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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-05-31BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 31, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Tripp, Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Reorganization of u ermten ent En ineerin Office. Tom West and Lynne Yost were present to address the board. Mr. West noted that the board had succeeded in eliminating work on the work plant equivalent to one staff position. In addition, several projects could be handled by consultants equivalent to 680 staff hours, 340 in design hours and 340 in inspection hours, for an additional cost estimated at $41,000. The board asked if any of the work could be done by a consultant. Comm. Reeves noted that a list of items not being done should be produced. Mr. West noted that the work list is for a staff of 8 1/2 members while the current staff is 5 1/2, 1/2 being the City Engineer. He explained that two Assistant Civil Engineer positions are needed, and that it is expected the two current Junior Engineers would take those positions. A current Junior Engineer position would be eliminated, leaving one Junior Engineer position vacant. Presumably the current Engineering Technician would move into the Junior Engineer position leaving the Engineering Tech. position open. Therefore, an Engineering Tech. and a City Engineer would need to be hired. Comm. Seligmann questioned if this year's work schedule was unusually high. It was noted that the jobs have compounded over the years. In addition, emergency work comes up during the work schedule pushing the projects back. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that he is uncomfortable commenting on the level of support he is receiving from the Engineering Department. He noted that he appreciates the assistance that is received, but more is needed. The department is currently operating day to day and ideally it should be operating year to year. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni added that he asks for assistance in emergencies only. Comm. Tripp noted that although she supports the promotions, she has reservations with the position of City Engineer. She wanted to hear the opinion and a proposal of options from Supt. Gray. Alderperson Johnson stated that he would like to see what each position does and the differences between them. This item will be continued at the next meeting. 2. Request from GIAC for Use of Wood Street Park Comm. Reeves noted that a request was received from GIAC for the use of Wood Street Park for league games. It was noted that the park was made for the neighbors and it is unknown how much they use them. Comm. Seligmann noted that he often sees people on the courts. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that he has received several BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 31, 1995 requests and he has responded that use of the courts are first come /first serve. It was decided that more information on the use of the courts are needed. This item will return at the next meeting. 3. IASA Softball Contract. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that there is a contract for the 1995 IASA Softball League which needs approval. The contract is for one year, instead of three years, due to the lighting issue. The contract allows an early start date and reduces the number of late games. The city is willing to pay for the added maintenance since the league did not foresee extending the season. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to approve of the agreement. 4. Request for Encroachment Agreement - Tabled from May 24 1995 Comm. Reeves noted that Supt. Gray has proposed that encroachment agreements be handled similarly to license agreements in that the property owner would pay for the use of the right of way. Comm. Reeves noted that Supt. Gray was not present to elaborate on this proposal. Comm. Tripp stated that she would like Supt. Gray to be present to explain his proposal. 5. Traffic Procedures. Comm. Reeves noted that the board needs to set guidelines as to what situations are to be handled by the Traffic Systems Engineer and which situations go directly to the board. It was noted that the correspondences received from the Traffic Engineer have been handled in an appropriate manner. Comm. Ehrhardt then continued to review the proposed procedures for requests for changes in traffic. Discussion included notification of the public and public meetings. This item will continue at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. 6. Continuation of Request for Encroachment Agreement Asst. City Attorney Kennedy was present to address the board. She read the law that allowed the city to request all encroachments of six inches or less to be removed, that was effective in 1960. She stated that it appears that any agreement made up to this point can be revoked if the city decides the area is needed. She suggested that future resolutions and agreements state that if the city needs the area, the encroachment must be removed. The encroachment for 302 -304 East State Street will be voted on at the next COW meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2