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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-10-30BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 30, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Supt. Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. Additions: Consideration of Installation of Roundabout at University/Lake/Wi I lard Intersection Improvements to Council Chambers Deletions: Holiday Meeting Schedule 1. Consideration of Installation of Roundabout at University /Lake/WiIlard Intersection. Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, was present to address the board. He told the board that the intersection has a history of being dangerous. He explained that installing a roundabout would slow traffic down, possibly reduce the number of accidents and allow pedestrians a "safe haven" while crossing the intersection. He noted that the timing is important since this could be implemented while the intersection is tore up for Cornell's Lake Source Cooling Project. The design has been reviewed by Cornell and approved by the Acting Chief of Police for a 90 day trial period. If the project moved forward, data could be collected for determination of permanent installation. Supt. Gray noted that this gives the department an opportunity to try a traffic calming device. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that input from IPD, IFD and P &D should be received before a decision is made. It was decided that this item will return to a future COW meeting with input from IPD, IFD and P &D. 2. Odd /Even Parking Regulation Comm. Reeves noted that a public hearing was held on October 23 for input on odd /even parking. She explained that the next step is for staff to determine which streets will have two 24 hour parking lanes and which will have one lane. Discussion followed concerning travel lane width and the Fire Department's accessibility to houses. It was pointed out that the ladder truck requires a minimum of 22 feet width of street for set up, 24 feet is ideal. Supt. Gray noted that a map has been established showing streets with one and two lane parking. He added that the standard used is 36 feet for two lanes of traffic and two lanes of parking. Any street narrower than 36 feet would have one lane of parking. Discussion followed concerning streets which are less than 36 feet wide and currently have two parking lanes. It was noted that two parking lanes on narrow streets slow down traffic. If traffic speeds up in these neighborhoods, safety is being jeopardized. Supt. Gray noted that a 36 foot width also takes bicyclists into consideration, narrow streets with two lane parking would make it hazardous for bike riders. Discussion followed concerning street width and BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting October 30, 1996 how they relate to low and high volume streets. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the relationship between parking and traffic is very complicated. Comm. Seligmann questioned what the reasoning behind the change is, except for the fact that it's a nuisance? It was pointed out that odd /even parking could not be easily isolated from other traffic concerns. It was suggested that a working committee be formed to devise a master plan for parking and traffic. The Mayor appointed a group which will report back to the board with suggestions. Comm. Reeves noted that the board had passed a resolution granting 24 hour parking on Willow and Lake Avenues if the odd /even regulation was not settled. Staff should be directed to implement the parking change as soon as scheduling allows. 3A. Update on The Commons Fountain. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, was present to update the board on the status of the Commons Fountain. Comm. Reeves explained that during the 1996 budget discussions, the issue of replacing or fixing the Commons Fountain was brought up. The board had requested Ms. Deming to research cost and other recommendations for the fountain. Ms. Deming distributed a cost estimate for the removal and replacement of the fountain. She has obtained a rough estimate for removal and installation of concrete of $20,000. Egner and Associates has recommended that a European style fountain be installed in its place. Discussion followed concerning cost, style of the fountain, the time table for the project, and the possibility of the cost coming from the newly formed BID. The board agreed that the fountain needs removal because it is a hazard. Ms. Deming stated ideally, the project should be completed by spring. She added that she could do further research on obtaining estimates for total removal of the fountain, keeping the fountain and planting flowers in the pools, or replacement of the fountain. This item will return at a future COW meeting. 3B. Update on Banner Project. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, explained to the board that the banners which were placed throughout downtown need maintenance. She told the board that the hardware on the fixtures need to be tightened and that when it comes loose, the banners can be shredded. She added that several banners have been destroyed due to lack of attention. Comm. Reeves stated that she didn't feel this was a priority and did feel that staff should be pressured into taking the time to check the hardware. Mayor Cohen stated that he felt it was a priority and that he realized that it did take up time from the crews, but it was necessary to do. Supt. Gray told the board that the City Electrician has the busiest crew in the department and does not have the time to check the hardware. Discussion followed and the board decided that the banners were an important maintenance project for the crews. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting October 30, 1996 3C. Dumosters Under Green Street Parking Garage Comm. Reeves explained that in May of 1995, a meeting was held with city staff and Superior Disposal concerning installation of a compactor under the Green Street Garage. The outcome of that meeting was that Superior would furnish a proposal for a compactor. In September of 1995, Supt. Gray notified Superior that a proposal was still being sought. Mayor Cohen told the board that he has had contact with Superior and they have been in contact with the Commons' merchants. He noted that the current compactor being recommended is more improved and that it is self contained and requires no drainage. He recommended that the city consider using the compactor as well. The compactor can also accommodate cardboard recycling. Mayor Cohen noted that Superior is able to install the unit in a period two weeks. This item will return to the board at a future date when more information is available. 4. Improvements to Council Chambers. Alderperson Mackesey noted that she was asked by the board to take the issue to Council for review. She noted that due to budgetary discussion and concerns of cut backs, she did not take the issue to Council. Jean Deming noted that there have been modifications to the original proposal. Mayor Cohen asked that the issue be reviewed with Chief Wilbur concerning maximum capacity. 5. Request for Expungement of Water Bill - Nates Floral Estates Comm. Reeves explained that Nates Floral Estates had a broken water main and that they are requesting expungement of the water bill. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained that the water meter isn't scheduled for reading until December and that a special reading could be made and an estimate could be given. He added that the billing history makes it difficult to estimate the amount of water lost. He noted that the board passed a resolution in 1984 denying future expungements. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained to the board that generally water expungements aren't given but sewer expungements are given. Mr. Weiner, owner of Nates Floral Estates, was present and stated that the break happened on a Friday and that it was unable to be contained until late Saturday. Discussion followed concerning the type of pipe and the soil of the property. Supt. Gray reminded the board that the property has a history of breaks and that expungement of sewer is usually granted for first time breaks. The board decided that further information needs to be gathered before a decision is made. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3