HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2000-10-18
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 18, 2000
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Beach, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Leonardo, Mayor Cohen,
Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel.
Comm. Leonardo chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
1. Diverters – Relocation Discussion – Power to Act.
By Commissioner Beach, Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
Diverters at Wood and South Streets.
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works directed the trial installation of traffic diverters to take
place at the intersections of Wood and Fair Streets and South and Fair Streets on March 15,
2000, and
WHEREAS, the board has received extensive public input both directly through public hearings
and calls to the Department of Public Works, and indirectly through the media, letters to the
editor and personal contacts, and
WHEREAS, the board wishes to update the installation in response to that input and the
immediate concerns of the emergency response providers in the community, and
WHEREAS, the board has directed staff to draft proposed modifications to the diverters for
review by IPD, IFD and Bang’s Ambulance in order to make the barriers penetrable by them,
and
WHEREAS, the emergency response providers have provided review comments for the board’s
consideration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to update the barriers on Wood and
South Streets in conformance with engineering drawings dated October 2, 2000 and revised
October 6, 2000.
Discussion followed. Mayor Cohen reminded the board there were concerns with the current
placement of the diverters and that the emergency service agencies requested for modifications
to the diverters. Fire Chief Wilbur addressed the board concerning the latest design of the
diverters. He told the board that he was not prepared to comment on the design since he had
received copies that morning. Discussion followed concerning access routes to that
neighborhood. Alderperson Pryor was also present and told the board that she had met with
residents of Titus Towers. Fifty-three residents in attendance of the meeting suggested moving
the diverters farther east. The main concern for Titus Towers is safety. Discussion followed
concerning moving the diverters to the east. It was suggested to table the resolution until the
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first meeting in November.
Committee of the Whole
Board of Public Works
October 18, 2000
The board requested that the police department be consulted on the latest redesign submitted by
staff.
Motion to table the resolution.
By: Commissioner Beach, Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the resolution to relocate the diverters at Wood and South Streets be tabled
until the November 1, 2000 Committee of the Whole.
Carried Unanimously
2. Sciencenter Parking.
Charlie Trautman of the Sciencenter addressed the board concerning parking near their building.
He stated that he understood they had a verbal approval to utilize First Street for perpendicular
parking. Supt. Gray told the board that meeting notes were reviewed and there was no final
decision on the issue. He explained his concern for maintaining access to the triangle property
on First Street. He suggested that an annual license fee be issued to allow for parking. There are
similar licenses throughout the city. Supt. Gray added that based on the site plan, the proposed
parking gravel spaces would be 8’6” wide. He indicated that the proposed width is not a
comfortable parking width. Mr. Trautman agreed that a license agreement would satisfy their
needs if it were affordable. The board will vote on a resolution at their next regular meeting.
Discussion followed concerning the Mayor calling a special meeting on November 1, 2000 to
vote on this issue.
3. Request to Reduce Water and Sewer Bill.
Mr. and Mrs. Gallucci were present to review their water and sewer bills with the board. They
explained that they received a high bill, at which time they hired a plumber to make some
repairs. Their next bill was higher than the proceeding bill and they don’t understand how a
large water usage could continue. They indicated that they recently found out that the neighbor’s
son was using their hose and could account for some of the water usage. This could explain the
high usage for 105 Yates, but not for 107 Yates. Supt. Gray told the board that in the past, the
board has reduced the sewer bill in similar instances. There is reason to believe that the water
was used but not necessarily treated by the wastewater plant. The board agreed that this was a
reasonable solution and will vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting.
4. Request for Land Swap – 705 Giles Street.
Attorney David Taylor, representing the seller of 705 Giles Street addressed the board
concerning the property. He explained to the board that a portion of the dwelling is on city
property and proposed a land swap. He indicated that there is a portion of the property that
could be turned over to the city to extend the Six Mile Creek Preserve. Discussion followed
concerning what benefit to the city this swap would be. Supt. Gray suggested that the city
attorney review this and give the board input. This item will return to the board.
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Committee of the Whole
Board of Public Works
October 18, 2000
5. Request to Reduce Water and Sewer Bill.
Supt. Gray reminded the board that the owner of the Bowl-o-drome had requested a reduction in
fee because he closes his business during the summer. He is requesting that the minimum due be
reduced since he feels it is too much. Supt. Gray told the board that it is up to the property
owner to choose the meter size, which coincides with minimum fees. A smaller meter would
result in a smaller bill during the summer. The consensus of the board was to make the owner
aware that he is able to switch meters to reduce the rate during his off-season.
6. Staff Reports.
Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the Fall Trash Pick-up Program. He told the board that
approximately 60 tons of trash was collected over the weekend with the help of volunteers and
the National Guard. All available crews have been working to remove the rest of the trash and
are expected to finish by Friday. He noted that Superior Trash is assisting by donating the use of
dumpsters and reducing the trucking fees to half the normal rate. He added that some residents
have placed garbage and recycling at the curb, which was not picked up. Residents who do not
remove material left at the curb, will be subject to being tagged and fined under the regulations
of the City Code. Comm. Gutenberger questioned if funds for this program will be taken out of
DPW budgets. Mayor Cohen stated that DPW funds will not be utilized to fund any of the
program.
7. Miscellaneous Items.
Comm. Gutenberger questioned if there will be a notification of the upcoming change in the
odd/even regulation. She also asked what the status of Ferris Street’s cobblestones is. Supt.
Gray stated that the department is waiting for the report to finish the street.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary