HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-03-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of March 15, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague, Stone; Council
Liaison Nichols, Supt. Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following were additions to the Agenda:
9. Simeons Outdoor Dining Permit.
10. Encroachment Request at 205 West Court Street.
Commissioner Reeves read letter of appreciation from Belle Sherman PTA
to BPW and staff.
1. PARKING REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Police Chief McEwen was present for discussion. He noted that
he had already met with Supt. Dougherty to try and understand
the background for this new position. He noted that his department
handles all kinds of parking complaints and felt that this person
would do better under his supervision. Chief McEwen further noted
that this person would strictly be a traffic enforcement person
- not a police officer. Commissioner Daley asked about the specific
use of this person - Chief McEwen said that this person would not
do things they were not hired to do. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted
that Supt. Dougherty is in favor of this person being under the
supervision of the police department. City Engr. Gray noted that
the original request was for two people, and that Supt. Dougherty
suggested starting with one person and seeing how it goes. Council
Liaison Nichols asked if a vehicle would be needed if this was
under the police department. Chief McEwen noted he had adequate
cars and radios, and he would probably leave the car marked. He
further noted that this person would be trained by the police
department. Commissioner Cox asked if this person would enforce
odd /even parking. Discussion followed about what parking violations
would be enforced. Commissioner Daley asked that this person try
to enforce all parking violations, not just odd /even. Council
Liaison Nichols asked if this person would be covered by the PBA.
Chief McEwen did not think so, but this should be checked out with
the Personnel Department. Commissioner Daley suggested preparing
a resolution to endorse this concept to put the "Parking Regulations
Enforcement Program" under the supervision of the Police Chief.
The BPW agreed, and Commissioner Cannon noted that in the start -up
phase he would like to see statistics of tickets written, i.e. what
kind, how many. Chief McEwen encouraged the BPW to relay any traffic
complaints they receive to him.
2. HUDSON STREET CITIZENS CONCERNS
Commissioner Reeves noted the letters she had received from
residents on Hudson Street. City Engr. Gray handed out a project
update. He noted that they are two weeks behind schedule because
the consultant did not allow for "talking" time. City Engr. Gray
noted the budget was still okay, and noted the next public meeting
- April 4th at 7:00 p.m. - South Hill School. City Engr. Gray
addressed some of the residents' concerns. He noted the existence
of a school crossing guard and that the traffic statistics don't
warrant a traffic signal. However, since the road is being torn
up a conduit may be installed. Commissioner Stone was concerned
about the high banks at Oak Hill Manor - it causes a visibility
problem. Installation of sidewalks on the west side might reduce
this problem. Commissioner Reeves asked if an estimate for sidewalk
installation is known. City Engr. Gray responded that a figure of
$30,000 was estimated, but did not include the bank work.
Commissioner Stone asked what the pedestrian travel consists of
i.e. children, students, etc. City Engr. Gray continued - he noted
he would not like to see Hudson Street changed from a through
street. He noted the installation of traffic devices would defeat
the purpose of Hudson Street being an arterial street. Commissioner
Cannon noted that most of the complaints he has heard were about
speeding. Supt. Dougherty noted that before East State Street and
Cliff Street were done, many people were concerned about them
becoming raceways, which did not happen. Supt. Dougherty commented
that the area above the curve could allow parking on both sides.
Discussion followed about installation of rumble strips.
Alderperson Lytel supported the installation of rumble strips. City
Engr. Gray felt that they were a last resort method. Commissioner
Cannon sympathized with the residents' concerns - but acknowledged
that this could be installed later. He further noted that other
neighborhoods would want these and noted that the Police Chief asked
to be told of any traffic problems encountered. Discussion followed.
City Engr. Gray noted that in the past few years there have been
very few accidents at the curve. This issue will be discussed again
at the next COW meeting.
3. CITY STREET LIGHT DISCUSSION
Peter Netter from NYSEG, as well as members of the Commons Advisory
Board, were present for discussion. Commissioner Cox brought
samples of lighting - one 400 watt mercury vapor and one 250 watt
high pressure sodium. Discussion began about the conversion of
all the lights. Commissioner Cannon felt the quality of the lights
in pedestrian areas should be different. Discussion followed about
the lights in Collegetown, which are metal halide, and which
Commissioner Cannon felt were pleasing. It was noted that these
lights in Collegetown were an experiment. Discussion followed about
the present Commons lighting. It was noted that the lights at the
end of the Commons cannot be changed since they are already high
pressure sodium and are used for street lighting. Mr. Netter
further noted that these two types of lights (mercury vapor and
high pressure sodium) should not be mixed. Discussion followed
on the samples of lights. Commissioner Cox noted that there are
different manufacturers of high pressure sodium lights and each
one is different. It was noted that the City would not have a
choice of what manufacturer and that the lighting would not be
consistent with the rest of the City. Commissioner Cox asked when
was the last time the Commons was relamped. It was noted that
(bw lights are changed only when needed, and Commissioner Cox felt that
may be why there area so many lighting concerns there. Discussion
followed about exempting the Commons and Collegetown from this
conversion. Commissioner Daley felt that a public meeting should
be held to discuss this. It was noted that high pressure sodium
is a more efficient light. Commissioner Cannon asked for a proposed
figure and tariff savings before a decision is made. The BPW will
discuss this issue again at a future COW meeting.
4. SIMEONS OUTDOOR DINING PERMIT
The BPW reviewed the paperwork for this permit. They noted there
were no problems last year, and everything is the same as last
year. The BPW approved this permit for outdoor dining at Simeons.
5. ENCROACHMENT REQUEST AT 205 WEST COURT STREET
The BPW reviewed this encroachment request, and noted that the
bay window at this address encroaches on the City right -of -way.
After discussing the bank at this address, the BPW decided to
approve this request following the standard encroachment procedures.
6. ROUTE 13 LIGHTING - NYSEG
The BPW received a letter dated February 23, 1989 from NYSEG
concerning the street lights on Route 13. It was noted that there
have not been any major complaints about this, and that the City
had some lights reinstalled. After reviewing this proposal, the
BPW decided to endorse it.
7. REPORT ON JOHNNY'S HOT TRUCK
Supt. Dougherty gave an update on this topic. He told the BPW
that a meeting had been held with the owners of the hot truck,
Cornell University and the City. A new location had to be decided
on for this truck - either go back to original location or a parking
lot at Cornell. It was noted that the City cemetary was not an
alternative, as Cornell representatives wanted. Supt. Dougherty
noted that the signs that Cornell had put up have been changed,
and NYSEG could change poles for the electricity, and he felt
it should go back to where it was.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary