HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-02-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 19, 1997
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Alderperson
Mackesey, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
1. Request for Right on Red at College Avenue and Dryden Road.
Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, was present to address the board. Mr. Cole
indicated that the board had previously passed a resolution to prohibit right on red
turns at College and Dryden Road. This regulation makes it hazardous for buses.
Because the intersection is narrow, vehicles waiting for the light to change are in the
way of turning buses. This often results in buses not being able to turn for up to six
cycles of the light. It was noted that other oversized vehicles can take alternate routes
whereas the bus is on a set route and schedule. Discussion turned to include removal
of meters at the intersection to allow safer turns for fire trucks. It was noted that there
is already a shortage of parking in Collegetown and that this would be a hardship for
parking. It was decided that if meters should be removed, staff should determine how
many and where. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting to approve of a
"No right on red except buses" sign.
2. Discussion of Traffic Calming on Spencer Road.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that in September, 1996 several city staff met with
residents of Spencer Road and received input on improving traffic. Traffic Systems
Engineer Dan Cole told the board that he is looking into speed humps and noted that
installation would also include additional lighting and paint striping. It was noted that
the fire department should be consulted concerning installation of speed humps.
Another suggestion was to dead end the street at mid - block. This would eliminate thru
traffic. This item will return to the board for an update on information obtained on
speed humps and other traffic calming devices.
3. Encroachment Request for 907 -917 West State Street.
Supt. Gray explained that the building at 907 West State Street encroaches into the
city's right of way. He noted that he would like to see the board approve the
encroachment with the provision that if the property is required by the city, it will be
removed. This is how the board has handled the past few encroachments. A
resolution will be presented to the board approving the encroachment for as long as the
city does not require use of the property.
4. Newman Golf Course Concessions.
Steve Thayer, Deputy Controller, was present to address the board. He explained that
only one bid had been received and that it was based on a larger area than that which
was intended. Staff has reviewed the area of the club house and has determined that
use of the larger area would be sufficient. Discussion followed regarding maintenance
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
February 19, 1997
and use of common areas, such as the bathrooms and patio. Deputy Controller Thayer
noted that these details could be worked out in the contract. Comm. Smith suggested
that the board move forward with the bid and that the concept is beneficial to the golf
community. It was noted that since the bid was received by a local merchant, it is in his
best interest to serve the customers to the best of his abilities. A resolution will be
presented at the next regular meeting to approve of the bid.
5. Continue Discussion of List of Unfinished Business.
This item is continued from the last Committee of the Whole meeting. The board
finished reviewing the list of unfinished items left by former Vice -Chair Carol Reeves.
Several of the items have since been completed, the remaining items will be brought
forward to future COW meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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