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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-12-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE December 18, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas (arrived at 4:30), Alderperson Me*ckesey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting. Additions: Collegetown Parking There were no deletions from the agenda. 16. C °rEKS BRIDGES AND PARKS - Commissioner Reeves, A. Newman Golf Course: Renewal of Manager's Contract and Bid of Fo6d Concession for 1997. By Commissioner Reeves, seconded by Commissioner Seligmann. WHEREAS, extensive discussions took place in 1995 regarding the operation of Newman Golf Course, and WHEREAS, a new contract with Steve Torrent was negotiated in 1995, said contract was signed and effective for 1996 and was to be renewed annually, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works attempted to bid out the Newman Golf Course concession for 1996, and was unsuccessful, and WHEREAS, the Newman Golf Course operations and manager's contract need to be set for 1997; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Rick Ferrel, Assistant Superintendent, Streets and Facilities, to renew the contract for Golf Course Manager, Steve Torrant for 1997 with a three percent (3 %) increase in salary, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Deputy City Controller, Steve Thayer to bid out the Newman Golf Course Concession for a two -year period -1997 and 1998 using the same terms and conditions established for the previous bid. Discussion followed. Commissioner Smith stated that he supports the contract and request for bid. He noted that the Golf Sub - Committee is requesting that a few changes be made to the club house, including a new grill and sink to be installed. It was noted that the 3% increase is based on the Administrative Unit contract. Discussion also included 1996 revenues and expenses. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting December 18, 1996 2 collegetown Parking. Sam Samaina, owner of Aladdin's Restaurant in Collegetown, was present to address the board. Mr. Samaina told the board that as a business owner, he did not see the city's rationale for charging a high hourly rate at the Dryden Road garage. He noted that there are only five days of the year that the garage is full. He added that during the next three weeks, while students are gone for the holidays, the garage will be empty and if rates were lower, city residents may be more inclined to visit Collegetown. He noted that the permit rates make sense because they seem to meet market need. Mr. Samaina also questioned the board as to why the Collegetown lot is not free parking during the Christmas season like the downtown area. Supt. Gray noted that the lot was originally intended for permit parking only and that seasonal permits were never discussed. The consensus of the board was that there is no data to determine whether the lot should be closed for December 23rd and 24th. It was noted that if a request is received next year, it could be reviewed and acted on at that time. The board also thanked Mr. Samaina for his input on parking in Collegetown. They decided that they would consider the request next year while reviewing the annual request for free downtown parking. 3. Stewart Avenue Meters. Comm. Reeves reminded the board that they had told the students living on Stewart Avenue they would review the meter revenues and determine whether the meters are warranted. The Police Department has experienced several problems with the new meters, they have found that no one parks in the 800 block of Stewart Avenue and that during the last year, only $51 had been collected from the meters. They would like to remove the meters and use them for parts on the meters that are failing. Supt. Gray noted that the meters, purchased from a company in South Africa, are not living up to their expectations. It was suggested that the department consider legal advise on filing a claim against the company since the equipment is not holding up. The consensus of the board was to remove the meters in the 800 block. 4 1997 Trash Tag Fee • Board had Power to Act. By Commissioner Ehrhardt, seconded by Commissioner Davidoff WHEREAS, the Mayor and Controller have determined that the current trash tag fee is adequate to produce the budgeted revenues for 1997 and WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and Superintendent of Public Works have recommended that the trash lag system be simplified from 35 pound and 20 pound tags to only 20 pound tags; now, therefore, be it Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting December 18, 1996 RESOLVED, That the current trash tag fees be maintained for 1997, subject to review of regenue and expense figures mid year by the Superintendent and Controller, and be it further RESOLVED. That the City Chamberlain continue to sell both 20 and 35 pound tags until the 35 pound tags are used up, at which time the city will sell only 20 pound tags with the understanding that two tags will be used for 40 pound bags in lieu of the separate 35 pound tag. Discussion followed. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 6 Handicap Parking on Second Street. A. Request for On•street Handicap Parking. By Commissioner Ehrhardt, seconded by Commissioner Smith WHEREAS, Dr. Smoolca, 406 Second Street, has requested that on- street Handicap Parking be installed at her office, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request and is willing to approve the installation with limited hours based on the Dr. Smoolca's office hours, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of the installation of Handicap Parking signs at 406 Second Street with limited effective hours as follows: Tuesdays. Thursdays and Saturdays - 7:00 am until 9:00 pm. It was noted that the purpose of this resolution was to approve of the hours, the previous resolution did not correctly reflect Dr. Smoolca's office hours. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously gmmummff eeting Uadate. y noted that the funds for operat ing the residential parking lots associated oute 96 project were not approved. Alderperson Mackesey noted that the for permits was not discussed. Discussion followed on how the department intain the lots. It was suggested that they be "good weather' lots. Supt. ted out the liability since there era abutting sidewalks which need to be d. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that they could be treated as parks are in the Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting December 18, 1996 winter and that minimum maintenance be done. Discussion included why the funds were not included in the budget. It was noted that during budget talks, it was unknown whether the lots would be approved. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the city has a history of not considering maintenance into the budget while a project is being planned and built. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary . Page - 4