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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-10-16r 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 16, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Supt. Gray, Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni and Ferrel Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - 323 & 325 West Buffalo Street Comm. Reeves explained that Irene Feldman, owner of 323 & 325 West Buffalo Street, is appealing her sidewalk assessments because she had hired a contractor. The city's contractor completed the work before her contractor had a chance to do the work. Comm. Reeves added that there was neither a notification of Ms. Feldman's intent nor a permit for her contractor. It was noted that the initial notification was sent in August of 1995 and that the work was done in 1996. Discussion followed concerning the time frame and that staff should request a response by a certain deadline. Supt. Gray noted that a deadline is not always feasible. The time frame varies based on the size of the contract, weather and when the contract begins. Supt. Gray also noted that years ago, the notification was very straight forward and fairly demanding. Over the years, the letter has become friendlier and staff has received fewer complaints regarding the letter content. The board decided that a resolution would appear at the next regular meeting to deny the request since ample time was given for a contractor to do the work. 2. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - 704 West Buffalo Street Angelo DiGiacomo, owner of 704 West Buffalo Street, explained to the board that in 1983, his sidewalk was repaired. He was unable to pay the assessment and opted for the five year payment. He further explained that during the Route 96 project, the sidewalk was removed. He asked the board to expunge the remaining $665.49 of the assessment because the project has effected his business and he has taken a sales loss. The board discussed expungement of the assessment and felt that doing so would set a precedent. They noted that an expungement would not be fair to the property owners who paid their assessment in full. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the assessment be postponed until the project is finished. The board agreed that this was a fair way to handle the request. The board will vote on a resolution to defer the payments until January, 1999. 3. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - 940 East State Street Charles Zhou, owner of 940 East State Street, has requested that the board expunge his sidewalk assessment because he is financially unable to pay the bill. The board discussed several ways Mr. Zhou could pay the bill, including over five years and through INHS at a low interest rate. The board agreed that the bill could not be expunged and that a resolution should be presented at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting October 16, 1996 4. Parking Meters in Central Business District Mayor Cohen told the board that he would like to try a one year period of free parking around the peripheral commons. He explained that 110 meters could be bagged instead of being removed permanently. He noted that the revenue from meters could not be broken down into zones but that he estimated a loss of $44,800. Comm. Reeves questioned how the loss could be justified. Mayor Cohen stated that the main problem for consumers is parking. He believes that if parking is free, more sales tax will be generated. He added that the area would be heavily enforced at 15 or 30 minute limits and that would force long term parkers into the garages. Discussion followed on how downtown employees would try to fight the system and park for free. Comm. Seligmann questioned if there is a plan for the businesses to subsidize the parking. In addition if there would be a study in order to determine how effective is the free parking. Mayor Cohen stated that a study is a good idea, that businesses hadn't been approached for a subsidy and that city's like Corning have benefited from on- street free parking. It was suggested that the CBD could incorporate free parking into their plans. The Farmer's Market at DeWitt Park was mentioned and noted that they occupy meters. Comm. Reeves added that they do pay for the use of those meters. Mayor Cohen told the board that he would return to the board at a future date with further data. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 2 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary