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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