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