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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-10-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 2, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Supt. Gray Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Request for Lights at Wood Street Basketball Court. Neil Galmer, Bobby Nichols and James Oxendine, representing ROLERS (Reconstruction Landmark Square Educational Research Study) were present to address the board. They explained that their organization is for teens who want to be involved with the community and make a positive contribution. Mr. Galmer explained that they feel that basketball is an important part of their community and feel that lights would benefit those who play. The consensus of their group is that night time basketball gives them something to do that they enjoy. Mr. Nichols told the board that they have surveyed the area and that the majority of the residents feel that the lights are needed. Joann Cornish -Epps of the Parks Commission, was present and stated that the commission has reviewed the request and believe it would be a nice addition to the park. Discussion followed concerning how late the lights would be on and whether input from the Titus Tower residents had been received. Ms. Cornish -Epps stated that the Parks Commission would look into receiving input from Titus Towers. It was noted that the lights would be turned off at 10:00 pm, because all parks close at that time, as required by the city code. Comm. Reeves stated that a rough estimate for installation of the lights would be around $12,000. Discussion followed concerning the need for a handball court. The members of ROLERS stated that they didn't feel it was a high priority although realized that the handball court was being considered. A resolution will be presented to the board at the next regular meeting approving the project only if the handball court is turned down and with the stipulation that input from the Titus Tower residents be obtained. 2. Parking Equipment Update. Lynne Yost, Assistant Civil Engineer, presented a proposal to the board for installation of magnetic stripe technology parking equipment. She explained that her proposal for Lot D (Woolworths) allowed for one attended booth on Cayuga Street and two automated exits on Green Street. Seneca Street would have one attended booth while the abandoned exit would be reopened for an automated exit. Ms. Yost explained that the system works on the same basic concept as the current system. She explained that the new system would allow the city to shift current staffing and prevent layoffs. She noted that employees would need to be available to answer questions through an intercom, auditing of the system and for security. Discussion followed concerning operation of the system and that accountability is very important to the city. She explained that there are ways to regulate where people park based on a permit system. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting October 2, 1996 It was suggested that Supt. Gray and Ms. Yost meet with the merchants to review the proposed system and how it operates. They agreed to meet with DII at their next meeting. It was noted that the proposed system can work with current policies as well as being capable of a great deal more. The board agreed to vote on a resolution accepting the proposed system which will allow staff to proceed with purchasing and installing the equipment. 3. Odd /Even Parking Regulations. Comm. Reeves noted that comments on eliminating the odd /even regulation have been received from Asst. Supt. Ferrel, Traffic Systems Engineer Cole and Acting Chief of Police Barnes. Deputy Fire Chief Doorman was present at the meeting to address the board. He told the board that the department did not have a chance to give a recommendation. He noted that they would like to review streets for accessability with a 24 hour regulation. Comm. Reeves noted that Acting Chief Barnes is concerned with the abandonment of cars and finding stolen cars. She added that Asst. Supt. Ferrel's memo outlined how the department uses the odd /even regulation for maintenance and cleaning of the streets. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that if cars are left on the street, it is the neighbors responsibility to report the vehicle. If the vehicle is not reported, it must not be a nuisance and the city should not worry about it. Comm. Davidoff asked that a more in -depth response be received from IPD. Rick Manning of Trowbridge and Wolf was present to address the board. He explained to the board that the BAC has been reviewing streets throughout the city and feel that if parking were allowed on alternate blocks with the other blocks having parking on the opposite side, this would allow for a bike lane and reduce speeds. He explained that the yellow center line of the road would shift in accordance with the parking lane. Traffic Systems Engineer, Dan Cole reviewed his recommendations. He noted that the City of Binghamton has just adopted the odd /even regulation because of the numerous parking problems they have encountered. He noted that elimination of odd /even parking hinders maintenance and clean up of streets. In addition, as Acting Chief Barnes points out, the current parking regulations forces turn over on the streets. Mayor Cohen noted that if 24 hour parking is allowed city wide, some streets would only have parking on one side and therefore didn't see where there would be a problem. Supt. Gray questioned what the objective is in considering elimination of odd /even parking. It was noted that the law is disliked and is a nuisance to the residents. Supt. Gray noted that parking is a huge demand and that even if the supply is increased, the demand will increase. The city can only try to distribute the resource among the users. He pointed out that a 24 hour parking regulation would be difficult to enforce. Supt. Gray added that the department has defended this regulation for almost fifty years and wondered what changes have occurred to warrant the elimination of odd /even. He noted that in 1974, 83% of the streets were not wide enough to accommodate two lane parking and traffic. Mayor Cohen noted that IPD /DPW /IFD will need to consider which streets are not wide enough for two lanes of parking. Comm. Reeves questioned how the department is suppose to clean the streets. Mayor Cohen stated that they can post signage for Page - 2 11 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting October 2, 1996 residents to remove their cars when scheduled cleaning is to take place. Supt. Gray noted that this procedure takes place twice a year, in the fall and spring. Other times throughout the year, the street sweeper takes advantage of odd /even parking. Mayor Cohen also added that for snow removal, designated clean up days can be assigned. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board adopted a snow emergency route. Discussion followed concerning the emergency route and that it is only used in emergencies. It was suggested to change the emergency route. Comm. Seligmann noted that his main concern is that streets need to be plowed in the winter to allow access for fire trucks. Mayor Cohen noted that streets with possible problems would only have parking on one side. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that if the system is not effective, odd /even can be instituted during the winter months only. Comm. Seligmann stated that he believed most people aren't aware of the regulation and that residents need to be made more aware. It was suggested that the board have a public hearing for input from residents. Mayor Cohen noted that he would contact Acting Chief Barnes for more input. The board will vote on a resolution to set a public hearing on October 23, 1996 to receive input from residents on the elimination of the odd /even regulation and adopt a 24 hour parking policy. The board agreed that all neighborhood associations and effected departments should be notified of the hearing. The meeting adjourned at 6 :00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3