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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-10-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 20, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. Additions: Update on Collegetown Staging Discussion of Franklin Street Request Columbia Street "No Parking" Signs Modification of Spencer /Turner/Prospect Bump Outs Modification of "South of the Creek" Traffic Calming Resolution Volleyball League Use of Stewart Park There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Vollevball League Use of Stewart Park The volleyball league that uses Stewart Park on a regular basis has offered to purchase grass seed to replace the grass which was torn up during their season. 2. Board has Power to Act - Encroachment for First and Hancock. Moved by Comm. Korherr, Seconded by Comm. Gutenberger WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received and reviewed a request for an encroachment agreement from Mary Eckert and Carol Grubb as owners of 317 First Street and 211 Hancock Street, and WHEREAS, the existing building at 211 Hancock Street encroaches on the street right of way by approximately 1.5 feet as shown on a property survey done by Raymond H. Brashear dated September 10, 1999; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the requested encroachment for the property at 317 First Street and 211 Hancock Street contingent upon the approval of the City Attorney, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board reserves the right to direct that the encroachment be removed at no cost to the city if the department requires use of the property, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole October 20, 1999 3. Board has Power to Act - Award of Bid for Compact Sweeper. WHEREAS, staff received bids on September 21, 1999 for a 1999 Compact Sweeper, and WHEREAS, staff is recommending the board award the contract to the lowest bidder; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract of 1999 Compact Sweeper to Applied Sweepers, Inc., 105 Henderson Drive, Sharon Hill Court 1, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 for their low bid of $17,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Streets and Facilities to enter into an agreement with Applied Sweepers, Inc. A vote resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 4. Board has Power to Act - Proposal to Improve Safety at Columbia and Giles with Installation of a Stop Sign. Mayor Cohen explained that he has received a request for an all way stop at Giles and Columbia Streets. He indicated that he spoke to the Traffic Systems Engineer who did not seem to object to the request. By Mayor Cohen; seconded by Comm. Ehrhardt RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install an all -way stop at Giles and Columbia Street for a trial period of 90 days, at which time, the board will review feedback from residents and staff on the installation. Discussion followed about the placement of a stop sign and sight distances at the intersection. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 5. Columbia Street "No Parking" Signs Comm. Ehrhardt explained that he's received complaints about the installation of signage that was approved. He stated that he understood "No Parking Between Signs" were to be installed and it appears "No Parking From Here to Corner" were installed. If this is the case, possibly two spaces have been eliminated, which was not the board's intention. He requested a report from staff a the next meeting. Page - 2 VAM Ll Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole October 20, 1999 6. Modification of Spencer/Turner/Prospect Bump Outs Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he's received complaints concerning Fire Department access to Spencer Street with the recent installation of bump outs. He noted that Traffic Systems Engineer Cole should look at this situation with IFD and return to a November meeting with an update. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that he could have the bump outs moved within a week. 7. Modification of "South of the Creek" Traffic Calming Resolution Comm. Ehrhardt questioned what type of barriers are being considered for the diverters at Wood, South Titus and South Streets. Supt. Gray noted that it would be a typical design that is not mountable. It was noted that the media should be notified and that possible alternate routes should be provided for motorists. 8. Discussion on Input/Feedback from Bike Plan Public Hearing_ Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he wanted to have honest feed back from board members based on feed back received at the public hearing. Comm. Korherr noted that the board received petitions against the bike lanes since on- street parking would be removed. He told the board that he is not in favor of installing the bike lanes and feels that the city is already bike friendly. Comm. Jenkins explained that she is concerned with having the bike route on Plain Street which is already narrow and agreed that putting in lanes would not be a good idea. Comm. Korherr added that he'd like to see funds available for educating bike riders. Comm. Gutenberger told the board that she heard a lot of concern about parking removal. She added that parking helps with traffic calming and that a dedicated bike route would be a false sense of security. She noted that striping lanes will add to the department cost as well. She agreed that education is needed. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the available funding will cover initial investments, but maintenance would be up to the department. He added that costs would be about $30,000 annually and that weather would also be a factor. Comm. Gutenberger suggested that "Share the Road" signs be installed on busier streets. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he did not feel that was sufficient enough. Discussion followed on how to improve safety and how to move forward with this matter. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that each board member write down their ideas of what makes sense and why. 9. Staff Reports. Supt. Gray reported on the following items: - Roller Park is continuing and will be complete by the end of the month. - Sidewalk project is winding down. - Interviews were held for hiring of a new Engineering Technician. - Work is continuing with the water committee as well as the joint sewer committee. - Contractors are working on West State Street Project. Brick paving should start late next week. - The topic of spring clean up was brought up during budget discussion. He reminded the board that the last clean up cost the department about $100,000. Page - 3 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole October 20, 1999 Mayor Cohen told the board that the sidewalk project has been expanded from $75,000 to $300,000. The project will include a staff member to perform inspections as well as pay for installations. Discussion followed on cost for garbage hauling. Supt. Gray noted that 1998 costs were close to the revenue received. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the public waste was not accounted for. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Page - 4 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary