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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-03-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 6, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Vargas, Alderperson Mackesey, Mayor Cohen (left at 5:00 pm), Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. 'I yyb colt Rates. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that the Golf Subcommittee has recommended to keep the 1996 Golf Rates the same as last year. Comm. Seligmann stated that the rates didn't increase last year and yet taxes went up. Comm. Ehrhardt questioned if the golf course is self sufficient. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that last year it was self supportive although that does not happen every year; weather determines the success of the course. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained to the board that the subcommittee recently requested bids for contracting out the concessions. No bids were received. The subcommittee felt that since the city is unable to provide extensive concessions to the users, the fees should remain the same. Comm. Seligmann stated that he would like to compare the rates to other local courses. He then questioned why the Youth Bureau recently hired a golf pro for youth lessons. He stated that he felt the golf pro on staff should be sufficient. Supt. Gray explained that he felt it was reasonable for the Youth Bureau to have someone on staff, since the pro at Newman Golf Course was there for course maintenance as well. Comm. Reeves told the board that this item will be on next week's agenda in the form of a resolution accepting 1996 rates. She then suggested that the subcommittee meet with staff and establish a five year plan, including a possible new bid package for concessions. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the committee review the possibility of non - residents paying a higher fee. 2. Disability Advisory Council Concerns Brenda Kuhn from the DAC was present to address the board. She reviewed the list of concerns which was included in Leslie Chatterton's letter of February 26, 1996. She noted that one of the top priorities is for installation of power doors in the bathrooms in City Hall. Supt. Gray told Ms. Kuhn that the equipment is on order and should be installed soon after it is received. Ms. Kuhn noted that she is willing to work with the board to make necessary changes throughout city facilities. She stated that she realized not all requests are in high demand, but all requests are listed in the memo. Ms. Kuhn also noted that once the facilities are upgraded, maintenance is needed. She told the board of a drinking fountain installed in Stewart Park which was not maintained and is now unusable. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that several of the items listed are on the work schedule for completion. Discussion followed concerning the parking space in the City Hall parking lot. Ms. Kuhn noted that every space requires a parking aisle, currently, this is not the case. She added that people she has BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting March 6, 1996 talked with told her that if there is a choice of one aisle and two spaces that would be better than one space and one aisle. Supt. Gray told Ms. Kuhn not to hesitate to bring up any future problems. 3. Continued Discussion of 1996 Engineering Work Schedule Supt. Gray distributed a table showing estimated hours to complete projects and available staff hours that can be dedicated to each project. He noted that there is currently 8800 staff hours available and that the table needed to be reduced by an additional 1300 hours. He explained that the hours under Water and Sewer support should not be reduced since that division is paying for the support. He added that there is no one in the department to do survey work which will be needed at Water and Sewer. Comm. Seligmann noted that a Site Plan Review Officer position became vacant in the Planning Department and suggested that the position be combined with a part time engineer. Comm. Ehrhardt noted Thys Van Cort's letter to Council indicating the need for additional engineering staff and the lack of support as a result. Discussion followed concerning the addition of projects and lack of time from the department. Comm. Ehrhardt then suggested that the board run through the list presented by Supt. Gray and make reductions if possible. After a review of the list, the board reduced the projects by approximately 800 hours. This item will be on the board's agenda for final review at the next regular meeting. 4. ASCE (Cornell Students) Bridge Proiect Update. Nat Yap, Terry Lavine and Erin Sullivan were present to address the board. Mr. Yap gave the board a brief outline of the project. ASCE has designed and will build a pedestrian bridge near the Sciencenter over Cascadilla Creek. Ms. Lavine explained that there are four teams working on the project. She noted that the city has donated some steel beams for the project. Alderperson Mackesey questioned if there would be lighting on the bridge? Ms. Lavine noted that lighting was considered, but that it wouldn't be included in the project. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the Sciencenter is expecting to add more outdoor lighting in the area. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that in addition to donating the beams, the department will be assisting with other materials and some labor. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2