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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-07-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 5, 1995 N T PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting Additions: Report on Negundo Woods There were no deletions from the agenda. f—. Appeal of Violation of City Code - Yard Maintenance Sue Kittel, Community Service Officer, was present to address the board. She stated that she had received a complaint regarding tall grass at 211 Columbia Street. Upon investigation, she noted that the yard was not consistent to the neighboring properties. She issued the violation which requires the lawn to be out within five days. Ms. Kathryn Dietz, owner of 211 Columbia Street, was present to address the board. She explained that she likes the tall grass in her yard. She noted that the yard contains several types of wild flowers and that she considers the yard to be ornamental. She read several letters from neighbors which stated that they appreciated the natural setting of the yard. She noted that the area next to the sidewalk is kept clear of the tall grass In order to maintain pedestrian traffic. Comm. Rusoff and Comm. Seligmann both noted that they had seen the yard in question and that they felt that it was not consistent with the neighborhood. Comm. Rusoff noted that she felt that the code was very clear and that the grass should be cut. Mayor Nichols questioned if a compromise could be reached by growing the wild flowers in her back yard? Ms. Dietz noted that her back yard was wooded and that there wasn't much room for the tall grass. Discussion followed regarding the consistency of yard maintenance and the acceptability according to the City Code. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy was present and noted that if the BPW decides the grass must be cut, Ms. Dietz can appeal the board's decision through the Supreme Court under Article 78. She has done so, successfully in the past concerning other violations. The board will vote on a resolution at its next regular meeting. 2. Appeal of Denial for Second Curb Cut. Anthony Tzivaeris, owner of 309 Hector Street, applied for a second curb cut which was denied by the Superintendent of Public Works. Supt. Gray noted that the curb cut was denied because it would increase the number of points of entry onto the street causing a hazard for traffic. Mr. Tzivaeris noted that his family must park across the street which causes a hazard when crossing to and from the car. Discussion followed regarding the ability to add another driveway. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 5, 1995 3. Reauest for Parkina Restriction on Delaware Avenue, Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, noted that he had received a request from one resident, on behalf of the neighborhood, to prohibit parking during a window of time during the day. Discussion followed concerning parking problems and solutions. It was noted that several neighboring streets have a three hour window during which parking is prohibited. These were put in place to eliminate long term, on- street parking. The board requested Asst. Supt. Ferrel to review street cleaning schedules and to determine which period of time would be ideal for the prohibited parking. This item will be presented as a resolution at the next regular meeting. 4. Approval of Procedure for Requests In Traffic Changes. 14. TRAFFIC ITEMS - Commissioner Ehrhardt. A. Approval of Procedures for Requests in Traffic Changes. by: Commissioner Ehrhardt seconded by: Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works requested that the Mayor appoint a special committee to draft a procedure for responding to traffic- related proposals which are brought before the board, and WHEREAS, the board has reviewed and amended the procedure recommended by the special committee; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the attached Procedure for responding to the Traffic - Related Proposals dated July 5, 1995. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that there were changes made to the proposed procedures as a result of discussions with Chief McEwen and other city entitles. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: (A copy of the procedures is attached.) Page - 2 .Carried Unanimously BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 5, 1995 5 Report on Neaundo Woods Alderperson Johnson noted that Common Council would be voting on a resolution to acquire Negundo Woods, near the proposed Wal -Mart site. The land would be used as substitute park lands due to alienation of existing park lands. 6 Executive Session for Personnel Item, The board adjourned into Executive Session at 5:10. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3