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