Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-01-24A BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting of January 24, 1990 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cannon, Connor, Cox, Reeves, Sprague; Council Liaison Blanchard, Mayor Nichols, Supt. of Public Works Thadani, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following was an addition to the Agenda: 11. Hudson Street Reconstruction update. 1. ENCROACHMENT REQUEST AT 414 SPENCER ROAD City Attorney Guttman was present for discussion. It was noted that this request has been on -going since August, 1989 and that various correspondence has been sent between the lawyers. Chuck told the BPW that there were three things the BPW could do regarding this request: 1) do nothing - the problem is between buyer and seller, or 2) authorize a revocable license, or 3) authorize agreement with the stipulation that it is in effect as long as the buildings remain the same. Discussion followed. The BPW decided to grant an encroachment agreement for this property, and the City Attorney will prepare the resolution and agreement. 2. REGULATING DAYTIME PARKING NEAR CORNELL UNIVERSITY Deputy Planning and Development Director Mazzarella, Police Chief McEwen, Alderpersons Booth and Johnson were present for discussion. Paul summarized the proposed regulations - either 1) limiting 2 hour parking in the 3rd and 4th wards between 8 am and 5 pm [with an option to extend to 7 pm] or 2) establishing alternate side parking between 9 am and 12 pm, and 12 pm through 3 pm on weekends, with night time parking allowed on any street. Chief McEwen gave the BPW his feelings on the proposed regulations. He did not like option #1, as two hour parking limits are very hard to enforce, i.e. takes more manpower to chalk tires and go back to write the tickets, etc. He preferred option #2 as signs would be posted telling people where they could park and when. Paul noted that he felt some problems might be forthcoming with these regulations, such as more front -yard parking. Mayor Nichols felt that this subject is one that the BPW really needs to work on and noted a similar project that he worked on - the Oxford /Irving Place parking problems - where specific parking regulations were established and noted it had good results. Mayor Nichols also felt that more parking regulations would promote Page - 1 A BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 24, 1990 a "park and ride" situation. Commissioner Cox was concerned about homeowners in the area that had no driveways. Discussion followed about the volume of traffic on the streets in question. It was decided that Paul would work with the BPW and that a subcommittee should be formed between the two groups. 3. JOINT TRANSIT MAINTENANCE FACILITY Transit System Manager Carpenter was present to discuss the background for this item. He noted the three agencies involved - the Ithaca Transit, CU Transit, and Tomtran- Gadabout. He also noted that he and Asst. Supt. Fabbroni met with State officials and discussed the funding for this based on the individual agencies bus participation. Bernie noted the funding would be as follows - CU Transit 50 %, Ithaca Transit 25% and Tomtran 25 %. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni discussed the proposed site off the Streets and Facilities parking lot. It was noted that 2.5 acres were needed for this site. It was also noted that this facility would free up to 25% of the existing DPW building. The BPW agreed to prepare a resolution allocating sufficient design monies for this project. 4. YARROW NELSON - REQUEST FOR BICYCLE PATH ON HUDSON STREET Yarrow Nelson from the Ithaca Bicycle Planning Commission, was present to request that the current Hudson Street Reconstruction plans be amended to include a bicycle path. He noted that this would create a major link between Ithaca College and downtown. He also noted a resolution passed by the Planning and Development Board. The BPW asked Mr. Nelson to meet with staff on this, and staff will report back in two weeks. City Engr. Gray gave the BPW a status report on the Hudson Street Reconstruction project - he noted that a public hearing will be held on the sidewalks and that the bids have been opened and the contract will soon be awarded. 5. EARTH DAY Sage, an organizer of the local Earth Day celebration, was present to discuss this event with the BPW. She noted that this year is the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, and festivities will take place on Saturday, April 21st. The BPW noted the memo from Alderperson Peterson asking the BPW to co- sponsor this event and waive the Stewart Park pavilion fees and also the liability factor. Discussion followed. Commissioner Cannon asked for more information regarding this event, which Sage will provide. The BPW did not have a problem waiving the pavilion fee, but would like more detailed information regarding this whole event. 6. MR. CASSANITI - VENDING CART DISCUSSION Mr. Cassaniti was present for discussion. He noted that his brother Lou, owns the vending cart on the Commons, and that he has also purchased a new vending truck. Mr. Cassaniti was curious about two Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 24, 1990 other vending trucks in the City and how they used the streets. City Attorney Guttman referred him to Chapter 17 of the City Charter concerning peddlers and noted that vendors permits are issued through the Chief of Police, and specifically the paragraph that states vehicles must move every 10 minutes so they won't be blocking the streets. It was noted that the two trucks in question were grandfathered in through licenses and were not subject to the 10 minute rule. Mr. Cassaniti was directed to the Chief of Police to further answer his questions. 7. CITY HALL HVAC REPORT Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that he recently had an HVAC report done in City Hall which the BPW received copies of. He further noted that the DPW budget includes $150,000 for replacing the existing system. He also noted that this existing system is substandard and is definitely in need of repair. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni felt the dilemma is the cost of this replacement - that is, will it be worth replacing if the City does not intend to keep City Hall here for quite awhile. He asked the BPW for an initial reaction to this and they agreed to proceed with a new HVAC system for City Hall. 8. COW MEETINGS - CLARIFICATION OF PUBLIC SPEAKERS Commissioner Cox reviewed this item - he felt that public discussion should be limited to the regular BPW meetings as the COW meetings are working meetings and are rushed as it is. Commissioners Sprague and Reeves agreed with this proposal, and a resolution supporting this will be on next weeks BPW agenda. 9. AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS Commissioner Reeves noted the BPW still needed to sign up for their assignments. 10. SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT AGENT FOR TRASH VIOLATIONS In regard to this position, Commissioner Reeves reminded the BPW that the Budget and Administration Committee have already agreed to no new employees in 1990. She asked the BPW to consider utilizing the existing Sanitation workers for this task. The BPW will discuss this at their next COW meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 3