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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-10-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 6, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Miscellaneous Updates Mayor Cohen questioned the status of parking changes on West Falls Street. Staff indicated that signage changes have not been made. Mayor Cohen stated that he will meet with staff at the location in order to move forward on the issue. Mayor Cohen reminded the board that while discussing Holiday Parking during the meeting, they should keep in mind that Dryden Road should receive the same opportunity. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he has received three responses to the recent resolution to make changes to the "south of the creek" area. One concern was from a resident on Park Street requesting that it not be made one -way. He suggested that staff work with the residents on finding a mutually agreed upon solution. 2. Reauest for Removal of "No Parking' Sign 308 Stewart Avenue Supt. Gray explained to the board that the no parking area is necessary due to it being a narrow, busy street. It serves as a loading zone as well as allowing turning radius for buses and trucks. He noted that in the past, as soon as the sign is installed, it is removed by vandals. Comm. Gutenberger noted that the recommendation provided by staff indicates that there is no objection to installation of a parking meter in the space, and that it is scheduled for placement in late October. Mr. Hallett, owner of ABC Caf6 asked that the "No Parking" sign be moved closer to the intersection. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that TCAT and IFD should be consulted prior to moving it. Mr. Hallett indicated that his customers have been impacted severely since parking is sparse. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he would like this item to return to the next meeting with a report on the status. Supt. Gray wanted to make sure that the record reflected that this work was approved by staff but is subject to approval from IFD and TCAT and that if either objected, the sign would not be removed. 3. Disability Advisory Council Concerns with Crosswalks Margaret McCasland of the DAC, was present to address the board. She provided the board with a resolution passed by DAC with their concerns. A major concern is that the traffic paint wears off the pavement in a short period of time. They would like to see either the type of paint changed or more frequent painting. She suggested that glass beads be added to all striping and that zebra striping be used to improve visibility. She noted that some of the crosswalks on state routes have not been re- painted after new pavement was put into place. She also indicated that the audible crosswalks on the state routes do not always function properly. Supt. Gray noted that Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole October 6, 1999 the paint being used is to DOT specification and requirements. He added that zebra striping takes more materials and staff time than what is allowed in the budget. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the sign shop currently has only three staff members and a limited budget. He added that they currently stripe school zones twice a year, in the spring and fall. Ms. McCasland suggested that federal monies from ISTEA be utilized. Supt. Gray explained that those funds are not for maintenance which this type of work would fall under. He then asked Ms. McCasland to compile a list of intersections that the DAC and BPAC consider high volume, priority crosswalks. Comm. Gutenberger pointed out that the DAC resolution requests longer time during the "Walk" cycle on signaled crosswalks. Ms. McCasland commented that there is barely enough time to cross during the "Walk" stage for someone without disability and would like to see that extended. Supt. Gray then explained that most pedestrians don't understand that flashing "Don't Walk" is equivalent to a yellow traffic light, therefore they feel rushed when crossing intersections. Discussion followed on the need of additional staffing to accomplish additional and adequate striping. Supt. Gray noted that the board could change the current policy on striping, but that additional staff and funding would be required. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that a board member work with Ms. McCasland in order to carry this issue forward. Comm. Leonardo suggested that staff provide the board with a statement of facts on striping of crosswalks in order for the board to take this to Common Council for additional funding. This item will continue at a future meeting. 4. Holiday Parking in City Lots /Garages Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board will be presented with a resolution at the next regular meeting to approve 2 hour free parking in all city lots and garages. 5. Abandonment of Carpenter Circle Supt. Gray explained to the board that he understands that in order to abandon a city street, it needs to be advertised and adjacent property owners need notification. Discussion followed on what the purchase offer of the land entailed. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that there is approximately 2000 feet of granite curbing that he would like to salvage for other projects. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that a major sewer interceptor and water main are underground at this location. He advised that an easement be retained for these utilities. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he would bring these concerns forward at the Common Council meeting. 6. Giles Street Bridge Environmental Review. Supt. Gray once again explained that this project is a Type II and that a resolution is needed for DOT in order to continue with paper work. He added that Type II projects are not required to have an environmental review but that the department will be undertaking one. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 7. Pro a y Sw ip at Johnson Boat Yard. Supt. Gray reminded the board that they had agreed to a property swap at a prior meeting. He added that this item needs to be finalized. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole October 6, 1999 8. Undate on Bike Plan Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that they will be discussing the feedback from the public hearing at the next COW meeting. He noted that he needed honest opinions of the routes. He added that this discussion is intended for the board only and no public comments will be received. 9. Staff Report Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported on the following: Water and Sewer Projects were approved in the Mayor's Budget. Buffalo Street Pump Station is completed. York and Falls Streets are about completed. There were some complaints of lack of notification. Water Agreements are being circulated. Water Street and Vinegar Hill Pump stations are now Y2K compliant. Comm. Korherr questioned what the plans for the 1200 and 1300 blocks of North Cayuga Street are. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that a project is in mind. The city and county are considering purchasing a large back hoe. Discussion followed on the mains which would assist in fire protection to the Fall Creek School. Comm. Vargas questioned the status of West State Street. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the sidewalk contractor is underway. Structural soil mix will be added to the tree lawns. Street surfacing with bricks should begin next week. 10. Abandonment of Carpenter Business Circle Cynthia Yahn, prospective owner of the site, was present. She explained that she intends to allow an easement to the city for utilities. She added that it is her intention to relocate the existing street but to reuse curbing that is in place. 11. Budget Discussion Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the Mayor adopted a 0% and that next years budget does not contain any excess for cuts. Supt. Gray noted that with requests like the one from DAC for more services, the board will have to set work program priorities. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that maybe the city needs to get out of the parking lot business since they are not self - sufficient. Supt. Gray explained that the department will need to operate on a tighter budget and therefore, the level of service will be lowered. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary