HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-06-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
(W Meeting of June 21, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague; Council
Liaison Nichols, Acting Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
I. SCIENCE CENTER PROPOSAL FOR OLD SEWER PLANT
Bob Leathers, an architect working for the Science Center, was
present for discussion. He passed out a site plan for the area
the Science Center would like to use, and how they would use it
if they could. He noted that he has presented this to the Mayor
and to Planning and Development. Discussion followed about the
schedule the Science Center was following. Mr. Leathers noted
that the Science Center would like to have a preliminary agreement
by Fall, and hope to be in the building by Fall, 1990. He further
noted that an extensive site search has been done, and that this
site was favored because it is easily accessible off Route 13.
Discussion followed about the proposed site plan - Mr. Leathers
noted the proposed community park in the corner of the lot. It
was noted that several other committees are looking at this site.
Commissioner Reeves noted that the BPW and DPW are looking into
the future needs for the DPW, and if this site is still needed
for the DPW's use. The BPW will review the DPW operations report,
submitted by retired Supt. Dougherty, staff will also review this
report and add their comments, and this issue will be discussed
at a future meeting.
2. WATER AND SEWER BILLS
City Chamberlain Parsons presented three requests for expungement
of late penalties from water and sewer bills.
1. Broome Developmental Services, 214 -216 West Lincoln Street,
contends they never received their December bill. They asked for
expungement of $44.52. After the BPW reviewed and ascertained that
the address on the bill was correct, the BPW agreed to deny this
request.
2. Allen Ekman, 701 Hector Street, was not receiving his bills
due to an address error in the Chamberlain's Office. He asked
expungement of $27.36. After reviewing this request, the BPW agreed
that the error was due to the City's fault, and agreed to expunge
$27.36 from Mr. Ekman's bill.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 21, 1989
Page 2
3. Sal Pirro, 404 West State Street, asked for expungement of
$4.32 from his bill. His bill arrived late since he did not file
a current address with the Chamberlain's Office. The BPW agreed
that Mr. Pirro should have filed an address change to ensure his
bill being delivered promptly and to the right address, and denied
this request.
3. YOUTH BUREAU SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM
Alderperson Peterson, Beth Mulholland - Circle Greenway, and Youth
Bureau employees were present for discussion. Alderperson Peterson
described the project the Youth Bureau would like to undertake.
She noted that a grant was given to the Youth Bureau from the New
York State Conservation Corps to rehabilitate the steps in Six
Mile Creek. Rick Dietrich from the Youth Bureau, further described
the project. Commissioner Daley was concerned that the section
completed would encourage people to wander into areas that are
not complete. Discussion followed about the area surrounding the
steps, and if the future use of this area has been determined yet.
Ms. Mulholland felt that this project would make the area more
structured instead of natural, and felt that it is the wrong time
to do this project as the DPW doesn't have the personnel to monitor
it. Commissioner Sprague asked about the condition of the stairs,
and if they were being rebuilt to lead to nothing. Mr. Dietrich
showed the BPW prints of the area, and noted that materials used
on this project would be same as original materials. Discussion
followed. Alderperson Peterson noted that she supported this
project, while Ms. Mulholland was against it at this time, noting
that it needed professional masonry work. Commissioner Daley felt
that the BPW had three options; 1) to approve and let the group
get started on this project, 2) to deny, and ask the group to wait,
or 3) approve as part of a larger plan for that area. Discussion
followed. The BPW agreed to support this project with the
stipulation that a more detailed explanation of goals for this
area be given to them before any more work is done.
4. TREE ORDINANCE
Commissioner Reeves noted that she went to the last Charter and
Ordinance meeting and they approved the wording changes that the
BPW requested in this ordinance.
S. FARMERS MARKET PLASTIC ROOFS
Commissioner Daley noted that at the Farmers Market Inlet Island
site several vendors have installed plastic roofs. He noted that
�r these roofs look tacky and are not tied down. Discussion followed
about the City's responsibility; it was noted that the City didn't
have the legal authority to force the vendors to take them down.
The BPW decided to support a resolution asking the vendors to take
the roofs down each week.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 21, 1989
Page 3
6. ROUTE 96 - BPW STATEMENT
Commissioner Reeves noted that Common Council has already made
a decision about Route 96, and noted that the BPW never took a
formal stand. It was noted that the decision is in the State's
hands. Commissioner Cox was concerned about Common Council sending
orders to the Engineering Dept. to find alternatives. Discussion
followed, and this topic may be discussed again when the State
submits their decision.
7. CORNELL UNIVERSITY PARKING PLAN
Council Liaison Nichols noted that Cornell is going to revise their
proposed plan, possibility lowering fees. Commissioner Daley felt
that the BPW should ask Cornell to revise any plan that is going
to encourage employees and students to park off - campus. The BPW
agreed to relay their concerns to Cornell. Deputy Planning Director
Mazzarella will report to the BPW the results of the recent parking
study.
8. FIRE STATIONS RENOVATIONS
City Engr. Gray noted that all contractors are going to do the
work simultaneously, and both will overlap the critical time -
polling and election time. It was noted that the work is generally
limited to the housing and office quarters, and that the bays will
probably be available.
9. WATER TREATMENT PLANT CHIEF OPERATOR
Bill Baker asked the BPW about this position. The BPW asked Mr.
Baker to discuss this with the City Engr., and report to them in
two weeks.
10. WEST HILL MASTER PLAN
Commissioner Reeves asked the BPW if they were prepared to make
a statement on this plan. Concerns were noted - lack of through
traffic, traffic pressures put on particular streets. Commissioner
Daley noted that he worked with this group and that many things
were compromises, but he felt it was the best plan. The BPW will
discuss this further at their next COW meeting.
11. STA -HOME HEALTH CARE REQUEST FOR PARKING PERMITS
After reviewing this request for four (4) parking permits in metered
zones, the BPW decided to deny this request.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes by
Lisa Cornell