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.
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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
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