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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-03-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting of March 1, 1989 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague; Council Liaison Nichols, Supt. Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: 10. Cass Park Skating Rink Review of Site Plan. 11. Discussion of Swimming Pools. 1. WEST HILL MASTER PLAN Deputy Planning Director Paul Mazzarella gave the BPW a background of how this plan was prepared. He noted that a group of 12 to 15 members met every 2 to 3 weeks to discuss various items to develop this plan. Paul noted that one of the residents' concerns was the need for park space. Paul also noted that he wanted the approval of this plan by the Planning Board and Common Council in addition to the BPW. Peter Trowbridge was also present to discuss the major points of this plan. Peter noted that 18 data maps were used for the base and showed the BPW a map which located utilities. He noted that there has been much discussion about the park space. Another topic of discussion in the West Hill Planning Group was the installation of sidewalks, i.e. which streets should have and which shouldn't. Mr. Trowbridge noted that emergency and fire vehicles need easy access to this area and said that Campbell Avenue is very important to these areas. Coordination of a major collector street with the Town is being proposed - however, limiting thru- traffic on some streets is desirable. City Engr. Gray noted that this is the third master plan and asked if this is generally the same as the others or radically different. Mr. Trowbridge did not think it was radically different, but more changes were made in smaller ways. He noted that the road overlays are significantly different, although their concepts are the same. Supt. Dougherty questioned the elimination of the cut - through streets as a radical change. Mr. Trowbridge agreed that compared to the '54 and '71 plans this is a very radical change. Discussion followed on the possible choices of streets as connector streets. Discussion followed about water service and the installation of easements. Doria Higgins, Citizens to Save Our Parks, approached the BPW asking for their �w consideration for a larger park space than the one proposed in this plan. City Engr. Gray thanked Peter Trowbridge for his continued efforts in wrapping up this plan. 2. CITY STREET LIGHT DISCUSSION r Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, and members of the Commons Advisory Board were present to request the use of mercury vapor lighting on the Commons and the downtown area. Charles Schlough, representing the Downtown Ithaca Business Association, supported the NYSEG proposal. He felt that these lights would provide a greater sense of security at night. Council Liaison Nichols asked if the stores on the Commons would be open at night now. Jean stated that they would like to see the downtown area a well- balanced 24 hour a day community. Discussion followed about the current lights which have been acceptable for the past 15 years. Jean noted that there are a whole set of new problems that exist today and the lack of police officers available to patrol this area. Stuart Lewis felt the decline in sales at night on the Commons was due to a "fear syndrome." Jonathon Meigs from the Planning Department agreed, and felt that lighting does affect people and urged the BPW to go one step further and consider the quality of light in the whole City. Discussion followed about what decision the BPW should make. Commissioner Cox noted that there are many different types of lights and he could bring in some examples for the BPW's review. The BPW decided to postpone any decision on these lights until after reviewing these samples from Commissioner Cox. 3. CASS PARK ICE SKATING RINK CW Andy Sciarabba was present to discuss his site plan for the new skating rink at Cass Park. He noted the original design sited the rink in a north /south orientation but after speaking with the Asst. Supt., he spoke with Holt Architects about relocating it to an east /west orientation. He noted that the environmental assessment form passed the P &D Committee of Common Council unanimously with a negative declaration. Mr. Sciarabba noted that there will be a relocation of the tennis courts. He showed the BPW an aerial photograph of the area. Commissioner Reeves asked what other types of activities would be held in this building. Mr. Sciarabba said that this building will have a concrete floor and could be used for anything the City Youth Bureau wants to use it for. Mr. Sciarabba noted that showers and locker rooms are being proposed in the future. Discussion followed about costs. Commissioner Daley noted that he felt this is a great improvement, and the BPW agreed to endorse this site plan. 4. FARMERS MARKET LICENSE FEE Council Liaison Nichols noted that the approval of a long -term lease is done by Common Council. He noted that a resolution is be worked on that would do away with long -term licensing agreements. It was noted that the BPW will be able to review this document before it goes to Common Council. 5. ENCROACHMENT REQUEST FROM STU LEWIS RE: HOLLEYS Discussion followed concerning allowing encroachment agreements on the Commons. Supt. Dougherty noted that there are basically two types of agreements given out - one that is not charged for and the other is. Discussion followed about Mr. Lewis' request, and the BPW's desire not to set a precedent. Discussion followed about whether to charge a fee or not. The BPW decided to grant this agreement pending approval of the City Attorney, and charge a fee. 6. STATE 0 &M AID Supt. Dougherty told the BPW that a letter was received from the New York State Conference of Mayors alerting the Mayor and staff of the State's proposed cut in aid to the sewage treatment plant. This group is suggesting that the State Senator and Assemblyman be contacted to help stop this cut. It was noted that this is a yearly battle. The BPW decided to prepare a resolution to this effect and forward it to the appropraite people. 7. SWIMMING POOLS Council Liaison Nichols noted that at the Planning and Development Committee meeting a proposal was received to build a bubble over the Cass Park pool. As part of that discussion, the subject of the GIAC pool was brought up, and if any plans have been designed for this. Supt. Dougherty said that a construction grant for this pool was not approved. Commissioner Daley understood that the capital project fund was depleted for this project. Council Liaison Nichols noted that he will bring this issue back. Discussion followed about the bubble and the City providing it. The BPW decided this should be discussed again. 8. STEWART AVENUE BRIDGE REPAIR City Engr. Gray discussed the budget for bridges. He explained his original decision to repair both the Stewart Avenue and Thurston Avenue bridges. He noted there were questions concerning painting the Stewart AVenue bridge - it may produce hazardous waste. Due to the scheduling and budget problems, he has decided to undertake the Thurston Avenue bridge rehabilitation only. Bill noted he was going to talk to the State concerning the grant money involved. Discussion followed on the shop fabricated items. City Engr. Gray will report his findings back to the BPW. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary