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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-12-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE December 8, 1998 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Leonardo, Smith (arrived at 4:10), Mayor Cohen (arrived at 4:15), Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni (arrived at 5:20) and Ferrel. Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no deletions from the agenda. Additions: Possible Snow Removal Procedures Merry-go -round Operations Water and Sewer Issues -i. i rucK Koute 5ignage Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole was present to report the status of truck route signage. He informed the board that he had a preliminary map locating between 80 to 100 signs throughout the city. He explained that there are two types of signs "No Trucks" which is a picture of a truck with a red circle and slash through it and the other type of sign is the same with a sign stating "Except Local Delivery." The cost estimate for 90 signs is between $8,000 and $10,000. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the Mayor previously told the board that the department's budget usually has funds left over and that money could be transferred into the appropriate account. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the current sign budget is running in the red. It was decided that the funding could be handled administratively without action from the board. Discussion followed on placement of the signs and which sign would be installed where. 2. Intersection of East State with Cornell and Giles Street. Alderperson Vaughan was present to address the board. She noted that this intersection is dangerous and that accident rates have increased. She explained that as cars approach East State from Giles the site distance is not clear until the vehicle is in the intersection, causing a dangerous situation. Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, noted that there are two options for this intersection, one being an all -way stop, the other being a traffic signal. He told the board that he felt a signal was warranted based on the circumstances and the accident history. Mayor Cohen noted that he felt an all -way stop would better suit the situation. Mr. Cole explained that with the installation of an all -way stop, cars would back up on East State Street therefore making alternate routes through neighborhoods more appealing. He added that with the installation of a traffic light, East State Street would remain a green light until a car approached from another direction. This would prevent lengthy back ups and move traffic more safely through the intersection. Comm. Gutenberger agreed that an all -way stop would not be an ideal choice. Discussion followed concerning the advantages and disadvantages of each option. This item will be forwarded to the Traffic Sub- committee for further discussion. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole December 8, 1998 3. Update from Attorney's Office - Danny Wheeler Request for Cemetery Plot. Mr. Wheeler was present to answer any questions from the board. Mayor Cohen noted that the Attorney's Office felt there was no problem with his request and that the board can vote to approve the request at the next regular meeting. 4. Albany /Spencer /Elmira Intersection Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the project is in the 1999 budget and that he wanted staff to proceed with design and cost estimates. Discussion followed concerning what the design would involve, the Plain Street bridge and neighborhood impacts. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting and will include the objectives for the project. 5. Progress Report on Bike Improvement Meetings Comm. Ehrhardt reported that the meetings are moving along smoothly. The committee has established four main routes to begin implementation of the improvement plans. Input from the City Attorney's Office will be sought on this item. 6. Request for State to Direct truck Traffic off Route 366 and onto Route 13 Mayor Cohen explained to the board that State Route 366 is not a truck route but that it is a touring route. He added that trucks use the route since it is a numbered route. He told the board that there is a high volume of truck traffic and residents along the route would like the trucks routed elsewhere. Discussion followed concerning where a truck route would be since trucks need access to the area. Supt. Gray noted that Route 366 was formerly Route 13 and that trucking companies would probably be willing to fight a regulation prohibiting their use of Route 366. This item will return to the board at a future meeting. 7. Snow Removal Procedures Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the information he meant to provide on this issue was left on his desk. This item will be brought back to the board at a future meeting. 8. Water and Sewer Items. Mayor Cohen noted that Council will be voting on a resolution to proceed with an agreement which will make the city a partner in a water system. Negotiations for an agreement will be underway. He also noted that the Wastewater issues are political and that the agreement will be re- written to address all concerns. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole December 8, 1998 9. Merry -qo -round Operations It was noted that the operations of the merry -go -round has not been addressed by the board. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that he met with the previous owner of the merry -go- round concerning maintenance. Discussion followed on bidding out the operation of the merry-go -round and the concessions stands at Stewart Park and the Newman Golf Course. The board will vote on a resolution to direct staff to move forward with the bid process on these items. 10. Water and Sewer Items -Continued. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni addressed the board concerning current topics within the Water and Sewer Division. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary