HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-07-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 10, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligman, Smith, Mayor Cohen,
Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Stewart Park Playground Equipment
There were no deletions from the agenda.
The Board had Power to Act on this item. Susan Blumenthal and Charlie Trautman of
the Sciencenter were present for the discussion. 3
13. BUILDINGS PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS.
A. Request to Purchase Water and Sewer Parcel.
By Mayor Cohen; seconded by Commissioner Seligmann.
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has proposed transfer of sale of the remaining city owned
land at the parcel on the corner of First and Franklin Streets and a series of economic
benefits to the city over the next ten years totaling more than Half a Million Dollars will
be received, and
WHEREAS, the Sciencenter has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in
the city and to the education of its youths, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is willing to approve of the transfer of sale
contingent upon Common Council making arrangements for alternate storage for the
department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the transfer of sale of the
adjacent parcel to the Sciencenter provided that Common Council agrees to obtain
alternate storage space for water and sewer materials.
Discussion followed concerning the resolution. Comm. Ehrhardt noted his concern
regarding the parcel reverting back to the city.
Amending Resolution
Commissioner Ehrhardt
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the transfer of sale of the
adjacent parcel to the Sciencenter provided that Common Council agrees to obtain
alternate storage space for water and sewer materials and that the land will revert to
the city at no cost if and when the Sciencenter ceased to operate on the site.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 10, 1996
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Comm. Ehrhardt requested that staff provide input into the discussion. Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni noted that over the years storage areas have been taken for various purposes
and that the department is currently having storage problems. He noted that if the
triangle area were to be purchased, materials could be moved off for the purposes of
bettering the north end. The city would then need to deal with the issue of storage.
Alderperson Blumenthal explained that the intention was that an alternate storage area
be obtained before the department is asked to move.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Ehrhardt; seconded by Commissioner Smith
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works suggest the exchange of 25 -1 -5 for parcel
25 -2 -1 as assets of the city's general fund and the city's water and sewer funds
respectively.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the city must work together and that the department has
given its share. He stated he feels staff is more comfortable suggesting the exchange.
Mayor Cohen noted that the city has purchased the Seacord property and is
negotiating for the Santaro property for use by the department. He also noted that the
board's involvement is only approval or denial of the Sciencenter obtaining the
property. Supt. Gray explained that the Seacord property was to replace land that was
turned over for the transit site. He added that the Planning Department has made
suggestions for alternate uses of that property as well as the School District taking an
interest in it for a bus garage. Supt. Gray explained that Water and Sewer could work
with less land but it would not be economical or efficient. Mayor Cohen noted that if the
Santaro building is acquired then it would be an exchange of land. Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni agreed and stated that this would be acceptable. Comm. Seligmann noted
that the board's primary responsibility is to insure the department is allowed to operate
properly. He added that Council will act with or without the board's approval but that
bringing points to their attention is constructive. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the
resolution did not include a contingency but only a suggestion for obtaining alternate
storage space. Mayor Cohen updated the board on where the status of obtainingthe
Santaro building stands. He explained that the next step was for the city to contact the
property owner since they have first right of Iefusal and may buy the building at salvage
value. `
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Ayes - 2
Nays - 3
The resolution failed due to lack of 4 affirmative votes.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 10, 1996
A vote on the resolution as amended:
Carried Unanimously
2
Site Park Plavaround Equipment.
Comm. Steve Ehrhardt explained that the recently removed playground equipment was
a result of federally published guidelines. He noted that the see -saws will be replaced
once they are repaired. He added that there is a Capital Project for $60,000 to improve
the playground which should be utilized. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that there are
currently power lines above the play area which will be moved for safety reasons.
Mayor Cohen questioned if the equipment could be reinstalled if in good repair. Comm.
Ehrhardt noted that staff acted appropriately by removing the equipment since it was
considered unsafe by a federal office. Comm. Ehrhardt request that Comm. Reeves,
liaison to the Parks Commission, keep the board posted on the future status of the
playground. 3
3 West Court Street Pedestrian Crossing.
Comm. Reeves told the board that former Police Chief McEwen was against the
midblock crosswalk when it was installed. There was a recent request to have the
crosswalk removed. Input has been received from GIAC, the Traffic Systems Engineer
and the Acting Police Chief. Marcia Fort, Director of GIAC, has indicated that the
crosswalk is used, although removal would allow for additional parking spaces. Dan
Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, provided the board with a report indicating that there is
no data on effectiveness of midblock crosswalks although the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends midblock cross
walks. Discussion followed concerning access to the pool and the fact that GIAC
programs use the crosswalks designated at the corner. The board will vote on a
resolution to remove the midblock crosswalk.
4 Discussion for Policy on General Expungements.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained that he requested this item to be placed on the agenda to
give the board a policy when expungement requests come before the board. He noted
that his feeling is that if the resident used a service, they should have to pay for it.
Comm. Reeves noted that there should be an avenue for an appeal process and they
should be handled case by case. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board they do not
review all expungement requests. Staff researches the request and a determination is
made, the second step of the appeal process is for the Superintendent to review the
case. In many instances, the request stops at that point Whether the resident gives up
or the request is granted. Discussion followed concerning the fact that the board was
not aware of this process and that in the case of expungement of water bills, there is no
mark up to expunge. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the current payment system
offered could be altered in order to allow a cheaper interest rate. Supt. Gray noted that
he would check this possibility with the City Chamberlain and return to the board with
her recommendations.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 10, 1996
5. Discussion of Crosswalks and Street Strioinu.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that many of the painted street markings throughout the city
fade away. He suggested that the installation of brick crosswalks be considered at stop
signs. Comm. Reeves noted that the cost to maintain crosswalks and striping is very
expensive and a nuisance to do every year although it is cheaper than permanent
markings. Supt. Gray noted that the city has an opportunity to try a new paint because
the state will be using it on local highways. Comm. Reeves suggested that the board
consider this issue during the upcoming budget discussions.
6. Outdoor Dining Fees.
Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he feels the current rate for outdoor dining is too high. He
noted that downtown businesses need the added attraction. Comm. Seligmann said
that he felt the fee was appropriate and that restaurants were making a profit from the
service and should be billed accordingly. Comm. Smith contested that businesses
downtown are not thriving but struggling which is why fees should be lowered. Supt.
Gray told the board that it takes approximately 10 hours to process a request. He
added that property owners are charging top dollar for rent and that the opportunity
cost must be considered. The board decided to continue this discussion at the August
7, 1996 meeting.
7 Request for Easement at 115 Pearl Street.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained to the board that there is a garage and garden shed
located over arwater and sewer easement granted to the city. He added that if the
requested easement is granted, expenses should not be incurred by the city if the main
needs repairing or replacement, it should be the property owner's expense. A
resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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