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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 Page - 2