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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-05-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting of May 17, 1989 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague; Supt. Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: 14. Muffin Madness Encroachment Request. 15. All -way Stop Signs Continuing Discussion. 1. MUFFIN MADNESS ENCROACHMENT REQUEST Two representatives from Muffin Madness were present for discussion. They noted their new location and said they would like to add a bench and a planter. It was noted that the bench would encroach on the City right -of -way but would be taken in every night. The BPW reviewed a sketch of the area and the placement of the bench. Supt. Dougherty saw no problem with the bench's location, noting that there is still ample pedestrian walkway room. After reviewing the sketch and staff's recommendation, the BPW granted this encroachment request. 2. LES WELLS CODDINGTON ROAD TOWNHOUSE SUBDIVISION Supt. Dougherty showed the BPW a map of this subdivision. He noted that the BPW had to decide if it would accept the street as shown with a "back- around" vs. a circular turn around. It was noted that the Planning Board originally showed a circular turn around but decided on a "back- around" because it enabled better cluster grouping. Discussion followed. After review of the map and staff's recommendation, the BPW approved this "back- around ". 3. WEST HILL MASTER PLAN Deputy Planning Director Paul Mazzarella and Peter Trowbridge were present to continue this discussion. Paul gave a brief background and noted that a BPW endorsement of the West Hill Master Plan is desired before implementation. Peter gave a slide presentation reviewing the goals of this plan; retaining neighborhood character, providing adequate open space, emergency vehicle accessibility, and infrastructure development. Peter noted that the south portion of the plan has changed considerably and the center only changed somewhat. Peter noted that the City and Town need to discuss water and sewer needs and a major collector street. Discussion followed about various possibilities for collector streets. Supt. Dougherty asked about Hook Place and why it couldn't be a collector street. Peter noted that Hook Place is a substandard street when compared with Warren Place or Taylor Place. Peter further noted the existence of McDaniels Park Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 17, 1989 Page 2 4. 5. WEST HILL MASTER PLAN (CONTINUED and that some of the residents felt that another park is needed. He noted that some streets are hazardous to pedestrians as they permit very little visibility. Peter further noted that the installation of sidewalks is desirable on some streets. The BPW will continue to discuss this issue at later COW meetings. COLLEGETOWN CLEAN -UP CONTINUING DISCUSSION Bud Gerkin, representing the Collegetown Neighborhood Council (CNC), was present for discussion. Bud noted that Alderperson Killeen would like the CNC to continue looking into solutions to the trash problems. Bud noted that the construction in Collegetown is creating dirty streets, and that CNC felt that these contractors should clean them. Supt. Dougherty noted that specific complaints are taken care of - contractors are notified and told to clean up after themselves. Bud noted that trash containers are still disappearing. Staff noted that this has been an on -going problem. Discussion followed about the merchants and how they feel they don't have to clean the walks in front of their stores. Commissioner Daley felt that the City should make the same commitment to Collegetown as they do with the Commons. Discussion followed on how this area is very hard to clean to begin with, i.e. with all -night parking, etc. Commissioner Reeves noted that the DPW is up in Collegetown every day and make trips to clean it when asked to. After more discussion, the BPW decided to include in the 1990 budget requests the funds for increased maintenance in Collegetown, contact the contractors dirtying the streets, and ask CNC for some more suggestions to solve these problems. STEWART AVENUE BRIDGE REHABILITATION City Engr. Gray noted that bids received for this project were large, and above the $500,000 budget. He offered four options to the BPW that could be done now. City Engr. Gray suggested reducing the overall project by delaying the printing portion and doing the structural repairs and upgrade. Discussion followed. The BPW agreed with the City Engr's. recommendation and will delete the painting section of the Stewart Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation project. 6. ABANDONED STORM SEWER AT 200 SOUTH TIOGA STREET City Engr. Gray noted that the County would like to build. I actual plans are but wanted to to abandon this particular storm above storm sewer is located where the a still doesn't know what the County's make the BPW aware of his intentions sewer. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 17, 1989 Page 3 7. PRIVATIZATION Supt. Dougherty noted that this is a good time for the BPW to consider contracting the Water Filter Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He further noted that this is a very preliminary step and should be considered very carefully. Commissioner Reeves asked for a list of pros and cons. Discussion followed about current employees, unions, seniority. Commissioner Cannon felt that strong incentive to prospective contractors should be retaining current employees. Commissioner Reeves noted again that she would like to review a pro /con sheet and procedures for this, and will discuss at a later COW meeting. 8. REPORT ON STREET LIGHT AT SUNRISE ROAD AND TAYLOR PLACE Supt. Dougherty relayed the information from NYSEG to install this light; one light (250 watt high pressure sodium) with aluminum base _ $108.28, and lamping costs = $180.80, for a total of $283.08 annually. He noted he is having NYSEG look into other areas in the neighborhood. Commissioner Cox suggested buying the pole vs. renting, as it would probably save money in the long run. Discussion followed. The BPW directed the City Engr. to investigate and compare prices between buying and renting poles, and report back to them. 9. RECONSTRUCTION ON ELM STREET Supt. Dougherty noted that originally staff felt this project should be contracted out, but after further review, felt this project could be done in- house. He further noted that Alderperson Schlather would like an indication on how and when this project is to be done. The BPW agreed with staff and instructed them to proceed with this project in- house. 10. REQUEST FOR HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE AT WOMEN'S COMMUNITY BUILDING A request was received from the City Federation of Women's Organization for a designated handicapped parking spot on the north side of West Seneca Street, near the Women's Community Building. After review of the current handicapped parking spaces in the area, the BPW felt they were sufficient and denied this request, but will respond back to this agency suggesting that a handicapped parking space be designated in the parking lot owned by the Women's Community Building. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary