Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-08-23BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 23, 1989 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cannon, Daley, Reeves, Sprague (Cox excused); Council Liaison Nichols, Acting Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: 6. Pogo Parcel. 7. Encroachment Request at 414 Spencer Road. 8. Sludge Disposal Agreement. 9. Request for increased lighting - Clinton, Cleveland and Plain Streets - petition received. 10. Speed Bumps. 1. ITHACA INDUSTRIAL PARK Thys Van Cort, Planning and Development Director, was present for discussion. He noted that he has already discussed this with Acting Supt. Fabbroni and City Engr. Gray. Thys showed the BPW a map of the site to be used for the Industrial Park. He noted the space reserved for the Community Gardens. Thys also noted that a major water main will be installed which will improve service to the west side of Route 13. This main would be a major expense separate from project development costs, but would be a high quality public improvement. Commissioner Daley asked about a time frame. Thys noted that there are no prospective tenants yet, and that certain requirements are needed - there has to be a certain number of employees per acre, no retail, etc. Thys further noted that the Cherry Street Industrial Park was slow to develop. Thys felt that final grading and utility installation would be done in the spring, scheduled around the Community Gardens growing season. He noted that he has discussed financing the water main with the City Engr., and that this would be funded through water funds and bid as a separate item. Thys will be back to the BPW in September for further discussion and request for approval. 2. POGO _PARCEL Tony Petito, owner of this property, was present to express his concern over some of the problems in this area. He noted that he has recently purchased the First Street Playhouse, and would like to renovate it. Mr. Petito is concerned about the water and poor 4W drainage problems in this area, the lighting, and loading and unloading of trucks causing tie -ups in this area. Mr. Petito noted that the neighbors in this area are willing to cooperate to improve this area. Mr. Petito noted that the neighborhood would like to acquire Adams Street as a buffer for a loading dock. Commissioner Daley felt that these concerns are part of the subdivision discussions, and that he would report further to the BPW on the action taken from these discussions. 3. OCTOPUS SIGNALIZATION Frank Gombas, Traffic Engineer, was present for discussion. It was noted that a memo was received from Alderperson Peterson urging the BPW to explore signalization options at the Octopus. Council Liaison Nichols felt the BPW should contact the DOT for suggestions. Traffic Engr. Gombas described the current system used at the Octopus. He noted that a police officer is posted at the Octopus to change the light, and felt that this was necessary to ascertain the volume of traffic. Discussion followed about the present situation, and Commissioner Sprague noted that traffic does run smoothly when a police officer is present. Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted that no light controller would be able to take care of traffic serges, and felt that a police officer is still necessary. It was noted that any device installed would be on an interim basis, prior to DOT improvements. The BPW decided to contact the DOT for suggestions on improving signalization at the Octopus. 4. CNG TRANSMISSIONS PROPOSAL This discussion was delayed for two weeks. 5. DPW OPERATIONS REPORT Acting Supt. Fabbroni asked the BPW for their reaction to the DPW consolidation plan presented at earlier meetings. Commissioner Reeves noted that the Planning and Development Committee wants to hear the Board's plan. Commissioner Daley noted that the BPW needs to make a decision about acquiring the land necessary to proceed with this consolidation. Discussion followed about this land. The BPW decided to approve the overall concept of consolidating the DPW operations. 6. LICENSE FEES REVIEW City Engr. Gray explained the background on this request, noting that some licenses cost less than staff's time to do the necessary research and paperwork. He suggested a minimum fee be established for licenses at $50.00. The BPW agreed and Commissioner Daley suggested increasing the minimum fee for encroachments to $50.00 also, which the BPW also agreed to. (W 7. ENCROACHMENT REQUEST AT 414 SPENCER ROAD The BPW reviewed this request. City Engr. Gray felt that the building proper should be an encroachment, while the overhanging roof and drive - through should be licensed annually. It was noted that this property used to be a gas station, is now used as a residence and is being looked at by a church. The BPW agreed to approve the above encroachment and license agreements, and noted that prior to any revocation of either agreement, the Landmarks Preservation Council be given an opportunity to review such agreements. 8. SLUDGE DISPOSAL AGREEMENT Acting Supt. Fabbroni discussed with the BPW a draft letter from the SJS to Tompkins County. This letter discussed the results of the August 22nd SJS meeting, urging the County to join the SJS in appealing a recent State ruling declaring sludge a non - recyclable material. It also urged the County to exempt the recent landfill tipping charge for the IAWWTP, and in turn the SJS would charge the County on a individual load basis for leachate received from Caswell Road. The BPW decided to approve the actions and letter taken by the SJS. 9. REQUEST FOR INCREASED LIGHTING The BPW noted the petition received from residents in the Plain, Cleveland and Clinton Street area, asking for increased lighting. Discussion followed about setting a precedent, everyone will want increased lighting if this request is approved. Commissioner Cannon suggested getting crime statistics from the police, and install these lights based on safety measures. Discussion followed about the recent request for lighting in the 100 block of Fayette Street, and it was noted that staff recommends that lighting is adequate in this area but will continue to investigate. The BPW directed staff to investigate the request for increased lighting in the Plain, Cleveland and Clinton Street area and report back. 10. SPEED BUMPS This will be discussed in two weeks. Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Notes by Lisa Cornell (W Administrative Secretary