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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. Page -2 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. Page - 3 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 Page - 4