HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-05-31BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
%W Meeting of May 31, 1989
A
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Daley, Cox, Reeves, (Sprague excused); Supt.
Dougherty, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Agenda:
15. Farmers Market.
16. Cass Park Smoking near Pool.
17. Proposed Tree Ordinance.
18. West Hill Master Plan.
19. Curb -side Swap Day.
The following were additions to the
1. TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON EAST SENECA STREET
The BPW discussed a memo from Sean Killeen concerning bus traffic on
East Seneca Street. Supt. Dougherty noted that he was unaware of any
established policy banning buses from this street. Discussion followed
concerning Transit Manager Carpenter's reply to Alderperson Killeen.
Commissioner Reeves asked if historical signs should be posted. Supt.
Dougherty noted that this situation arises sporadically and that Transit
Manager Carpenter speaks to the agencies involved. The BPW felt that
this was adequate and no further action is to be taken.
2. SCIENCE CENTER PROPOSAL FOR OLD SEWER PLANT
Supt. Dougherty noted that all property in this area that the DPW no
longer needs should be put up for sale. It was noted that the size of
this property is about 5 acres. Supt. Dougherty further noted that the
DPW would need additional property or additions to existing buildings
in another area to compensate for the loss of this property. Supt.
Dougherty hopes to have more information and preliminary sketches
shortly. Commissioner Daley noted that he would like to have
compatibility in this area. Supt. Dougherty noted that this is a
valuable piece of property. Discussion followed about what Planning
and Development were doing and that at one time this was a possible
choice for the Farmers Market. Commissioner Cox noted that he would
support putting this property back on the tax rolls and not split up
the property. Supt. Dougherty will report back to the BPW when more
information is available.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 31, 1989
Page 2
3. FIRE STATION #9 AS A POLLING PLACE
Commissioner Reeves noted the memo received from Fire Commissioner Gary
Moravec to Alderperson Killeen about Alderperson Killeen's request to
continue using Fire Station #9 as a polling place. Commissioner Reeves
asked how this originated. Supt. Dougherty noted that the renovations
to the Fire Station will be going on during the election time frame.
It was noted that the contractor is McGuire and Bennett. Commissioner
Cannon felt that moving the polling place would be more difficult and
thought that the contractor should be asked to accommodate this request.
Commissioner Daley concurred - he felt that the elections are very
important, and that the contractor should allow time for this. Supt.
Dougherty asked if efforts were made to find another place. Commissioner
Daley said yes, but it is very difficult to find a semi - public place
that is wheelchair accessible. Discussion followed. It was noted that
this polling place would be needed for both the primary - September 12,
and the regular election - November 7. City Engr. Gray noted that during
the course of any contract, there is a lot of give and take requests,
and suggested looking at other places in Collegetown. Commissioner
Reeves asked if it was the BPW's responsibility to find new polling
places, which it isn't. Commissioner Cox suggested asking Cornell
University to use the Performing Arts Center. Staff will speak with
the contractor regarding their work schedule, and report back to the
BPW.
4. REQUEST FOR HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE AT 320 CENTER STREET
The BPW received a request from Mr. Leroy S. Reed asking for the
designation of a handicapped parking space at 320 Center Street, in front
of his residence. It was noted this would be a non - metered space. It
was also noted that past requests of this kind have been granted. Supt.
Dougherty felt the BPW should first find out if there is any other
parking available in this area. Discussion followed. The BPW decided
to first request from the Building Department the availability of
off - street parking in the area, and to ask Mr. Reed's doctor if his
disability is permanent.
5. TOWN OF ITHACA WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Commissioner Reeves received a copy of the Water and Sewer improvements
the Town of Ithaca plans to do. Staff has not seen this report yet.
It was noted that the BPW needs to approve the Town of Ithaca as lead
agency for these improvements. The BPW will discuss these improvements
after staff has reviewed it, but agreed to approve the Town of Ithaca
as lead agency.
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 31, 1989
Page 3
6. PIPELINE RIGHT -OF -WAY THROUGH CITY WATERSHED - CNG TRANSMISSIONS
It was noted that CNG Transmissions would like to run a pipeline through
the City watershed and Supt. Dougherty did not think they could without
the BPW's concurrence. Supt. Dougherty had already dealt with NYSEG
for their right -of -way, and noted that where CNG would like to put the
pipeline is next to an electrical transmission line. Discussion followed
on CNG's proposal, and how they would use 30 ft. on NYSEG's power -line
right -of -way, and 20 ft. on a cleared right -of -way. It was noted that
CNG will pay the City $4,300 for this right -of -way. Discussion followed
about the length of this pipeline, and how it may affect Six Mile Creek.
The BPW decided to turn this over to the City Attorney to first verify
proper procedures before rendering any decision.
7. REPORTS:
A. GIAC POOL PLAN
Supt. Dougherty noted that he has met with Planning and Development
Director Van Cort to begin discussions on this.
B. COMMUNITY GARDENS WATER SERVICE
City Engr. Gray noted that Common Council wanted the water turned back
on and meter was started on May 23rd. Discussion followed about the
old bills for this service. Commissioner Reeves asked for a report on
this service at the next COW meeting.
8. STREET LIGHT AT SUNRISE ROAD AND TAYLOR PLACE
Supt. Dougherty noted that he has not heard from NYSEG yet on providing
more lights in the area. City Engr. Gray noted that staff is working
on a figure to determine which would be cheaper, buying or renting the
pole. This will be discussed at the next COW meeting.
9. ALL -WAY STOP SIGNS CONTINUING DISCUSSION
Commissioner Reeves noted that the BPW had previously decided to review
all -way stops in the City to determine if they are still effective and
necessary at various intersections. Commissioner Daley noted that the
BPW reviewed the three most obvious and decided to remove one. The BPW
decided to put this item on hold as there are no apparent unnecessary
all -way stops to review at this time.
10. PRIVATIZATION
Staff is still working on the pros and cons report for the BPW and will
discuss at the next COW meeting.
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 31, 1989
Page 4
11. REVIEW OF APPEAL PROCESS FOR RECYCLING VIOLATIONS
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that he would like to put on the recycling
form the procedure for appealing a violation. He felt the current
method is very systematic. Commissioner Daley felt the process is too
easy, and that the number of warning violations should be shortened.
Discussion followed about the fines. It was noted that this cannot be
court enforced, it is a special ticket. If the ticket is not paid it
becomes a lien against the property. Discussion followed about the
summer changeover of tenants, and how there should be a way to
differentiate between tenants. The BPW decided to leave the appeal
process unstated on the ticket, give each person a clean slate each
September 1 - throw away records on previous violations, and shorten
the amount of violations a persons gets - two warnings, third is a fine.
It was noted a press release would be done concerning this.
12. FARMERS MARKET
Commissioner Daley noted that at the Third Street site many vendors are
using makeshift roofing, and that there is no consistency and many gaps.
He further noted that this looks quite similar to the site on Taughannock
Blvd., which the BPW had asked the Farmers Market not to allow. He asked
Commissioner Reeves to write a letter to the Farmers Market concerning
this. Commissioner Reeves will contact the Farmers Market after she
receives a reference to this problem from old BPW notes from staff.
13. USE OF CITY PARK LANDS CONTINUING DISCUSSION
Commissioner Reeves reviewed past correspondence concerning this item.
She noted that in the Board of Public Works Rules and Regulations, all
problems in parks seem to be covered, i.e. noise, dogs, vendors, etc.
Discussion followed. Further discussion followed on leasing of City
property and licenses. Supt. Dougherty noted that staff would like to
establish a minimum charge on encroachments, say $25.00. Commissioner
Daley would like a copy of the licenses issued yearly, which staff will
provide. The BPW decided to ask Alderperson Booth to come to the next
COW meeting to discuss this topic further.
14. SIDEWALK PROCEDURES
Commissioner Reeves noted that this topic has been on the agenda for
some time. She noted two suggestions the BPW had come up with;
establishing a sidewalk crew, and maintaining a schedule in which this
crew would repair sidewalks in the summer and clean in the winter.
Commissioner Daley requested money for this in the 1990 budget. Supt.
Dougherty noted that this money would have to include vehicles and
equipment, as well as personnel. Discussion followed. Asst. Supt.
Fabbroni will work on this idea and report back to the BPW.
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 31, 1989
Page 5
15. DEWITT PARK SKATEBOARDING
Supt. Dougherty reviewed the Dewitt Park deed and the correspondence
between the First Presbyterian Church and the City. He noted that this
has always tried to be maintained as a quiet, green space in the center
of town, and that skateboarding is not keeping with this idea.
Commissioner Reeves noted that the Assistant City Attorney was working
on an opinion on this problem. Discussion followed about a resolution
passed by the BPW on September 28, 1988 banning skateboarding in Dewitt
Park. The BPW decided to pass another one banning skateboarding in
Dewitt Park.
16. CASS PARK POOL
Supt. Dougherty noted that the Mayor
from Theresa Vander Horn, asking that
Cass Park pool. Commissioner Reeves
available and how this pertained to
It was noted that this ordinance doe
the BPW decided to inform Ms. Vander
does not cover the area she is concerne
d
17. TREE ORDINANCE
had sent him a copy of a letter
no smoking be permitted by the
asked if there were receptacles
the City -wide smoking ordinance.
s not cover open -air spaces, and
Horn that the smoking ordinance
about.
Commissioner Reeves asked the BPW if they were aware of this. Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni noted that he tried to build in provisions but the Charter
and Ordinance committee did not go along with it. It was noted that
this draft ordinance is good, but Supt. Dougherty felt the wording was
a little off. Discussion followed. The BPW decided to suggest that
the wording in question be changed to "after consultation with the Board
of Public Works and the Shade Tree Advisory Council ", and sent this
back to Charter and Ordinance.
18. WEST HILL MASTER PLAN
It was noted that this plan needed the BPW's approval. Supt. Dougherty
felt this plan was making a mistake by not providing through- traffic
on streets. He felt that there would be a burden placed on Hook Place,
and that this street was not capable on handling this. Discussion
followed about the proposed streets and street system. The BPW decided
to discuss this master plan further at the next COW meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary