HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-02-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of February 15, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Reeves, Sprague; Council Liaison
Nichols, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following were additions to the Agenda:
6. SJS Proposal Endorsement.
7. Cass Park Second Hockey Rink.
1. HUDSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS DISCUSSION
Assistant Civil Engineer Tom West was present for discussion. City
Engr. Gray noted that a public information meeting was held on
February 8th and they were on a tight schedule since they would
like to start work this spring. City Engr. Gray requested the
approval from the BPW regarding the general scope of work. He
noted the most important item was the pavement width - he recommends
a 30' width. Discussion followed about other street widths. It
was noted that the feedback from the public information meeting
was that improving this street (and the curve in question) would
encourage speeding. Discussion followed about this curve; it would
be super- elevated. The BPW heard comments from the public in
attendance. Don Miller, a Hudson Street resident, felt that widening
the street would encourage speeders. Marie Connett Porceddu did
not feel the curve should be widened, she felt the main concern
was to regulate speed. Alderperson Cummings felt the street should
be no wider than 30', for the sake of the trees. She also felt
the sidewalks should be extended and installed in accordance with
this project. Alderperson Cummings felt that some sort of mechanical
means, such as rumble strips, could discourage speeders.
Alderperson Lytel felt the installation of sidewalks from the South
Hill school to Grandview on the west side would make the streets
safer. He also noted that construction will place a lot of traffic
on other streets, and that the Empire State Games will bring in
more traffic. Diane Miller compared the streets coming down from
Cornell University with this, noting that they should have more
stop signs because of all the student traffic. Commissioner Reeves
assured the public that the BPW had a copy of the petition from
the residents residing closest to the curve. The BPW noted that
another public information meeting is scheduled for early March,
and decided to accept staff's recommendation concerning the 30'
street width.
2. CITY STREET LIGHTS
Discussion followed on NYSEG's proposed change of the City's street
lights. The BPW was presented the three options from NYSEG and
staff's recommendation was for Option X61. Discussion followed
about the color of these lights. Discussion followed about the
energy savings to NYSEG. It was noted that this would be a great
savings to the City. It was decided to direct staff to come up
with some more exact figures on this proposal and to review again
at the next COW meeting.
3. ITHACA TRANSIT RIDERSHIP SURVEY
Transit Manager Bernie Carpenter was present to discuss the
possibility of having an entire transit study done. He said that
he met with three people from Cornell University and told them what
he wanted to accomplish. Bernie noted that he would like this
survey to start the second week of April. All input would be put
into a database this summer. Bernie would like this study to
include other transportation services, i.e. Tomtran, Northeast
Transit. Bernie estimated the cost to be about $3,000 and 600
person hours. The BPW encouraged Transit Mgr. Carpenter to proceed
with this survey.
4. SELLMAN WOOLLEN MEMORIAL
Council Liaison Nichols noted that a fund drive has started for
this memorial, and asked the BPW to prepare a resolution supporting
this drive.
5. COLLEGETOWN CLEAN -UP
Alderperson Killeen was present for discussion. The discussion
centered on the trash pick -up and it was noted that trash is at
the curb every day because it is picked up every day. Alderperson
Killeen suggested that perhaps the City is doing too much and it
is not being appreciated. Commissioner Reeves asked Alderperson
Killeen what he would like to do now that he has all the information
he requested concerning Collegetown pick -up, etc. Alderperson
Killeen felt that the proposal should come from the BPW.
Alderperson Killeen suggested reducing the number of workers they
City has in Collegetown, and having the merchants put in some money
to hire Challenge Industries workers to work every day in
Collegetown. It was decided to direct staff to prepare some
suggestions for the BPW's consideration, and to further this
discussion with Alderperson Killeen.
6. TREE REPLACEMENT ON THE COMMONS
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni said that several storms have damaged some
of the trees on the Commons and that some have to completely
removed. He noted that he would like to have these damaged trees
replaced, and is looking for funding. He mentioned that he has
spoke with the Centennial Committee concerning funding this project,
but they felt this should a taxed item. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted
the urgency involved in replacing these trees. He said that funding
would probably come from a budget ammendment. Commissioner Cannon
asked if the Shade Tree Advisory Committee was aware of the choice
of trees, which they are. Discussion followed. The BPW encouraged
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni to go ahead with this.
7. SJS PROPOSAL ENDORSEMENT
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni said that the SJS Committee was seeking the
approval of the BPW to extend the services of the Waste Water
Treatment Plant to include a district call "Monkey Run Sewer
District ". Discussion followed about this not being in the service
area. City Engr. Gray noted that this would be an extension to
the Dryden service. Commissioner Cox noted that he would be
abstaining from any vote on this resolution. Discussion followed
on capacity sizes. It was decided to discuss this further after
reviewing a map from Asst. Supt. Fabbroni.
8. CASS PARK SECOND HOCKEY RINK
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni showed the BPW a map of the proposed new hockey
rink.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:10 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary