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
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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
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