HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-03-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 12, 1997
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Seligmann, Smith,
Vargas, Alderperson Gray, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant
Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
Deletions: Proposed Transit Route Changes
Postponements: Electrical Upgrade for Compactors Under Green Street Garage
There were no additions to the agenda.
i. Vutgoor Dining.
A. DISCUSSION OF 1997 FEES.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that two years ago, it was decided that the outdoor
dining fee would be $7 a square foot. The board has since decided that the fee be
reviewed and possibly lowered. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he is proposing a new fee
at $3.50 per square foot. Discussion followed on the prior procedure for establishing
the fee and how outdoor dining improves the downtown atmosphere. The consensus of
the board was to lower the fee to $3.50 per square foot.
B. REQUEST FOR OUTDOOR DINING AT RULLOFF'S.
Leigh Ulrich, General Manager of Rulloff's, was present to address the board. Ms.
Ulrich explained to the board that the area being requested is not adjacent to the
building. There is a "bump out" in front of the restaurant and that is the area being
requested. She added that they plan to have three or four tables in the area. She
noted that there is a bench in that area which she is requesting to have removed. She
suggested that the bench could be moved to the "island" down the street. It was noted
that alcohol would not be served. Discussion followed concerning the removal of the
bench. It was noted that the activity could be monitored for one season and evaluated
for the following year. A resolution approving the request will be presented at the next
regular meeting, in two weeks.
C. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR DINING AT SIMEON'S.
Mayor Cohen noted that the board had previously approved a resolution giving the
Superintendent the authority to approve outdoor dining that was previously approved
by the board. Since Simeon's is requesting an additional forty feet, the board must
review the request. Discussion followed concerning the additional space. The board
will vote on a resolution to approve outdoor dining in the additional area.
Board of Public Works
r Committee of the Whole
March 12, 1997
2. Downtown Meters - Possibility of Removal
This item was presented to the Board by Mayor Cohen to encourage downtown
shopping. His proposal involves meters surrounding the Commons. Supt. Gray noted
that City Chamberlain Parsons had given data for two weeks' revenue during February
for 106 downtown meters. The average for the two weeks is $1400 which figures to
approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually. He added that since 1994, the revenues
from the meters have increased although there is no way to determine where the
increases occurred. Mayor Cohen noted that there are about 400 meters city wide and
that the average per meter is $635. He noted that currently about 2/3 of the meters are
occupied by employees. He explained that allowing free 2 hour parking would force
long term parkers into the garage otherwise, they'll receive tickets. He added that he
estimates an increase of $35,000 for permits in the garages. Mayor Cohen told the
board that Corning and Cortland have free parking and feel that they benefit from it.
He added that neither city could offer concrete figures on the successfulness of the
program. Mayor Cohen reviewed ideas that he has which would allow the program to
be successful. The first item would be that once a vehicle parked for two hours on one
street, that vehicle could not park on that street for the remainder of the day. Another
point was that most businesses with delivery vehicles have their own parking lots
therefore, would not be permitted to park on the street. The final point is that tractor
trailers would only be allowed in restricted zones. Comm. Smith told the board that the
BID supports the idea in hopes to encourage downtown shopping. The issue of
employee parking was discussed and how employers could police this type of action.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he didn't feel comfortable approaching Council with this
proposal when the board had asked for more money during the budget process. He
added that he would like to see more information that would show how the city could
benefit from the proposal. Comm. Seligmann agreed that some evidence of an
advantage would need to be provided. Comm. Vargas told the board that he is
concerned with other issues such as the environment of the Commons and the type of
businesses. He explained that he is not convinced that free parking is the answer to
attract people to the downtown area. Mayor Cohen told the board that he would meet
with Deputy Controller Thayer and return with data at the next meeting. The board will
vote on a resolution in two weeks at their regularly scheduled meeting.
3. Update on Community Development Projects
Martha Armstrong was present to update the board on the current projects being
handled. She noted that the curbing at the Mutual Housing Project will be installed in
April, paving will be done in September and housing is to be occupied in August.
Conway Park playground build is scheduled for April 26th. The demolition of the
building on Buffalo Street is completed and drainage installation for the parking lot is
underway. The next step involved is for a community agreement for maintenance of the
lot. Southside Center improvements are continuing, the center needs to raise $1000 in
order to make improvements to the existing gym. Ms. Armstrong focused the
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
March 12, 1997
discussion on Cleveland Avenue noting that input has been received from IFD, IPD and
Traffic Engineer Dan Cole. She noted that lighting is a main concern of the
neighborhood and that two types of lighting is being proposed. The first is that lighting
be increased, either installed at every pole or additional wattage be added to existing
poles. The second option is for installation of historic type poles which would be
aesthetically pleasing for the neighborhood. She noted that the historical poles would
cost more. Discussion included maintenance of the poles. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted
that the department has intended to maintain poles throughout the city but the
reduction of staff has prevented it. It was noted that the final decision regarding the
poles would be made by Council based on a recommendation from the board. Ms.
Armstrong told the board that another aspect of the project is traffic calming. She
pointed out that a design has been created giving options of chokers or round -a -bouts
and chicanes and speed humps. She noted that there isn't a real speed problem in the
area. She added that this would be a great opportunity to experiment with new
designs. She explained it would give the city a chance to operate under new
conditions, such as snow removal. This item will return to the board with future
updates.
4. 1997 DPW Work Program
Asst. Supt. Ferrel and Fabbroni reviewed the handout with items that they would like to
be seen completed during 1997. It was pointed out that not all of these items will be
done due to emergencies and new projects brought up by the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Cohen stated that he'd like to see a list which is realistic including consideration
of emergencies and new projects. This item will continue at the next COW meeting on
April 9, 1997.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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