HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-07-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 21, 1999
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson
Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
Additions: Update on Spencer/Turner /Clinton Street Intersection
Deletions from the agenda: Award of Bid for 1999 Sidewalk Contract
1. hump guts on College Avenue
Fire Chief Wilbur, Building Commissioner Eckstrom and Building Inspector Bob Ripa
were present to address the board concerning the temporary removal of bump outs on
College Avenue. It was explained that during the construction of a new building at 405-
407 College Avenue there will be a need for additional street space for traffic, delivery
and construction. Supt. Gray noted that this type of temporary removal would be very
costly to the property owner, possibly an additional $30,000 expense. Discussion
followed concerning the lack of parking and diminished access for the Fire Department
on College Avenue. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested not changing the design of the street
but rather making the street temporarily one -way. This would allow egress from the fire
station and hopefully improve traffic flow during the construction. It was suggested that
bus routes could also be changed to accommodate the one -way section. The board's
consensus was that the bump outs should not be removed without input from the Traffic
Engineer, Planning and Development and the businesses. It was noted that the main
reason for concern is that there is a lack of enforcement with cars double parking in the
driving lane and at expired meters. This item will be discussed further at the next
committee of the whole meeting on August 41n
2. Request for Change in Parking at 100 - 300 Block of South Geneva Street
Suk Choong, property owner of 226 South Geneva Street, requested that the recently
installed 24 hour parking space be extended to in front of her property. She noted that
it was not fair for the board to give a space to her neighbor and not one to her. Comm.
Ehrhardt explained to Ms. Choong that the space is not designated specifically for use
by 228 South Geneva Street. He noted that the neighbor does not have a driveway,
unlike all other properties on the street. Mayor Cohen told the board that they have
three choices, to do nothing, rescind the initial resolution, or change the entire street to
24 hour parking. Discussion followed concerning how the space was changed from 2
hour to 24 hour and why the entire street wasn't changed. It was suggested that the
street be changed to 2 hour parking from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with odd /even
parking at night. Ms. Choong insisted that a 24 hour space be placed in front of her
property out of fairness. Alderperson Hershey explained to Ms. Choong that she could
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
July 21, 1999
use the space and that the space was changed in an attempt to accommodate a
property owner without a driveway. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he felt the board made
the right decision and that this item needs further discussion. He noted that the board
will vote on her request at the next regular meeting and consider 2 hour parking from
8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
3. Water and Sewer Item.
It was noted that Asst. Supt. Fabbroni requested this item on the agenda and no one
was sure what it was about. Mayor Cohen speculated that it was concerning the
Unified Work Plan which Stearns and Wheler is working on for the six municipalities.
He noted that they are looking at a number of options. He added that the costs will be
spread out over the 6 municipalities, this still needs to be negotiated. Some of the
funds will be covered by bonds and shared investments and will ultimately effect the
sewer rates of the municipality. Each municipality will need to analyze whether it is
financially beneficial to support one alternative or another. This is the same process
the city had to undertake while considering the water consolidation. He noted that
there are environmental benefits related to some of the alternatives.
4. Update on Spencer /Turner /Clinton Street Intersection
Asst. Supt. Ferrel updated the board on this item. He told the board that he could build
the temporary changes to the intersection if he had a final design. It was noted that
one was previously given to him. This design will be resubmitted for the changes to be
completed.
5. Update on Truck Route Signage
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the city has received word from the state that they have
approved the installation of the truck route signs on State arterials. Alternate truck
route signage will not be allowed on the State routes.
6. Budget.
Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that based on staffing changes, there is almost an offset of
the projected 2% pay increase. He noted that he has added salary adjustments to
some of the supervisor's salaries. He explained that if the equipment replacement
schedule is not kept up with, the department will encounter serious problems. Supt.
Gray told the board that they will be looking to Council to find out what programs they
are willing to continue to fund and what programs they are willing to do without. He
added that the department continually receives direction to complete more tasks but
then asked for reductions in the budget. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that about eight years
ago, DPW was told to make major cuts but that after a few years, things would turn
around. Since then, the department has continued to cut its budget and not threatened
to do less. Alderperson Hershey told the board that they should submit proposals that
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
July 21, 1999
show where the department will be cutting back on programs as well. Discussion
continued concerning 24 hour staffing of the Dryden Road Parking garage and whether
the parking revenues pay for the maintenance of the facilities.
7. Miscellaneous Items.
Due to a lack of quorum, the three members present at the meeting decided to hold a
special meeting on Wednesday, July 21, 1999 at 5:15 p.m. in order to vote on the
award of bid for the 1999 sidewalk contract.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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