HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-02-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
February 10, 1998
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Smith (arrived at 4:25),
Alderperson Marcham and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
1. No Turn on Red at College Avenue and Dryden Road
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that the Traffic Sub - committee has reviewed this item.
He explained that the intersection is posted with a "No Right on Red" sign. It is
believed that this sign is poorly placed and that motorists do not see it therefore, risking
the safety of pedestrians. It was noted that the sign is posted in accordance with the
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The sub - committee is recommending that
an existing parking directional sign that is located on the traffic signal arm be replaced
with a "No Right on Red" sign. The parking directional sign could then be placed on a
post at curb side. It was noted that the "No Right on Red" sign would need modification
for wind and weight load. Asst. Supt. Ferrel was asked to research the possibilities of
switching the signs as well as improved striping of the crosswalk. The board's
consensus was that the safety of pedestrians is currently a problem. A resolution will
be presented to the board at their next meeting requesting staff to switch the parking
directional sign and the "No Right on Red" sign.
2. Discussion on Proposed Changes at Spencer and Prospect
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that this item has been discussed by the Traffic Sub - committee
and a proposal has been brought forward to the board. The sub - committee is
recommending that the intersection at Spencer and Prospect Streets be elevated, that
Spencer be made one -way in the opposite direction and that mountable curbing be
installed at the intersection. He explained that this would reduce volume of traffic on
Spencer Street. He noted that emergency apparatus are able to go against one -way
traffic if deemed necessary. The mountable curbs would assist emergency vehicles
since the radius would change with the elevation of the intersection. Guy
VanBenschoten of the Fire Department was present to address the board. He noted
that while emergency vehicles are allowed to go the wrong way, it is policy not to do so.
This practice has the potential of creating a very hazardous situation since vehicles
may have already advanced onto the street. This street is not wide enough for vehicles
to move out of the way. He noted that the turning radius at Cayuga and Spencer, which
is the turn they would be required to make, is not feasible. He added that the Fire
Department would be willing to back the other changes being proposed. Comm.
Ehrhardt noted that Spencer Street has a large volume of traffic, particularly during the
evening rush hour. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the traffic will be directed
elsewhere if removed from that street. This item will continue at a later date. Comm.
Ehrhardt noted that resident input will be sought and the board will receive a report on
the item.
Board of Public Works
rr Committee of the Whole
February 10, 1998
3. Request for Reduced Permit Rate at Dryden Road Parking Garage
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that Cindy Wasleff of the Attorney's Office has
requested that the board grant her permission to obtain a reduced rate parking permit.
Ms. Wasleff has a part time job in Collegetown and would like the convenience of a
permit. Since she is only there a few hours each week, she would not benefit from a
full rate permit. The Traffic Sub - committee is recommending this request be denied.
While the board would like to assist city employees, it realizes that granting this permit
would create a large problem. Other merchants within Collegetown would also request
the same privilege. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the new parking system downtown
would allow the option of buying blocks of time. Upgrading of the Dryden Road Garage
system is not foreseen in the immediate future. The board agreed to vote on a
resolution to deny the request.
4. Department Updates.
A. Council Action on Personnel Issues.
Alderperson Marcham told the board that the recent requests to approve two positions
in Water and Sewer and one position in Engineering were approved by council. It was
noted that the Bridge Civil Engineer position was changed to a temporary position
because of Civil Service requirements. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the issue may
return to council next month.
B. Environmental Bond Act Grant Application.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that he met with Assemblyman Luster concerning
the application. He noted that the application is for a total of $6 million. He added that
this is a good opportunity since there is a large amount of money targeted to this region
for wastewater and water improvements.
C. Report from Council Liaison.
Alderperson Marcham told the board that there is a report out from the Police
Department concerning a mounted horse patrol. The department has received two
donated horses. Alderperson Marcham noted that the report indicates that DPW will
take care of the clean up of the horses. There was objection from the board and staff
on this point. Board members questioned the need of mounted horse patrol.
Alderperson Marcham suggested that the board review a copy of the report.
The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary