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