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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-03-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 21, 1990 NOTES Present: Commissioners Berg, Cannon, Connor, Cox, Reeves, Sprague; Council Liaison Blanchard, Supt. Thadani, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: Hudson Street Reconstruction Discussion. �y Environmental Review of pedestrian /bicycle bridge over Cascadilla Creek. Standardization of Otis Elevator Equipment at Seneca Street Parking Garage. The following were deletions to the Agenda: St. Paul's Methodist Church request to use Stewart Park. Newman Municipal Golf Course proposal to raise rates. Trash Tags a. Possibility for trash tags under 35 lbs.? b. Free trash tags to certain groups? Parking garage signage for City streets. Elmira Road sidewalks. July Board of Public Works meetings. Outdoor Dining Permits - results of Charter and Ordinance meeting. 1. DRYDEN ROAD PARKING GARAGE - SUNDAY PARKING FEES Rev. Rick Bair from the Lutheran Church of Ithaca was present for discussion. Rev. Bair noted that members of his church were concerned about the parking rates for the Dryden Road Parking Garage on Sundays, which previously was free. They asked the BPW not to charge for parking on Sundays. The BPW explained that BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole March 21, 1990 they had received complaints from merchants and residents in this area regarding the lack of parking due to long -term parkers who leave while the attendant is not on duty. The BPW noted that they decided to operate this garage on a 24 hour daily basis until May 31st, at which time they will review this garage again. The BPW decided to deny the request for free Sunday parking at the Dryden Road Parking Garage at this time. 2. CITY COURT FACILITY PLAN Police Chief McEwen and City Judge Sherman were present for discussion. Chief McEwen noted that this is not a police department study but that his department requires more storage space and asked that the plan chosen for the City Court solve the storage and various space needs for several years. He and Judge Sherman noted that the current Hall of Justice building was built or intended to serve a police department and court facility. Commissioner Cox asked about possible police storage space at Streets and Facilities, Chief McEwen noted that that location would not be practical. Discussion then followed about the different options. Chief McEwen noted that the parking lots were essential for personnel, court visitors and police cars, and they couldn't afford to lose any parking. Discussion followed about a holding facility for prisoners if the Court were to be built across the street and a possible underground connection linking the Police Dept. and the Court. Discussion followed. Alderperson Cummings asked the BPW to be sensitive to the concerns of the surrounding neighborhoods. The BPW, with the recommendation of the Police Chief and City Judge, endorsed the option for a Court Facility across the street from the Hall of Justice and further endorsed the concept of a underground connection between the two buildings to maximize public security while transporting prisoners, and will pass this onto Common Council. 3. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS OFFICER Commissioner Cannon gave the BPW the background on this request. He noted that the BPW has received many complaints regarding speeding and that they have been referred to the Police Dept. Commissioner Cannon noted that this request is to fund an extra full -time police officer to enforce only moving violations. Chief McEwen noted that he has discussed this request with Alderperson Daley and noting that one additional officer would be sufficient as there are currently 2 traffic officers. Discussion followed on appropriate funding for this. The BPW endorsed the concept for a traffic violations officer and will relay their support to the Budget and Administration Committee. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole March 21, 1990 4. HUDSON STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Commissioner Reeves noted the public information meeting held last night and noted the various issues brought up by the residents. City Engr. Gray discussed with the BPW several alternatives. Discussion followed about the amount of trees to be cut down and the width of the road. It was noted that a special meeting has been called by Common Council in regard to this topic and that Council could take control of the whole project. The BPW reviewed maps provided by the City Engr. outlining the alternative. The BPW then went into Executive Session at 5:40 pm to discuss the legal ramifications of this project and personnel issues. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 3