HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-07-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 9, 1997
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Seligmann, Smith,
Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Gray, Superintendent Gray and Assistant
Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
Additions: Request for Input on Meeting Schedule
Award of Bid for Masonry Contract (Sidewalk Program)
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1 Request for Input on Meeting Schedule.
Comm. Ehrhardt questioned if the board is content with the newly implemented meeting
schedule. Supt. Gray noted that the meeting schedule is tough on staff since the
regular meetings are at 7:30, it makes for a long day. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that
the board may want to consider re- arranging the sequence of meetings. The current
schedule is - COW meeting on the second Wednesday of the month, Committee
,+ meetings on the third week and the regular voting meeting on the fourth Wednesday.
He suggested switching the COW and regular meetings around. This item will be
discussed at future meetings.
2. Truck Routes.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the city currently has an ordinance concerning truck routes.
He explained that there is a problem with large trucks driving through neighborhoods.
Discussion followed concerning what the definition of a truck is since trucks are only
allowed on designated truck routes. Comm. Seligmann questioned if the ordinance is
unenforceable or if it not enforced? He noted that if it is not enforceable, the board
should review and make changes. If it is enforceable, the police department should be
notified. Supt. Gray noted that depending on the source of traffic, it may be considered
as local traffic. He noted that many businesses take the shortest routes in order to
save operational costs. The consensus of the board was that the issue is not an easy
one to solve and that information from the police department is needed, including truck
speed. Mayor Cohen noted that he would send a letter to some of the local truck traffic
generators explaining the intention to increase enforcement of truck routes.
3 BPW Police Regarding Issuance of Parking Permits to City Employees and
Board members.
Mayor Cohen noted that the board had approved free parking in the Dryden Road
garage for Fire Department staff at Station #9 in Collegetown. The board had
requested that the Fire Department plan on paying for the permits in future years.
There has since been discussion concerning all departments paying for employee
parking privileges. It was noted that providing parking is considered past practice and
that it would be a negotiated item during union contract negotiations. Mayor Cohen
noted that departments need to prepare for what the assessment for staff parking would
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
July 9, 1997
be since the 1998 budget process is beginning. The question would then be what
formula to use to charge each department. The possibilities would be by the hour, the
same cost as a permit sold to the public or the actual cost of maintenance. Supt. Gray
noted that City Hall was not alone in this, other city buildings maintain parking lots for
the employees. Mayor Cohen told the board that he would present a resolution to the
board on this issue. Comm. Jenkins wanted to alert the board that the current
handicap parking spaces are not convenient. She questioned if spaces in front of
Woolworth's could be designated as handicap spaces. This request will be forwarded
to staff for consideration.
4 West Buffalo Street Parking Lot.
The board discussed the possibility of issuing permits for the newly constructed lots
and how to recover the expense of maintenance. Supt. Gray noted that the residents of
West State Street pay $27 for a permit in that lot. If a lower rate is charged, it would
not seem equitable to those permit holders. Cynthia Yahn, business owner, contended
that the residents use to have parking and that it was removed, forcing the residents to
go elsewhere. She added that the residents are willing to administer the maintenance,
but that since it is public property it is illegal for them to do so. She noted that she is
delighted with the workmanship put into the lot and that it is much needed for the
neighborhood. She told the board that the residents are willing to pay for half of the
maintenance fees which would be $1,200. Supt. Gray noted that he believed the cost
would be closer to $3,000. The lack of lighting at the lot was also discussed. It was
noted that this is not an issue. It was noted that if a permit system were to be
implemented, there was no way to insure that only residents would obtain the permits.
5 Free Parking During Holiday Season.
Doug Pessefall, Chair of the BID, was present to address the board. He requested that
the board consider granting 2 hour free parking to customers during the Holiday
Season, November 27, 1997 through January 9, 1998. He indicated that the BID
believes that sales will increase and the city would gain revenue through the increased
sales tax received by merchants. Beverly Apgar, merchant on the commons, pointed
out that sometimes the city has to look at the overall good for the community. She
pointed out that service oriented businesses will also benefit from a free parking period.
Alan Buchberg, merchant on the commons, noted that the city use to allow 2 hour free
parking and believes that it was very successful. Comm. Seligmann stated that he felt
that the request is for a long period of time during an important period of time. He
noted that it was a very big risk for the city to take on its own. He questioned if the BID
could cover some of the lost revenue? Comm. Smith noted that the BID does not have
funds available in their budget to contribute. He noted that all parties involved are
taking a risk. Supt. Gray noted that the city needs to pay the bills for maintaining the
spaces. This item will be discussed further at a Properties Sub - Committee meeting.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
July 9, 1997
6. Award of Bid for Sidewalk Contract.
Supt. Gray noted that the bid cannot be awarded because they came in over budget.
He noted that he may present a resolution at the next regular meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
C�J
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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