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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-01-14BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ire COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 14, 1998 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Leonardo, Smith (arrived at 4:10), Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel (both arrived at 4:10). Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to the agenda. Deletions: Request for Easement at State Theater 1. Discussion of Meeting Schedule. It was noted that the Common Council schedule was recently changed to include additional Wednesday meetings. The new schedule conflicts with the board's voting meeting. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the COW meeting be held at 4:00 p.m. on every second Tuesday while the voting meeting be held at 5:30 on every third Tuesday. Vivi The board agreed on these days and times. Mayor Cohen noted that many of the board members have limited time to devote to the board. He added that he will be reviewing what committees the board is involved with as well as who is on them. He will be meeting with each member individually in order to make liaison appointments. Mayor Cohen explained to the board that he will be meeting with Supt. Gray and Asst. Supt. Ferrel and Fabbroni in order to review last year's operations. He noted that some projects could have been scheduled earlier in the year and overtime resulted to finish jobs. Supt. Gray told the board that overtime can be a very useful tool. A crew may be faced with finishing a job with two hours overtime as opposed to shutting down for the day and restarting the next day. Restarting the next day may require more time. Mayor Cohen also remarked that he would like the odd /even parking committee to begin meeting. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to approve meeting schedule changes. 2. License Agreement - Johnson Boat Yard. Tom Cleveland, owner of Johnson Boat Yard, was present to address the board. On an unrelated matter, he questioned why the department couldn't plow the road leading to this business. He explained that plow trucks drive by with the plow up and felt that it was not an efficient way to handle the job. Mr. Cleveland told the board that McPherson Boating had formerly leased an area adjacent to the inlet and his property. He requested that this area be added to his current license agreement. Mr. Cleveland noted that he believed it was an area of 100 feet by 15 feet. Supt. Gray told the board that Asst. Civil Engineer Creig Hebdon estimated that only 80 feet of shoreline are available. The board agreed to vote on a resolution approving the lease of additional space which will be determined by staff. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole January 14, 1998 3. Snow Removal from Storm on December 30 1997. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that on December 30, 1997, the County Sheriff's Department closed the county roads. He explained that he had received complaints concerning snow removal and questioned if there were problems or if it was handled accordingly. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that the crews had prepared for the storm although the the approximate 21 inches of snow received was twice the amount than expected. He noted that the arterials were kept open while many secondary streets had to be opened with the grader. Asst. Supt. Ferrel addressed the letter received concerning the maintenance of parks. He noted that snow removal from parks is not a priority and that loaders were used. He further explained that the snow had begun to melt, causing mud, which created divets when the loader drove in the park. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that the reduction of employees has effected the performance of snow removal. He explained that the department has better equipment than ever before but an inadequate number of personnel to handle it. He noted that there are 5 large snow plow trucks with spreaders, 3 one ton trucks with plows, several pickups with plows and spreaders, 2 graders and 3 loaders, including a small one for sidewalks. In addition, a loader was used from Water and Sewer to assist in clean up. He then noted that two of the plow trucks were broke down and that not every truck had a wing -man. He added that the snow was so deep and heavy that all trucks were stuck at one point. Mayor Cohen explained that he was not aware at the time, but the Mayor is empowered to declare a snow emergency which would have required vehicles to be removed from the designated snow routes. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board that the designated primary pedestrian routes were maintained by the department during the storm. Council Liaison Marcham noted that additional discussions are required concerning snow removal and that each department should provide a list of emergency personnel since that seemed to be a city wide concern. 4. Miscellaneous Items. Mayor Cohen noted that the election for a vice chair will take place at the next voting meeting. He told the board that he is working with SJS members to reduce the number of meetings held. Supt. Gray notified the board that he will be presenting three personnel items at the next voting meeting. Two Water and Sewer temporary positions to be extended and the addition to the Engineering staff. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary