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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. Page - 2 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 Page - 3