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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-07-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 19, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Seligmann, Smith (arrived at 4:40), Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Request for Extension from Kathryn Dietz There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Reagest for -Extension for Kathrvn Dietz. Supt. Gray noted that Kathryn Dietz, owner of 211 Columbia Street, has requested an extension of one week to comply with the City Code. The board ruled that Ms. Dietz was to cut the tall grass at her property in order to comply with the standards of the neighborhood. It was decided that an extension of one week should be granted since Ms. Dietz is making efforts to cut the grass. %w 2. City Property Inventory. Tim McHarg of the Planning Department, explained that he has been working on compiling a list of city owned properties from existing permanent files and the current tax assessments. He indicated that the list provided to the board indicates current use of properties and whether the parcel could be utilized in a better way. This would assist in determining what properties should be freed up. He noted that the list is in a data base although it is not linked to a GIS map at this time. Mr. McHarg said that he would give the board a final report at the next regular meeting. 3. Skateboarding Issue The Board of Public Works received a letter from Micah Baker and Michael Briggs, both are interested in a safe area which skateboarders can use. Mr. Baker recommended that the city consider building an inside area or that an old factory or warehouse could be used. Discussion followed on possible locations for a skateboard area. Beverly Baker was present to address the board. She said that she has looked into several possibilities and has found that many parents are willing to assist in building a structure. She added that finding a location has been difficult. Alderperson Johnson questioned why the Youth Bureau or Recreation Committee couldn't be involved. Alderperson Mackesey suggested that the idea move forward and that during the interim, the city find a way that a vacant portion of the Dean Building be used. It was decided that a letter would be sent to the Youth Bureau asking for assistance in moving forward with the issue. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 19, 1995 4. Proposed New Sidewalks and Retaining Wall. Lynne Yost, Junior Engineer, noted that a letter was received from Dick Booth and John Johnson requesting that a sidewalk be installed on Dryden Road from the Mobil Station to Humphries Service Building. She explained that adjacent property owners have been notified of the proposed new sidewalk. She added that a public hearing could be held since it involves the installation of new sidewalk. Supt. Gray noted that Cornell has sent a letter indicating that they are concerned that a new walk will be more of a hazard. It was suggested that a pedestrian count be obtained in the early fall. The BPW decided that members should look at the area of the proposed sidewalk and that this item will be discussed further at the next committee of the whole meeting. 5. Proposal to Form a City Natural Areas Commission. Comm. Reeves explained that the Conservation Advisory Council has endorsed the idea of having a committee for all natural areas within the city. Beth Mulholland was present to address the board. She noted that the additional responsibility of natural areas cannot be taken on by the Parks Commission. Discussion followed concerning the existing Six Mile Creek Committee and how it would be effected. The board decided that more information is needed: what areas would be involved, how would the committee be organized and what services will be requested of staff. This item will return to the BPW at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. 2M Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2