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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-02-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 7, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Traffic Requests: 1a. Request for Traffic Changes on First Street. Comm. Reeves explained to the board that a petition had been received from the First Street neighborhood requesting an all -way stop at First and Monroe Streets. Robert Carlson from the neighborhood was present to address the board. He indicated that the neighborhood wasn't necessarily asking for an all -way stop, but rather speed reduction in the traffic. Supt. Gray explained to Mr. Carlson that Stop signs are not designed for speed reduction. The signs would only give pedestrians and motorists a false sense of security. It was noted that the request relates to traffic calming devices which the traffic sub - committee will address in the future. One of the residents present suggested lowering the speed limit. Traffic Systems Engineer Cole noted that can only be done in areas near schools. Alderperson Mackesey noted that people have a difficult time staying below 30 mph and lowering it wouldn't accomplish anything. The real problem is enforcement. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he is sympathetic to the situation, but could not foresee any immediate solutions. The board suggested that the neighborhood contact the police department concerning the issue of speed and noted that when the sub - committee discusses traffic calming devices, this area will be included. 1b. Aurora/Cayuga Street Proposed Two -Way. Comm. Ehrhardt outlined the proposal which the traffic sub - committee has designed. He explained that with the changes, the commons will be more accessible despite the fact that several on- street parking spaces will need to be removed. He added that with the proposal, there is no way to implement the East Gateway plan which is also under consideration. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the project is very complex and that the current proposal needs more work. He told the board that this item is being postponed from the agenda and will be brought back to the board at a later date. 1c. South -west Plan (Spencer, Albany, Cayuga, Old Elmira Road). Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that the people leaving the eastern part of the city have a limited route to the south -west. He noted that the traffic on Albany Street is approximately 1300 + vehicles per day which exceeds the designed. He added that the volume of the former short cut of Spencer Road has decreased while speed has increased. Comm. Ehrhardt reviewed the proposed plan established by the sub- committee. He indicated that the 200 block of Spencer Road would be made two BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting February 7, 1996 way and that traffic would flow from Old Elmira Road onto Spencer and proceed to Cayuga. He noted that the turn from Albany Street at Old Elmira/Spencer Road would be interrupted by a traffic light while Park Street would be dead - ended. Comm. Reeves indicated that the Fire Department would need to be consulted since this is the main access to Titus Towers. Mayor Cohen suggested making the street one -way going west. Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he felt that South Hill Terrace should be one - way from Hillview to Cayuga, this would deter people from taking'short cuts. He also added that changes would need to be made to the intersection of Cayuga and Clinton Streets. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that there are disadvantages to the plan. The parking in the 200 block of Spencer Road would need to be moved, two or three spaces in the 500 block of S. Cayuga Street would need to be eliminated and Spencer Street utilities would need to be moved. He noted that despite these disadvantages, the proposal would solve a lot of problems and benefit the residents. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that if the board approves of the proposal, the next step would-be to contact the effected departments, committees and residents for a public meeting in March. There were no objections from the board. 2. Continued Discussion of 1996 Engineering Work Schedule Supt. Gray distributed the list of projects which were prioritized based on the categories discussed at the last meeting; projects under contract, safety related projects, preventative maintenance projects and projects with money dedicated to them. Comm. Davidoff questioned the ADA project. Supt. Gray noted that this was on going improvements made to city facilities as well as during the sidewalk program. Supt. Gray noted that the Linn Street bridge which was originally slated for 1996 will be delayed due to staff shortages at the state level as well as city level. Comm. Seligmann noted that he would like to have the projected hours each project will take along with the prioritized list. Comm. Reeves questioned what the next step is. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he would like the board to give Common Council two lists, one being the projects that can be done. If council does not agree, they can make changes between the two lists. This item will return to the next COW meeting for further discussion. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2