HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-04-05(W BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of April 5, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Stone, (Sprague excused);
Council Liaison Nichols, Supt. Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City
Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following were additions to the Agenda:
8. Community Gardens Water Bill.
9. Washington Park Signs.
10. Parking Meters on Albany Street.
The following was a deletion to the Agenda:
6. Stewart Park 1989 Season.
1. PARKING FOR FIREFIGHTERS AT DRYDEN ROAD PARKING GARAGE
Fire Chief Ed Olmstead was present for discussion. He requested
three items for the paid firefighters: 1) that the current Fire
Department employee parking permits be valid in the Dryden Road
Parking Garage, 2) these parking permits also be valid at metered
spaces in the 300 block of College Avenue and, 3) that two parking
spaces be designated on the street for the exclusive use of the
Fire Department. Chief Olmstead relayed the fact that this was
a result of contract negotiations. It was noted that two spaces
were required but there could be a potential for four short -term
spaces due to the changeover of shifts. Commissioner Reeves
wondered if the BPW could issue the same City employee parking
permits to the Fire Department like the employees at City Hall
have. Chief Olmstead noted that presently there is a permit system
in effect. Commissioner Reeves noted the request from the Post
Office asking the BPW to reserve spaces, and that spaces cannot
be designated in parking garages for anyone's use. It was noted
that the current firefighters permit is a decal and it has a
perpetual life, that is it is valid as long as the person is
employed by the Fire Department. Discussion followed. City Engr.
Gray questioned the reserved DPW spaces in the garages. Supt.
Dougherty noted that these spaces are valid because they are for
the garage's operation. Discussion followed about validating the
current stickers in the parking garage. The BPW decided to support
a resolution to validate these permits in the Dryden Road Parking
Garage, but could not support the on- street parking request.
2. HUDSON STREET RECONSTRUCTION DISCUSSION
(W City Engr. Gray reviewed the Hudson Street public information
meeting of April 4, 1989. He discussed "Y" intersections, noting
that drivers like this type of intersection, but designers hate
it. Commissioner Daley noted that most of the residents' concerns
were of an enforcement nature. Discussion followed about the 30'
pavement width. Commissioner Cox asked about the installation
of sidewalks. It was noted that the residents had already assumed
that they would be installed. Discussion followed about the area
between Grandview Avenue to Coddington Road - it was noted that
the pavement width will be 36' in this area, and that there was
not money in the project budget to install sidewalks here. It
was noted that trees will be installed and that the idea was to
give people an impression that they are entering the City.
Discussion followed about lowering the bank. Supt. Dougherty noted
that this project may be split up this year or delayed altogether
until next year.
3. ITHACA AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION 1989 CONTRACT DISCUSSION
Supt. Dougherty told the BPW that he is in the process of
negotiating a contract with the IASA. He noted that they would
like to have the same type of agreement with the same price as
last year. It was noted that the method of payment was completely
changed last year - based on a per game, per field charge. It
was also noted that fewer teams are participating this year.
Discussion followed. The BPW supported Supt. Dougherty's plan with
IASA to negotiate the same type of contract as last year.
4. PROGRESS REPORT ON REPAIRS AT GREEN STREET RAMP
Commissioner Reeves asked for an update of these repairs. City
Engr. Gray noted that this project has fallen behind because of
other priorities. He noted that the repairs that need to be done
are similar to the construction defects in the Seneca Street
Garage. He further noted that a decision needs to be made about
the more extensive repairs that need to be done. City Engr. Gray
noted that physically the garage is not in bad shape. Discussion
followed about safety, and the large parking lanes in this garage.
City Engr. Gray noted that this will be a project for next year
and will be discussed again at budget time.
5. UPDATE ON ENCROACHMENT REQUEST AT 132 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
City Engr. Gray noted that this is still at the City Attorney's
stage, and there is no further update.
6. REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT AT SUNRISE ROAD AND TAYLOR PLACE
A request was received to install a street light at Sunrise Road
and Taylor Place. Supt. Dougherty was not sure it this was part
of a subdivision. He noted that state utilities have to
underground - no poles on a developed road. Supt. Dougherty noted
that the best way to do this is to put a bunch of street lights
in at the same time. Discussion followed. The BPW asked staff
to find out costs and to report back at the next COW meeting.
7. COMMUNITY GARDENS
City Engr. Gray relayed the background of this problem - a water
meter was installed last year at the Gardens, and now there is
a $800 bill, and he doesn't know whom to charge. It was noted
that this group was not aware that they would have to pay for
water. City Engr. Gray noted that the Planning and Development
Director wanted to schedule a meeting with this group to discuss
this. Discussion followed. Commissioner Daley felt that the water
service should be reinstalled, and that Common Council should be
asked about this bill. Discussion followed. City Engr. Gray noted
that other groups use City water for free through agreements made
with the City. The BPW was very interested in this issue, and asked
for more information on this. The BPW decided to prepare a
resolution directing the reinstallation of the water service to
the Gardens, and also asking Common Council for direction as to
whom should pay for this water bill.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary