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
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(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.
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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.
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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
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