HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-03-29BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of March 29, 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 was a deletion from the Agenda:
7. All -way Stop Signs Discussion. (This will be discussed at the
April 19, 1989 Committee of the Whole meeting.)
1. HUDSON STREET DISCUSSION
Present for discussion were several Hudson Street residents and
Alderperson Lytel. Installation of sidewalks on the west side
from Hillview Place to Hudson Place was discussed. City Engr.
Gray noted that there needed to be some work done on the bank
and water main. It was noted that the property owner would be
billed for the sidewalk and any unusual costs would be paid for
by the City. It was noted that there is a visibility problem and
the lowering of the bank would reduce this. It was also noted
that several residents and the PTA support the installation of
sidewalks. Discussion followed. City Engr. Gray noted that he
may propose a few changes to this project because of the upcoming
Empire State Games and the traffic crunch predicted because of
this event. Discussion followed about doing half of this project
now and the costs involved. The residents present requested the
installation of sidewalks but asked that the existing sidewalks
in good condition be left in. They also supported the installation
of a flashing yellow light at the school. Discussion followed.
Supt. Dougherty noted that he didn't think the City could order
property owners to install new sidewalks where they already exist
in good condition. Alderperson Lytel reiterated the residents'
concerns. The BPW decided to prepare a resolution to order the
installation of sidewalks on the west side of Hudson Street where
none now exist, to be done in conjunction with the reconstruction
of the street. Discussion followed about the flashing light at
the school. The residents would like one similar to the one at
Belle Sherman. It was noted that this was not included in the
project costs. Supt. Dougherty noted that if the BPW felt a
flashing light was necessary, now is the time to install it.
Discussion followed, and it was noted that this will probably be
discussed again at the Hudson Street Public Information Meeting
on Tuesday, April 4th, at 7:00 p.m. in the South Hill School. The
BPW supported the installation of a flashing light at the school.
2. CITY WIDE LIGHTING CONVERSION /COMMONS ELECTRICAL 6 LIGHTING SERVICE
3. CASS PARK POOL BUBBLE
Council Liaison Nichols gave the background on this. A request
was before the Planning and Development Committee of Common Council
for the installation of a bubble over Cass Park to allow
winter -time swimming. It was noted that this would be at the
City's expense. The BPW felt this wasn't a top priority and would
not support this idea.
Pete Netter from NYSEG and Lew Durland from the City of Ithaca
Energy Commission
were present for discussion. Commissioner Reeves
reviewed the background for this discussion; a proposal from NYSEG
to convert the existing mercury vapor street lights to high
pressure sodium and a request from the Commons Advisory Board for
a different lighting arrangement on the Commons. Mr. Netter gave
the BPW figures for converting from high pressure sodium to metal
halide on the Commons - he noted that the existing lighting
fixtures would need to be replaced. There are 78 lights on the
Commons at a cost of $232 per light = $18,096. Operating costs
would increase $2,860. He noted that present lighting expenses
cost $267.06 per light, but the new lighting would be $303.70 per
light. Mr. Netter also noted that these figures represent the
difference between a 250 watt high pressure sodium light and a
400 watt mercury halide light. He also noted that the Commons
has had high pressure sodium lighting since 1974 and didn't know
why it should be changed. Discussion followed about the difference
between the quality of lights. Mr. Durland noted that the Energy
Commission has passed NYSEG's proposal unanimously. He also noted
that this would reduce the lighting costs since high pressure vapor
lighting is more efficient and saves energy. Mr. Durland further
noted that there is high pressure sodium lighting on Green and
Seneca Streets and he has heard no complaints thus far. Supt.
Dougherty noted that the Commons and the streets surrounding
it had high pressure sodium lighting already, so that area would
not be affected by this proposal unless there was a different type
of lighting desired for the Commons. Commissioner Daley felt a
redesign of the lighting on the Commons was appropriate, and felt
it should be treated separately - not to be included in the NYSEG
proposal. Commissioner Reeves asked for a decision on the
conversion. Commissioner Cox wanted more specific details and a
schedule. The BPW decided to prepare a resolution supporting the
NYSEG proposal, reserving the right to approve the schedule and
light bulbs used. Discussion followed on the Commons electrical
and lighting service. It was noted that Common Council voted out
the electrical redesign in the budget requests. Supt. Dougherty
recommended requesting funding to have both the electrical and
lighting services on the Commons studied. Discussion followed.
Commons Coordinator Jean Deming asked the BPW to consider this
study for the whole Central Business District. Discussion
followed. Supt. Dougherty felt that the starting point for this
study should be the Commons. The BPW decided to prepare a
resolution to request design funds for the Commons for an
electrical and a lighting study.
3. CASS PARK POOL BUBBLE
Council Liaison Nichols gave the background on this. A request
was before the Planning and Development Committee of Common Council
for the installation of a bubble over Cass Park to allow
winter -time swimming. It was noted that this would be at the
City's expense. The BPW felt this wasn't a top priority and would
not support this idea.
4. AUDIT (JOE DALEY)
Commissioner Daley had a question about a large bill in a recent
audit. It was explained that this bill was for an emergency
replacemnt and it could not be bid out. Discussion followed, and
Supt. Dougherty and City Engr. Gray encouraged the BPW to bring
any questions to their attention whenever they have a concern.
5. REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT AT SUNRISE ROAD AND TAYLOR PLACE
Commissioner Reeves relayed the request she received from
Alderperson Schlather from residents in this area for a street
light. Commissioner Sprague supported this and suggested putting
one in the middle of the block. Discussion followed. It was noted
that NYSEG will not install a light until the City recommends it.
The BPW decided to direct staff to review this request, and report
back.
6. SPRING CLEAN -UP
Discussion followed about incorporating the spring clean -up day
and the Collegetown Good Neighbor Day. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted
that last year the DPW cooperated with this and will do so again
this year but not in conjunction with. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted
that the "special yard waste" pick -up day is scheduled for the
week of April 24th. Discussion followed about what items would
be picked up. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that compost should
be placed in plastic bags and anything that two men can handle
will be picked up.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary