Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-02-07C! BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting of February 7, 1990 NOTES Present: Commissioners Berg, Connor, Cox, Reeves, Sprague, (Cannon excused); Mayor Nichols, Council Liaison Blanchard, Supt. Thadani, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Attorney Guttman. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following was an addition to the Agenda: 9. No parking signs on W. Buffalo Street - resident present. The following was a deletion to the Agenda: 8. Committee of the Whole meetings - clarification of public speakers. 1. PRESENTATION BY CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS Asst. Supt. Fabbroni gave the BPW the background on this presentation. He noted that last year, the Student Chapter of Civil Engineers from Cornell University came to him looking for a project that may be of interest to them. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that they looked at a number of projects and decided on a pedestrian /bike bridge across Cascadilla Creek, just north of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant and near the sharp curve on the Pier Road. Students then presented the proposed bridge, and showed the BPW a model of it. They told the BPW that the bridge would have a span of 801, with their own designed 6' x 12' slab spread foundation, and they would use material similar to the adjacent railroad bridge. Commissioner Connor asked if this would be wheelchair accessible, the students noted that they have spoke with Kathleen Tripp of the Finger Lakes Independent Center and that the spaces between the boards is 1/211, allowing wheelchair accessibility. Commissioner Connor also asked if they have spoke with the Ithaca Bicycle Planning Commission, which they have not but do intend to. The students briefly discussed the project schedule with completion of the bridge scheduled for mid -May. It was noted that the students will do the work and the Page - 1 (W BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 7, 1990 DPW will provide a crane. Commissioner Cox noted that this group has done very good work and thanked them for this project. The BPW felt this was a very good project and approved the pedestrian /bicycle bridge over Cascadilla Creek. 2. NO PARKING SIGNS ON WEST BUFFALO STREET Melissa Hartley of 309 W. Buffalo Street was present to request the installation of "No Parking" signs in front of her residence. She noted that Central School is located across from her home, and that her driveway is often blocked by parents dropping off and picking up students. Alderperson Daley noted this situation has gotten worse since the enforcement of two hour zones - there are now many all -day parkers in this area. Alderperson Daley noted that the BPW might want to extend two hour parking in this neighborhood. The BPW directed staff to review this situation and report back in two weeks. 3. RECYCLING VIOLATIONS A. Theresa Flacco, 617 W. Buffalo Street. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reviewed this with the Sanitation Supervisor and recommends that the violation be expunged due to this being done on an off - collection day. The BPW agreed to expunging this violation. B. Richard Gilbert, 408 Stewart Avenue. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the Sanitation Supervisor has noted problems at this address and to leave the violations as is. The BPW noted that Mr. Gilbert has made many good suggestions in his letter, but also felt that the BPW should not be policing his tenants. Commissioner Berg mentioned that the problems Mr. Gilbert is having with his neighbor's trash could be the same kind of problems the new bag -tag system will be creating. Council Liaison Blanchard noted that she will forward Mr. Gilbert's letter to the Recycling Task Force. The BPW denied expungement of this violation. 4. STREET CROSSING AT AURORA STREET AND HILLVIEW PLACE Mr. Stanley Scharf of 214 South Hill Terrace, was present to discuss this request. Staff noted that they need more time to review this situation. Mr. Scharf suggested a push button light. City Engineer Gray noted that he will be able to report on this item in two weeks. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 7, 1990 5. HUDSON STREET A. Bicycle Path. City Engr. Gray passed out a memo and map outlining three options for the accommodation of a bicycle path on Hudson Street. This memo noted that the needs of the cycling public have already been affirmatively addressed in the design process by the installation of bicycle grates, uniform pavement widths, and wide curb lanes. City Engr. Gray noted that the Ithaca Bicycling Commission proposal calls for a bikeway classified as a Class II lane on the uphill side of the street only. From that, staff presented several options which the BPW discussed. The BPW favored Option 1, with the elimination of all parking in this area on upper Hudson from Crescent Place to Pearsall Place. It was noted that lower Hudson Street has the parking problems, not upper Hudson so this option shouldn't affect too many people. Discussion followed about signage and insurance if this were designated a Class II bikeway. The BPW asked the City Attorney to look into the liability aspects of this. Alderperson Daley mentioned that the Bicycling Commission and Planning Board are working on a more formal overall bicycling plan, and have decided not to include Elm Street. Discussion followed about the pavement width which is to be 301, 5' for the bicycle lane, 12 1/2' each for driving lanes. The BPW decided to approve a comprehensive bikeway plan which would eliminate parking on upper Hudson Street, it would be a 5' lane and to put this into effect pending liability review from the City Attorney. B. Hudson Street Sidewalk Assessments. City Engr. Gray proposed two resolutions to the BPW. He noted that in April of 1989 the BPW passed a resolution for the installation of sidewalks on the west side of Hudson Street. Commissioner Connor noted that many of the residents she spoke with from Oak Hill Manor to Grandview Place were concerned about the removal of trees if sidewalks were to be installed. Mr. Culligan, a Hudson Street resident, noted that there is already an existing path that is used and didn't see a need for the sidewalk. The BPW discussed the number of trees to be removed and the costs for installation of sidewalks. Commissioners Sprague and Cox did not see a need for sidewalks on the west side, however the BPW decided to hold a public information meeting regarding this, and to notify all property owners and to have a large map identifying this area in question at this meeting. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS aw COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 7, 1990 6. ICE CLIMBING ON CITY PROPERTY City Attorney Guttman gave his opinion of this topic - the proposed waiver is only limited protection for the City. City Atty. Guttman felt that if the City were to allow ice climbing in the gorge, swimmers might try to propose the same type of waiver for swimming in the gorge. Commissioner Cox asked for the background of this request. Commissioner Reeves noted that the request came from Steve Uzmann and that he requested the use of Six Mile Creek and Ithaca Falls. Discussion followed about who owns Ithaca Falls. The BPW agreed to deny this request for ice climbing on City property. 7. COLLEGETOWN PARKING PROBLEMS Commissioner Reeves noted the memo the BPW received from Jay Menninger of the Triangle Book Shop regarding various parking problems in Collegetown, and she asked the BPW how they would like to respond to this. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni felt that Mr. Menninger could be made aware of the proposal Bill Wendt from Cornell is preparing, the 3rd and 4th Ward daytime parking regulations currently being proposed, the fact that the Dryden Road Parking Garage is already operating 24 hours a day. Commissioner Reeves noted that she will respond to Mr. Menninger. Discussion followed about the subcommittee for the 3rd and 4th Ward daytime parking proposal. Commissioners Cox and Berg will join Deputy Planning and Development Director Mazzarella in this subcommittee, and a DPW staff member will be involved. Commissioner Reeves noted that Common Council wanted this resolved by August 1st. Council Liaison Blanchard recommended that the subcommittee meet with residents in this area to hear their concerns. Commissioner Reeves will contact Paul and send him a copy of these notes. 8. STAFF UPDATES Asst. Supt. Fabbroni showed the BPW the handouts which are currently being distributed to City residents regarding the bag - tag system. Supt. Thadani noted the DPW bus tour scheduled for March 3rd, and that the invitations have been sent out. Meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 4