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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 Page - 2 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 Page - 3