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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-09-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE September 10, 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. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Request to Purchase Space in City Cemetery. Danny Wheeler, 501 Willow Avenue, requested that the board allow him to utilize space within the city cemetery for burial. Mr. Wheeler explained to the board that he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic which he believes is the owner of the area of land. He noted that he understands the cemetery is closed and that new plots are not being sold. He added that the GAR probably wouldn't have a problem with him buying the area in question. Supt. Gray told the board that he wasn't sure if the area is city owned or privately owned. No board member objected to Mr. Wheeler's purchasing of the property, but the question remained whether it was city property to sell. It was decided that a resolution would be voted on at the next regular meeting to forward this request to the City Attorney's office for their review and to be forwarded to Common Council if need be. 2. South side Neighborhood Concerns Angel Sierra, resident of the Southside Neighborhood, explained to the board that there is a need for increased lighting in the area, as well as speed bumps. Mr. Sierra explained that residents do not feel safe. Because of lack of lighting in the area, most people do not go outside after dark. He added that the traffic has also increased with the new traffic patterns on Route 13. Traffic appears to be cutting through the neighborhood to avoid the congestion of the Route 13 traffic. He noted that the residents are aware of budget constraints and that the recent grant was only for the Cleveland Avenue project. Supt. Gray told the board that in the early spring, he took light meter readings at Center Street and found that they were comparable to those of other residential neighborhoods. He noted that light levels vary depending on the area, for example the downtown business area has higher lighting levels than a residential area. He added that lighting is very expensive and that generally, every other pole contains a light. Comm. Vargas suggested looking into the age of the existing lights and possibly changing the bulbs for increased lighting. Comm. Smith requested that staff take meter readings in the areas of question and report back to the board. The consensus of the board was to vote on a resolution to have staff take light meter readings, check with Community Development to see if current project area could be expanded and to receive an estimate on expanding the lighting in the area. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole September 10, 1997 3. Request for Waiver of Administration Fee for Sidewalk Installation - Esty Street. Comm. Ehrhardt reviewed the situation with the board, noting that they had decided to require property owners to install new sidewalks and that a Capital Project for installation of sidewalks had been established. Ginger Cohen explained that the property owners are requesting the waiver of the standard 25 percent administration fee since they were not given the opportunity to retain their own contractor. Supt. Gray told the board that he did not think the administrative charge applied to the installation of new sidewalks. Ms. Cohen then questioned if the sidewalk on Friends of the Library property could be placed adjacent to the curb so they will not lose additional parking spaces. The board decided that they did not want to discuss re- designing of the sidewalk and that it would be placed according to specification. 4. Request to Paint Sidewalk at 126 North Aurora Street The owner of Giovanni's Osteria Paesana has requested that he be allowed to paint the sidewalk adjacent to his building. He explained in his request that the sidewalk becomes slippery at times. He would like to paint the sidewalk to look like brick and would include an abrasive to reduce slippage. The consensus of the board was that this may add to the aesthetics of the downtown area. The board agreed to vote on a resolution to approve the request and forward to the Arts and Design Committee for their input. 5. Budget Discussion. The board continued their on going discussion concerning the 1998 budget. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2