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.)
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.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
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