HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-12-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 6, 1995
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Mayor Nichols,
Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Deletions: Evaluation of Task Force Proposals
Additions: Mayor's Update on DSS
1. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill - 132 Ithaca Road
Rex Whitman, owner of 132 Ithaca Road, was present to address the board. Mr.
Whitman read a letter dated December 6, 1995 explaining the circumstances
concerning his water service replacement. He explained that in 1991 he hired a private
contractor to do some work which was inspected by the Water and Sewer Department.
He felt that the work was done poorly and should have been detected during the
inspection. He explained that in 1994, additional work was required and he believes it
could have been avoided had the inspector declined the work previously done. Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni explained that the work completed in 1991 was acceptable and that if
the homeowner feels there is a problem, it is between him and the private contractor.
Discussion followed concerning the procedure of the repair. The consensus of the
board was to deny the request, a resolution will be voted on at the next regular
meeting.
2. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Repair Bill - 320 Elm Street
Sharon and Michael Kasel, owner of 320 Elm Street, were present to address the
board. Ms. Kasel explained that the water pressure in their home was very low and
they decided to upgrade the pipes from the curb box into the house. Their plumber
suggested that a 1" pipe be installed from the main to the curb box as well. Mr. Kasel
stated that he spoke to someone at Water and Sewer and was told he would have to
cover the expense of the curb box and the difference in the upgraded size of pipe at
approximately $150. When Mr. Kasel received the bill, it included labor and material
for $1456.15. Had he been given an estimate of that amount, he would not have
authorized the work. Mr. Kasel stated that he is not financially able to pay the bill. He
added that he thought the City was responsible for the area between the curb box and
the main and understood he would only be paying for the upgrade. Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni noted that the person that would have given the information would have
known to give them a price range and that this is obviously a huge misunderstanding.
Supt. Gray noted that he would like to talk to Ken Harding regarding his conversations
with the Kasels. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 6, 1995
3. Parkin4 Rates.
Comm. Reeves noted that Common Council has directed the board to raise the parking
rates hoping to generate $10,000 in revenue. Supt. Gray presented preliminary figures
for proposed parking rates. He noted that he would be working with the City Controller
to establish finalized proposals. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he has two reactions to the
increases. He stated that on an emotional level, he feels the department is starting to
look bad because of previous cuts in the budget and personnel. Increasing the rates
would only add to the public's frustration. He added that on a rational level he must
question how much the tax payers should subsidize the parking and that maybe
parkers should cover the expense. Comm. Reeves noted that the last time the rates
were increased, people complained and revenues went down as a result. Supt. Gray
noted that and that the fee should be raised to match permit demand. Mayor Nichols
stated that people adapt to small increases. In addition, people can receive one hour
free parking stickers from the merchants. He noted that Thurston Avenue revenues are
at 80% despite the initial problems and complaints. Mayor Nichols noted that this
increase has been thought through and that it was determined a better route to take
rather than increasing property taxes. Supt. Gray noted that he would present a
resolution at the next regular meeting with proposed parking rates.
4. Mayor Nichols Report on DSS.
Mayor Nichols noted that the County has decided to move the Department of Social
Services to downtown. He further explained that Common Council was being
presented with a resolution to approve of the Memorandum of Understanding which
would require the city to provide several parking spaces as well as street scape
improvements. He added that the MOU required a 12 year parking agreement between
the two entities.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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