to improve the neighborhood. Supt. Gray explained that a chicane is not appropriate for a two way street and that since the street is only two blocks long, a rotary is not ideal. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the timing of the proposal is significant since the board is considering the Traffic Task Force Report. A resolution approving the concept of the improvements to Cleveland Avenue will be presented at the next regular meeting. 5. Stewart Park Tennis Courts - Discussion Continued Comm. Reeves noted that the resolution from the January 25, 1995 meeting regarding the rebuilding of tennis courts in Stewart Park was tabled for discussiop at this meeting. Comm. Ehrhardt questioned if the courts will be moved into the softball fields because of tree roots. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that the courts will be shifted a few feet but would not interfere with the fields. Sam Cohen, Youth Bureau Director was present to state that the courts are in need for the public as well as Youth Bureau programs, including summer camp. Joann Cornish of the Parks Commission stated that the courts are necessary as a part of the informal recreation facilities. The board agreed to vote on the tabled resolution at the next regular meeting. 6. Traffic Task Force. Joe Daley was present to discuss this issue with the board. Mr. Daley noted that the traffic task force suggested a policy to save the busy streets first and then deal with the lesser traveled streets. He stated that he felt that guidelines were given in order to accomplish this. Comm. Tripp stated that she feels that mitigating the traffic on the busy streets may a priority, but she does not believe formalizing it as a priority in this document. She added that a comprehensive approach to traffic problems on all city streets is needed. Comm. Tripp told the board that she does not endorse the guiding principle of the report although she does agree with several of the proposed solutions. Comm. Reeves noted that the Planning Committee of Council is looking for an endorsement of the task force report. Comm. Ehrhardt explained the guidelines. He stated that the hierarchy concept was decided against because traffic would only be redistributed. Instead, they decided to look at cost impacts of traffic changes. He added that the task force was not looking at moving traffic into residential areas from highly traveled streets. Tracy Ferrel, task force member, was present and noted that there are only two non-residential streets and all the traffic cannot be moved onto them. Mr. Daley added that the task force was suggesting that more trees, wider curb lawns, traffic calming devices and parking on streets be allowed in order to give a safer feeling to the residents. Supt. Gray noted that future Improvements to the traffic signal timing as well as the Route 96 project will calm the traffic and not redistribute it. Page . 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING February 1, 1995 Comm. Reeves noted that the resolution presented by Comm. Ehrhardt needs to be considered by the board. Comm. Tripp read a substitute paragraph to change the resolution. Mr. Daley noted that Comm. Tripp's suggestion Is a start and that If a policy and procedure is not set, the board will run into problems. It was agreed that a resolution would be presented at the next regular meeting to endorse the report. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Page - 4 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary