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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-11-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 15, 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 was a deletion to the Agenda: 3. Staff Updates: a) Job Scope of Water and Sewer Director. b) Lighting in Southside area. C) Update on encroachment request at 108 Water Street. 1. RECYCLING CLASS AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY Lynn Leopold, Education Coordinator for Ithaca Recycles, invited the BPW to a class at Cornell University regarding recycling on Thursday, November 30th at 4:00 p.m., at Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Room #N207. She noted that this class involved student fieldwork on recycling and was sponsored by Ithaca Recycles. 2. HANDICAPPED PARKING REQUEST AT COLLEGE AVENUE Kathleen Tripp from the Finger Lakes Independence Center, was present for discussion. Commissioner Daley noted the background for this request and asked Ms. Tripp if a spot from the Dryden Road Parking Garage could be taken out and substituted for a spot on the street. Ms. Tripp stated that this could not be done, but that she did review this request and the location of the requested handicapped spot. She noted that the BPW does not have to install a handicapped space, but felt that a handicapped space in front of Hill's Drug Store would be most convenient. Discussion followed about parking garages and the number of handicapped spaces needed. Ms. Tripp noted that if new construction is done on a street, then a handicapped parking space would be required. Discussion furthered about the handicapped spaces in the Dryden Road Parking Garage and if they are used. The BPW decided to ask the Building Commissioner about a possible variance to the required amount of handicapped spaces needed in this particular Garage, and then make a decision regarding this request. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS -2- COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 3. CORNELL UNIVERSITY TRANSIT PLAN William Wendt, Director of Transportation Services at Cornell University, was present to discuss Cornell's plan for free transit. He noted that this was a quick introduction but that he has been discussing this with Ithaca Transit and Tomtran. He noted that he is suggesting the free transit option instead of adding parking. He further noted that he needed cooperation from both the BPW and the Planning and Development Boards, and that he has started developing surveys to better meet needs. Commissioner Reeves noted the resolution the BPW passed in the spring asking Cornell to include them in their parking plans. Discussion followed about this free transit plan, and the buses involved. Alderperson Killeen asked if school buses could be considered for this purpose, which they cannot. Mr. Wendt added that Cornell is considering an incentive program for employees to use the buses. Discussion followed about garages to house the buses. Mr. Wendt again noted that this is a pilot program and that he will be willing to cooperate and discuss this with the BPW again in the future. The BPW decided to ask Deputy Planning and Development Director Paul Mazzarella to the next COW meeting. 4. GENEVA STREET LOADING ZONE Police Chief McEwen and Deputy Police Chief Ecklund were present for discussion. A request was received from the Senior Citizens Center to change the two loading zone parking spots to handicapped parking spots. Chief McEwen noted that since the Parking Enforcement Program has solved some problems, it has created a few new ones. Chief McEwen also noted that he had received a request from the teachers at Central School about parking because they are now receiving tickets in the two hour zones. Discussion followed. The BPW decided to direct the Traffic Engineer to investigate the possibility of changing the two loading zone parking spaces to handicapped in front of the Senior Citizens Center, and deny the school teacher's request for parking since the BPW felt it was the school's responsibility to provide parking for their employees. 5. EAST SPENCER STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS The BPW reviewed the background on this - it was noted that the residents originally requested speed bumps. The Engineering staff did traffic surveys on this street and their findings were reported to the BPW. It was noted that the City could be held liable if speed bumps were installed on this street. The BPW discussed the idea of changing the one -way traffic flow on this street the other way. The BPW decided that this was not a good idea as it would not improve the traffic circulation, it would just reverse the peak traffic times. Discussion followed. Chief McEwen noted that the yellow speed signs could be installed but are not enforcible. Chief McEwen also noted that he will ask his officers to spend some time on East Spencer Street. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS -3- COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 6. SKATEBOARDING Commissioner Reeves relayed to the BPW Alderperson Booth's opinion on skateboarding in the City - he felt there should be a total ban on City streets, but felt a facility should be available for the skateboarders. Commissioner Cannon noted that as BPW liaison to the Youth Bureau Board last year, they were opposed to the idea of a skateboarding facility. Chief McEwen noted that the City needs to pass a local law banning skateboarding in Dewitt Park, and needs to define the ban of skateboards on the Commons - the primary or secondary Commons. Chief McEwen also felt that the City liability question needed to be discussed as well as general rules and regulations concerning skateboarding in the City of Ithaca. Bonnie Williams, concerned citizen and organizer of a local skateboarding group, spoke to the BPW about the need for a skateboarding facility. Discussion followed. The BPW felt that skateboarding should be banned from all City streets and highways, but that alternatives should be discussed between the Youth Bureau Board, the BPW and Common Council. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary