Public Works Votes to Spend $962,000 for Melilli Upgrade: Original Estimate $400K

The one thing easily agreed on at the Public Works Commission meeting was the motion to adjourn at 8:45, after a long three and half hours. With the exception of Commission members, Mr. Russo—from public works, Rick Kearney—from economic development, commissioner Santangelo (sitting in as a member of the public) with his wife Lisa, who left 20 minutes short of the close, and this blog reporter, the room was left empty at the conclusion of the discussion on storm-water improvements to Ridgewood Road/Basswood Drive. I was out of the room during these proceedings, but can report that as the public was leaving the room following this discussion everyone appeared appeased and apprised of the situation, with commission members in agreement on the next steps to take.

The Chair called for a short 10 minute intermission at the close of a long Act I, that turned to 20 minutes, before moving onto Act II--were the commission would discuss the input from the public, and ACT III—were the votes would be counted.

We move to the close of Act III, before coming back to the drama in Act II. The commission passed two resolutions relating to the Melilli Plaza parking lot. My apologies if I get the exact terminology wrong, I hope to get the essence correct.

First the commission voted to recommend the use the $962,000 for the plaza which will go first to the Finance Commission, and then the Common Council for final approval. When the second resolution was made there was a long crescendo of discussion that added friendly amendments and changes to the language before arriving at the anti-climatic vote; Klattenburg and Streeto for and Bauer opposed.

The resolution sets in process the Melilli Plaza Project moving forward as planned with a stop at finance committee before moving onto the Common Council February meeting for a final vote. There where 5 friendly amendments to the resolution that passed.

1. Add oil/water separator

2. Add changes in the current plan at the Harbor Park Tunnel site that will make it ascetically pleasing, ADA compatible, and safe.

3. Add the provision of security camera’s to the plan.

4. Recommend consideration of possible inclusion of a bicycle rack that would be a covered shelter for bicycle commuters coming to work on Main St. pending cost analysis.

5. Recommend consideration/investigation of the inclusion of interior shade trees, and tree types as recommended by Urban Forestry, after checking with the police, and “new” parking director for feedback on security concerns the addition that interior trees might bring.

And now back to Act II, which Russo, opened with a high note of praise, for some “fantastic ideas the public brought to the table, oil/water separator, bikes (I think), trees, and tunnel included.” Then ended with a pitched cry to get the job done, a great performance, in conveying the gospel of saving on cost while contractors are still submitting low bids, and the importance of acting quickly before the business community loses more shoppers and diners for lack of parking.

Streeto, for a while was singing Stand By Me to Mr. Bauer, who in that scene refused to go along with his pals. His final appearance involved praise for the project, and a shout out to the Common Council to reenact once again, at the February, 1st Monday of the month, revival.

Klattenburg wasn’t singing, he had the more serious role of humming a few lines about sympathy for the trees, and tree huggers with a role of giving thanks to the drummers, for participation, and the experts the city keeps employed.

The new parking director kept making cameo appearances, but atlas the audience never got to meet—as is rumored to be—him.

Bauer was singing AND drumming, loud and clear Priorities, Priorities, Priorities, and playing the leading man to Fiscal Responsibility right up to the final curtain.