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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-06-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 7, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Youth Bureau Reauest for Free Client Parkina. _ Robin Holtham of the Youth Bureau was present to address the board. Ms. Holtham explained that the Youth Bureau will be temporarily housed in the City Hall Annex and they would like to continue all of their services, including free parking. She noted that the clients who will be signing up for summer programs would normally receive free parking in the Youth Bureau lot and will be unable to do so in the downtown lots. Comm. Rusoff noted that she felt the parking fee isn't very high and that she did not see it as a big problem. It was noted that the one hour stickers would not be practical because there wouldn't be a revenue since the city would be supplying them. It was also noted that people doing business in City Hall do not receive free parking. The consensus of the board was that free parking would not be given. The board is willing to review this item again if the Youth Bureau realizes a hardship for its clients. 2. Request from GIAC for Use of Wood Street Park Thomas Stern, Director of GIAC's Basketball League, was present to address the board concerning the use of the Wood Street Basketball Court. Use of the courts would be from June 10 until August 10, 1995 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Comm. Reeves noted that the improvements to the park, including the Basketball Court, was completed for the neighborhood and that GIAC has a court. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that if their use of the court would displace residential use, he would be very reluctant to grant approval. Comm. Rusoff questioned if a survey could be taken of the users and the neighbors. Mr. Stern noted that the players in the league are 18 years and older and would act as an incentive and role model to the neighborhood children. The board asked that GIAC provide use information at the next meeting. 3. Handicap Assistance Dogs in Training. Comm. Reeves noted that a request for clarification was received concerning the newly revised ordinance to ban dogs in Stewart Park. The board has been asked to clarify if dogs in training for handicap assistance are allowed into the park. It was the consensus of the board that these dogs should be allowed in the park. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 7, 1995 4. Request for Encroachment Agreement It was noted that the city does not legally have to pay the property owner if agreed encroachments are revoked. Supt. Gray added that all encroachments will be treated the same, in that it would be noted in the agreement that the property will be turned over to the city upon request. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting. 5. Reorganization of Su erintendent En ineerin Office. Supt. Gray noted that the board had asked for a recommendation from him. He explained that he had submitted one in his April 4, 1995 memo. He further explained the need for the City Engineer position. Comm. Tripp noted that she was not prepared to endorse re- creating the City Engineer position. She suggested that maybe an engineer could be hired exclusively for Water and Sewer and Streets and Facilities. Supt. Gray noted that there is a drawback to that since one person does not always have all the necessary skills, while an office of engineers covers a large range of skills. It was decided that the proposal would be modified not to include the City Engineer's Position at this time and that the rest of the proposal for promotions and additional staff would be forwarded to B &A. It was suggested that the board have an executive session in two weeks in order to proceed with the proposal of City Engineer. Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel reiterated their comments from the last meeting by stating their needs for additional engineering support. A resolution will be available for vote at the next meeting. 6. Commons Fountain. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, explained that she has received a proposal from Egner and Associates to look at the Commons Fountain, which hasn't worked for years. She said that the estimate of $1,000 is to investigate why the fountain doesn't work. Once the reason is determined, the Art and Design Committee will decide if it is worth repairing or if it should be removed, then make a recommendation to the BPW. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to approve the use of the $1,000 to investigate repairs of the Commons Fountain. 7. Discussion on Traffic Procedures. Comm. Ehrhardt continued discussion on the proposed procedures for traffic requests. Mayor Nichols noted that Police, Fire and Planning should be included in one of the steps for notification and request for input. Discussion also included an estimate of the time frame for requests and trial periods. Comm. Ehrhardt will provide the board with a revised edition of the proposed procedures for requests. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2