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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-02-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 2, 2005 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Chapman, Dotson, 4eAins, Romanoff, Schlather, Mayor Peterson, Alderperson Coles, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel and DAC Chair Roberts. The meeting convened at 4:50 p.m. Additions: Public Comments on Fall Creek Flooding Parking Rates in Collegetown Deletions: Special Meeting - Award of bid Initial Discussion on Centralized Permitting Committee Initial Discussion of Changes to BPW Legislation Mayor Peterson chaired the meeting. 1. Pro osed Adopt a Park-Program. JoAnn Cornish and Margaret Hobbie of the Parks Commission were present to address the board. They explained that the Commission is proposing an adopt a park program to assist in maintenance. Discussion followed and the board agreed on the concept of this proposed program. There was concern about more than one group wanting to adopt the same area as well as unsupervised maintenance. This item will be presented at a future date for approval by the board. 2. Public Comments on Fall Creek Floodin . Several residents were at the meeting to comment about the recent flooding in the fall creek area. Sheila Hemami of 1010 North Cayuga Street indicated that she was now experiencing sewage back up as a result to the flooding. She noted that the city's unresponsiveness was unacceptable. Connie Delany of 111 'West Falls Street told the board that the York. Street pump was not running and resulted in water in her basement. Blaise Bryski, resident of 114 West Falls Street noted that despite the city having two emergency pumps, the problem did not improve. Mr. Delany of 1 I 1 West Falls Street told the board that he had gotten rid of the sump pumps from his house when he moved in because he'd been assured the city had corrected flooding problems in the neighborhood. He added that there should be a warning system in place for future occurrences. Jack Bacon resident of 110 West Falls Street said that he was involved with the installation of the city's pump system in the 1980's. Since that time, he has monitored the creek and used his pumps when needed, He added that in the past, he's seen the water higher than it currently is. He then suggested that the city keep the pumps running as long as possible. Charleen Heidt of 107 Nest Falls Street stated that she understood the system installed in the 1 Q5Z l'c tune ciinnncPri to rnrrPrt the fInnrlina nrnhlems qhe then asked that staff give an COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 2, 2005 pumps failed and within four hours emergency pumps were brought in and running. He assured the board and the residents that everything was handled in a reasonable manner and that he was sorry for any inconveniences they had experienced. He then added that this meeting was the first time he'd heard there was a sewer back up problem and that he would be looking into that. Mayor Peterson told the residents that an emergency response team has been assembled, is working on the problems and hopes to respond to all questions and concerns in a timely manner. 3. Parkiniz Rates in Colie2etown. Business owners from Collegetown were present to address the board concerning the parking rate changes that took effect in January. Sam Schuepbach, owner of Aladdin's Natural Eatery submitted a petition with about 700 signatures appealing the recent rate increase. He told the board that businesses were not made aware of the increases. He added that the increase is unfair as it relates to the downtown rates. Comm. Schlather responded that the board had discussed the increase since September and that there were several articles about it in the Journal to alert the public. He noted that a lot of time was spent on the decision and that a revenue expense had to be met based on the Mayor's budget. He told Mr. Schuepbach that he was not interested in rescinding the board's decision. Chuck Cooley also spoke to the board about his concerns with the increase. He stated that he felt the board's decision was hostile and short sighted and that it greatly hurt employees, customers and tenants. He told the board that he has been giving customers the money to pay for metered parking because they are upset about the added cost. Alderperson Michael Taylor addressed the board indicating that Collegetown already experiences high taxes and that there is money in the budget to help pay for the parking garage. Discussion continued on the option of taking the bus, need for parking and possibility of businesses closing. The consensus of the board was that the parking rates would stay in place for 20015 and that they will be looked at again for 2006. 4. Previous Crosswalk Requests from BPAC. David Henderson of the BPAC was present to address the board. He explained that the BPAC had identified 10 intersections that they felt needed immediate attention. They found that the intersections were not safe and that possibly more enforcement is needed. Comm. Dotson told the 'hoard that she felt this list should be reviewed along with the former Traffic Engineer's recommendations. Discussion followed concerning crosswalk maintenance and staff resources. This item will be discussed further at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Notes by: Donna Redsicker Administrative Secretary