HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-08-07A BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
August 7, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith,
Alderperson Mackesey, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Excused: Mayor Cohen and Asst. Supt. Fabbroni
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Budget Discussion
Firehouse Theatre Parking
There were no deletions from the agenda.
I. WWTP Contract Review (Executive Session)
At 5:10 pm the board resumed the meeting.
2. Shortstop Deli Request
Albert Smith, owner of the Shortstop Deli, explained his proposed changes to the
board. The two changes requiring approval are the installation of an 85 foot curb cut
on Albany Street and the purchase of State Street bricks. He explained that in order to
receive deliveries and to avoid obstructing the line of sight for motorists leaving the
parking lot, a curb cut is required on Albany Street. He added that the current parking
lot does not provide enough room for a tractor trailer to make deliveries. He noted that
the neighbors are in favor of this because it will allow them to make deliveries to their
homes. Mr. Smith told the board that he would also like to install State Street bricks
near the intersections and trees to replace existing asphalt. This request will be
reviewed by the ILPC next week prior to the board's voting meeting. An additional
proposal, that does not require the board's approval, is for installation of street trees.
Supt. Gray suggested that the loading zone be installed on a trial basis. The board's
consensus was to approve an 85 foot loading zone. A resolution will be presented at
the next meeting.
3. 1997 Budget Discussions
Comm. Reeves reminded the board that the budget discussions were to begin after the
next regular meeting. It was suggested that each board member "specialize" in one
area and that discussions may move quicker. The board agreed that all members
should be familiar with all aspects of the budget. Budget Discussions will take place at
Streets and Facilities for the next three Wednesdays.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 7, 1996
4. Proposed Changes to Recycling Policy.
Comm. Reeves told the board the Common Council will be voting on a resolution
regarding proposed changes to the City's Recycling Policy. Alderperson Mackesey
stated that there are questions about the status of staff and layoffs if recycling
collection is turned over to the county. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that there are
currently temporary employees filling many of the positions because the future of this
issue is uncertain. He added that one employee plans to move out of the area, another
plans to retire and a third employee, a truck driver, could be transferred to another
division. Comm. Seligmann suggested that the board could review the items that are
accepted for recycling. It was noted that because the county sets the policies based on
state mandates, the city must abide by the requirements. Discussion continued
regarding the bids received and whether the city could accomplish collection at the
lowest price. Supt. Gray told the board that getting out of the recycling business is
easy but if the city wants to return to it, there will be a tremendous cost. The board
agreed that option number four of the council resolution, which allows the county to
provide bi- weekly service, was the best option.
5. Firehouse Theatre Parking
Comm. Reeves stated that she did not understand why this issue is still a problem.
She explained that the board passed a resolution stating that the space in front of 136
West State Street would be posted as "No Parking." The space has been posted "No
Parking Between Driveways" which was not what the board requested. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel noted that, earlier in the day, the signs were switched to "No Parking." Supt.
Gray explained that he received a letter from the Building Department stating that the
building at 136 West State Street did not have appropriate ventilation for vehicles to
pull into the building. He added that Mr. Newton had requested the "No Parking" sign
in order to drive into the building. Supt. Gray told the board that the driveway could not
be used as an active driveway. The consensus of the board was to leave the space as
"No Parking."
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
A
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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