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
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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
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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
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