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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-09-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE September 18, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. Additions: Update on Handball Court at Wood Street Park. There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Update on Handball Court at Wood Street Park Paul Stevenson of Planning and Development was present to address the board. He explained that bids were opened for the installation of the handball court in Wood Street Park last week. The bids were approximately twice as much as the estimated price. He suggested that the low bidder could install the wall and that the DPW crew could install the asphalt base for the playing area. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that manpower and time was an issue and that crews were currently dealing with the Cass Park tennis courts. Discussion followed concerning the bids received. It was noted that the board would like to see the project move forward, but that the bids received were too high. Comm. Seligmann suggested that the $13,000 in CD funds be used differently within the park. The handball court could then be built at a different location. The board decided to take the issue back to the Parks Commission for review of alternate uses of the available money. 2. Update on Tree Removal at Clinton House It was suggested that staff explain the events that lead up to the tree cutting on North Cayuga Street. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that Mr. Ciaschi went to his office for a tree removal permit. Mr. Ciaschi told him that he had spoken with the Mayor and Andy Hillman, City Forester. Mr. Hillman was on vacation at that time and Asst. Supt. Ferrel issued the permit. Asst. Supt. Ferrel reminded Mr. Ciaschi of the BPW resolution which stated three trees could be removed, one per year over three years. He noted that he took Mr. Ciaschi at his word that the situation was worked out with Mr. Hillman. Asst. Supt. Ferrel added that he felt the permit was routine and seemed simple at the time. City Forester Hillman told the board that when he returned from vacation he learned that the permit had been issued. He then made two phone calls the first week in September trying to arrange a meeting with Mr. Ciaschi. He noted that during the second phone call, he thoroughly explained the situation to Mr. Ciaschi's secretary. He stated that he outlined the Shade Tree Ordinance, the board's resolution and that if the city completed the work, it could be cheaper. On Sunday, September 8, 1996, Mr. Ciaschi's crews removed the three trees in front of the Clinton House. During the process, the holiday lights, which were in the trees, were left in a pile on the sidewalk. Later that evening, IPD called in the City Electrician to remove the lights because BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting September 18, 1996 someone had thrown them over the overhead wires. This resulted in overtime pay. Mr. Hillman noted that Mr. Ciaschi did not request the lights to be removed nor did he arrange for a date of tree removal. Mr. Hillman told the board that according to the City Code, the equal amount of caliper removed is to be replaced. He suggested that three - three and one half inch trees be replaced at the same location and that nine - two and one half inch trees be planted elsewhere in the city. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that the board must act on this issue; Mr. Ciaschi was well aware of the conditions and he overlooked them. He noted that the board must communicate to the community that these actions were not acceptable. Comm. Reeves noted that the Attorney's Office is reviewing the matter for legal ramifications. The board agreed that there was a communication problem between staff but Mr. Ciaschi should pay for all costs incurred. The board agreed to vote on a resolution next week to impose the terms of the Shade Tree Ordinance upon Mr. Ciaschi, in addition to costs incurred for removal of the lights. The board concluded the meeting with discussions on the 1997 DPW Budget and how it would be presented to Common Council. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 2 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary