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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 Page - 2 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 Page - 3