HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-08-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting of August 9, 1989
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague;
Council Liaison Nichols, Acting Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following were additions to the Agenda:
14. CNG Transmissions Pipeline.
15. Theta Chi Fraternity Expungement Request.
16. Synchronization of Stop Lights as a Capital Project.
1. UTICA AND LEWIS STREETS - ALL -WAY STOP REVIEW
Alderpersons Hoffman and Peterson, as well as residents of the
neighborhood were present for discussion. Commissioner Reeves
noted the correspondence and petition received from the
residents for the reinstatement of the all -way stop at Utica and
Lewis Streets. Marilyn Moravec, of 412 Utica Street, expressed
her desire for the reinstatement of this all -way stop, due to
the number of children and daycare services in the area. Karen
Clark, whose children attend one of these daycare services in
the area, felt it was much safer when the all -way stop was in
effect. Alderpersons Hoffman and Peterson echoed the same
sentiments, and strongly supported the reinstatement of the all -
way stop at Utica and Lewis Streets. Discussion followed about
the other stops on Utica Streets, and it was noted that there
were stops on every block. It was further noted that this stop
has been in place for many years, and people have gotten used to
it. Commissioner Sprague noted that he would support a
resolution reinstating the all -way stop at Utica and Lewis
Streets due to the number of daycare services in the area.
Commissioners Cannon and Daley agreed with the reinstatement.
Commissioner Cox felt that the reinstatement would further
impede the traffic flow. Commissioner Reeves objected to the
reinstatement due to the fact that she felt there were
sufficient stops already on Utica Street, but noted that she was
sympathetic to the neighborhood's concerns. However, the BPW
agreed to support a resolution reinstating this, and Acting
Supt. Fabbroni asked that sufficient justification be shown to
reinstall this all -way stop.
4W 2. MITCHELL AND STATE STREETS REVIEW OF TRANSIT STOPS
Transit System Manager Carpenter was present for discussion.
Bernie suggested State and Eddy and College and Mitchell as the
transit stops. He also noted that the buses required extra room
at State and Eddy to load passengers. Discussion followed
about the parking on State Street, and Council Liaison Nichols
noted that it is difficult to channel traffic on State Street
with cars parked on the street. The BPW will ask the Traffic
Engineer to look into the parking on lower State Street.
3. FARMERS MARKET BUS SERVICE
Commissioner Daley explained the situation - asked the
feasibility of providing bus service to the Farmers Market at
the Steamboat Landing site on Saturdays morning. Transit System
Manager Carpenter noted that there is already bus service in
that area - Bus #4, turns at Hancock and Third. He noted that
the buses used to run down Route 13 to Third Street, but due to
several request it was rerouted to cut into residential areas.
Bernie further noted that it is costly to run a shuttle bus and
that the present route takes it to within two blocks of the
Farmers Market. Bernie noted that there was bus service to the
old Farmers Market site on Taughannock Blvd., and this was
unsuccessful due to the low ridership statistics. Acting Supt.
Fabbroni noted that there is discussion concerning a bikeway to
be built along Route 13 from Willow Ave., along the outside of
the fence in front of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which may
solve some of the problems of people walking along Route 13.
Commissioner Daley will speak to the Farmers Market and
encourage them to suggest incentives for providing this bus
service.
4. COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGE AT ITHACA COLLEGE USE OF TROLLEY
Transit System Manager Carpenter relayed a request from the
Communications College at Ithaca College for use of a trolley
bus for Sept. 15 - 17. He noted that the bus could be loaned
from Elmira, and this would be used just on campus, and that
they would require a driver. He further noted that the College
will pay all costs, and asked the BPW to support this public
relations gesture. The BPW agreed that this was a good idea and
supported the request from the Communications College at Ithaca
College.
5. ALLAN H. TREMAN STATE MARINA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
(W Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council Chair, was
present for discussion. She expressed concern over the Hogs
Hole wetland, the road that is to be built, the birds,
butterflies and other species that may not stay, and the trees
%W that are to be taken out. She noted that she and Council
Liaison Nichols have already met with Andy Mazzella, State Parks
Regional Director, to try to work out a compromise. Discussion
followed about the need for more slips and a picnic area in this
park. Discussion followed about the Hogs Hole, and it was not
determined it this was a designated wetland or not. It was
noted that the Army Corps of Engineers should be consulted as
they have jurisdiction of wetlands. Discussion followed about
the transferring of the festival lands to the State Parks, and
it was noted that a suitable compromise will be necessary if
this land is to be turned over as Common Council will have to
approve this transaction. Discussion followed on possible
options for changing the proposed road. The BPW decided to
encourage Common Council to seek compromises to this proposed
improvement plan, and to seek input from the Army Corps of
Engineers concerning the Hogs Hole.
6. ITHACA INDUSTRIAL PARK
City Engr. Gray gave a brief summary on this project. He noted
that Planning and Development Director Van Cort is trying to
pull this project together since the grant money will be lost if
it is not spent. However, additional funds are needed for this
and Thys would like to use Water and Sewer funds to pay for
this, and would like the BPW's approval in doing so. This will
be discussed again in two weeks when Thys will be available.
7. WATER TREATMENT PLANT CHIEF OPERATOR STATUS REPORT
City Engr. Gray noted that he has received the eligible list for
this position and wants to schedule all three interviews on the
same day. He is having difficulty locating one applicant, but
hopes to have another report on this position in about three
weeks.
8. CNG TRANSMISSIONS PIPELINE THROUGH CITY WATERSHED
Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted that he has received another
proposal from CNG Transmissions stating that they will install
this pipeline on the existing NYSEG right -of -way, and asked the
BPW to reconsider their original denial. Discussion followed
about the original request and denial. Commissioner Daley felt
that this company was still asking for additional City right -of-
way. Acting Supt. Fabbroni will investigate this second
proposal further and report back to the BPW at the next COW
meeting.
EM
9. THETA CHI FRATERNITY REQUEST FOR EXPUNGEMENT
Commissioner Reeves gave the BPW the background concerning this
request. The Building Dept. sent the notification letter to a
contractor doing work on the building, not to the property
owner. Therefore, the Fraternity does not feel that they should
pay the bill for Department of Public Works services to clean up
their property. The BPW agreed with the Fraternity, and decided
to expunge this bill, but requests that the Building Dept.
reimburse the DPW for services rendered.
10. STREET LIGHT ON FAYETTE STREET
Commissioner Daley gave the BPW the background on this light -
it was originally removed because it shone in the one of the
resident's bedrooms. Now the neighborhood would like to have it
turned back on. The BPW referred this issue to staff to have
them investigate, and Commissioner Reeves also asked for an
update from staff concerning redoing of City lights by NYSEG.
11. REPAVING OF ROUTE 13
City Engr. Gray noted that the contractors doing this project
are asking the Planning and Development Director for use of land
to store their equipment, and that this is still in
negotiations. Commissioner Reeves noted that neighbors will
have to be notified if they want to use the Old Sewer Treatment
Plant site.
12. BIKE RACKS ON THE COMMONS
Commissioner Cannon noted that the Commons Advisory Board are
requesting new bike racks which are maintenance free. Acting
Supt. Fabbroni noted that this has been ordered, and that he
will check on the status of this order and report back to the
BPW.
13. STOP LIGHTS SYNCHRONIZATION AS A CAPITAL PROJECT
Commissioner Daley noted that he is submitting a request for
synchronization of stop lights as a capital project. Acting
Supt. Fabbroni noted previous discussions concerning this, and
that he has a verbal understanding for a grant and is working on
sending staff to school. Discussion followed about this grant,
and the need for synchronization of downtown lights.
Commissioner Cox noted that he would like to see other DPW
capital projects. The BPW will endorse the request for
synchronization of stop lights as a capital project.
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14. DPW OPERATIONS REPORT
Acting Supt. Fabbroni showed the BPW maps of the existing
facility and proposed expansion to this facility. He noted that
this expansion has been discussed for about two years now. He
further noted the immediate need for a storage area for all City
departments. Discussion followed about the land required to do
this. It was noted that approximately 10 acres is needed, and
discussion followed about acquiring this land. It was noted
that the Planning and Development Board and Common Council have
not seen this plan yet. The BPW felt that a committee should be
formed to look into the uses of the land desired and ways of
acquiring it. They felt a committee comprised of 1 Planning and
Development Board member, 2 Board of Public Works members and 2
Common Council members should meet to discuss this land.
Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary