HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-06-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of June 7, 1989
MnTRA
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:
11. Immaculate Conception School letter to the Board.
12. Report on GIAC Pool.
13. Cass Park Concession Stand.
The following were deletions to the Agenda:
6. Sidewalk Procedures Review.
9. Privatization.
1. ITHACA TIMES ENCROACHMENT REQUEST
Vicky Romanoff was present to discuss this request. She showed
the BPW the proposed changes to this building. She noted that
the proposed balcony projects into the City right -of -way
approximately 36 ". She noted that the balcony would be made of
wrought iron, and that it would be both decorative and structural.
Ms. Romanoff noted the other proposed changes the Ithaca Times
wanted to make. Discussion followed about the stairs and if they
would encroach on the City right -of -way. Commissioner Cox asked
about the proposed sign and how it may violate the sign ordinance.
Ms. Romanoff noted that there is still a lot of details to be
finalized and approved, and that the sign is one of them.
Commissioner Daley noted that this encroachment is very similar
to others that the BPW has issued, and that this request should
be granted. Discussion followed. The BPW decided to grant this
encroachment request, and to check the recent survey that was done
concerning the stairway.
2. CASS PARK CONCESSION STAND
Mike Richmond, representing the Ithaca Amateur Softball Association
(IASA) , was present to discuss operations of the concession stand.
Supt. Dougherty gave the background on this. The IASA was given
the exclusive right to operate the stand to help them out
financially. Now the IASA would like to sublet this operation and
to do so requires the approval of the BPW. Supt. Dougherty asked
the City Attorney to review this and no problem was found with this
request. Mr. Richmond noted that volunteers have run this stand
and they have become burned out. After discussing this, the BPW
agreed to grant this request and to review the agreement in
February, 1990.
3. USE OF CITY PARK LANDS
Alderperson Booth was present for discussion. Commissioner Reeves
noted the current provisions regarding City parks and wanted to
clarify what Alderperson Booth wanted. Alderperson Booth asked
about the current fee schedule - is it realistic and up to date,
and felt the BPW should develop an overall policy concerning the
leasing of waterfront property. Discussion followed about the
consistency in policy among the City parks, and the recent Ithaca
Festival in Stewart Park. Alderperson Booth noted that he would
like to work with a sub - committee to see if an overall policy should
be developed on non -City use of park lands, and Commissioner Reeves
will represent the BPW in this committee.
4. CURBSIDE SWAP DAY
Commissioner Reeves noted that this topic was brought up due to
the lack of a fall or spring clean -up in the City. It was noted
that Common Council will pursue this idea, and the BPW discussed
the reasons why they felt it was not a good idea. The BPW decided
to relay the following reasons to Council: 1) once the stuff is
out at the curb and not taken, it will be hard to get the owner
to put it back, 2) rain will ruin it, 3) other charitable agencies
in the City will recycle it, and 4) only 10 -20% will be taken.
Commissioner Cox did not feel that this was entirely a bad idea,
but questioned the legality of scavengers picking up stuff.
Commissioner Reeves noted that the City cannot load up their garbage
trucks and go to the landfill, but private citizens can. Discussion
followed about future clean -up days. It was noted that many people
are not aware that Wallace Steel takes a lot of items. Until a
new landfill enables the City to continue with the clean -up days,
the BPW will relay their concerns about a curbside swap day to
Common Council.
5. COMMUNITY GARDENS WATER SERVICE
Commissioner Reeves read the resolution that Common Council passed
regarding this water service. The resolution called for a meeting
between various boards, and she has not heard from any of them
yet.
6. STREET LIGHT AT SUNRISE ROAD AND TAYLOR PLACE
Supt. Dougherty gave the BPW figures comparing buying one pole
or leasing one from NYSEG. To lease from NYSEG, the total cost
is approximately $235.00 yearly, while buying the pole would be
approximately $700.00, with a $76.06 yearly power charge.
Discussion followed. Supt. Dougherty recommended outside curb
installation of this light, and discussion followed about installing
additional lights in the area. It was noted that these additional
lights could be installed at a later time if necessary. The BPW
decided to purchase and install their own pole.
7. TOWN OF ITHACA WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Supt. Dougherty noted that there are a lot of topics to be
negotiated with the Town of Ithaca, and that there should be a
report ready in a future COW meeting.
8. CNG PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION THROUGH CITY WATERSHED
Supt. Dougherty noted that he has obtained an opinion from the
City Attorney regarding the proposed installation of this pipeline.
It was noted that the City property can't be condemned, but it
was not clear if CNG could still install this pipeline without
the BPW's concurence. Discussion followed. It was noted that
this pipeline would overlap on a NYSEG right -of -way. Discussion
followed about the impact this pipeline would have in the proposed
area. The BPW decided to deny this request.
9. FIRESTATIONS AS POLLING PLACES
It was noted that a schedule has not yet been received from the
contractor concerning this, but both the Central and Firestation
X69 will be affected. It was further noted that some alternatives
that should be considered as polling places are the Salvation Army
and the Performing Arts Center. Staff will report back to the
BPW when the contractor's schedule is in.
10. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
The BPW received a request from the Immaculate Conception School
asking for help in enforcing their no parking restrictions in front
of their school. They are asking for a tow -away zone. Discussion
followed. The BPW decided to find out the requirements for
designating a tow -away zone, and refer this to the Traffic Engineer
to try to accommodate this request.
11. GIAC POOL REPORT
Commissioner Reeves noted that this was on the agenda for Common
Council, and read the resolution to be voted on, recommending that
this become a Capital Project request.
12. DAVE ELLIS GRIEVANCE
Commissioner Daley requested that it be noted that he was opposed
to the BPW's decision regarding this grievance.
13. SENECA STREET AND SCHUYLER PLACE STOP
Discussion followed on this request from Alderperson Killeen
requesting a stop on Seneca Street. The BPW decided to deny this
request.
14. YOUTH BUREAU /SIX MILE CREEK DISCUSSION
Discussion followed on the grant received for the Youth Bureau
Conservation Corps to do work in Six Mile Creek. This will be
discussed at the next COW meeting after more information is
gathered.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Notes by:
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary