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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2000-10-18 Page - 1 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 Page - 2 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. Page - 3 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