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