HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-04-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 18, 1990
4:00 p.m.
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Berg, Cannon, Connor, Cox, Reeves,
Sprague, Mayor Nichols; Council Liaison Blanchard, Supt. Thadani,
Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter, City Engr. Gray, City Atty.
Guttman.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following were additions to the Agenda:
Pedestrian crossings - general discussion.
Street Cleaning.
The following were deletions to the Agenda:
Elmira Road sidewalks.
Request from Senior Citizens Council to block off part of street
(same time as the Ithaca Festival Days).
1. Future of Recycling Task Force
Lynn Leopold was present for this discussion. She thanked the
BPW for the help and support she received from them while she was
coordinating Ithaca Recycles. She explained the background of
the Task Force and felt it was time to rethink its missions.
Barbara Hotchkiss, Tompkins County Recycling Coordinator, was
also present for discussion. Commissioner Cox asked about
recycling centers. Ms. Hotchkiss noted that the County currently
has two - one in Caroline and one in Danby, where people can drop
off recyclables. Discussion followed about the hours of
recycling centers and what items they accept. Further discussion
followed on current recycling efforts and how the County is
preparing for mandatory recycling in 1992. Mayor Nichols asked
about the recycling containers and it was noted that they will be
similar to the ones currently used. Council Liaison Blanchard
noted a program that Ida Weber has called "Camp Goodtime ", that
donates money to this group from every load of office paper
brought in for recycling. Lynn noted that the Task Force may
need to change its name and asked the BPW for a mission. She
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 18, 1990
noted they may invite Jim Kelly to their next meeting to discuss
further recycling issues. The BPW asked to be kept informed of
new developments in County recycling efforts.
2. Committee of the Whole meetings
The BPW agreed to keep the current format of an unnumbered agenda
for Committee of the Whole meetings.
3. Parking Garage Signage
Commissioner Cannon reported that this item was a result of a
recent Commons Advisory Board meeting, and they had asked for
better signage. Commissioner Reeves noted there are currently 54
signs posted. Commissioner Cannon noted that these signs are
faded. Discussion followed about Planning and Development's role
in this, and the BPW decided to ask Kathe Evans to attend a
future meeting to give an update of this.
4. Lutheran Church request for free parking at Dryden Road
Commissioner Reeves noted the previous discussions on this and
(W that Alderperson Golder asked that this request be taken into
consideration again. Mayor Nichols noted a letter received from
the Church asking that free parking be allowed on Sunday
mornings. Discussion followed about available parking.
Commissioner Cannon did not think granting this request was a
good idea since other groups will ask for the same treatment.
Commissioner Cox noted that the 24 hour operation of this garage
is under a trial period. Discussion followed. The BPW decided
to allow free parking on Sundays between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm,
concurrent with the 24 hour operation trial period.
S. Half Trash Tags
It was noted that the BPW already decided to implement a trash
tag system. Supt. Thadani noted that he has a meeting with the
County to discuss this further. Discussion followed about the
amount and weight limit for these tags. The BPW decided to pass
a resolution with the weight and amount of these tags left blank
to be filled in after Supt. Thadani's meeting with the County.
6. Sidewalk assessment at 220 Willard Way Loop
City Engr. Gray gave the BPW an update on this, noting an error
in the bill. He noted also that the property owners were
receiving a new bill.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 18, 1990
7. Street Cleaninc
Commissioner Connor asked about the schedule for street cleaning,
noting that the roads are very dirty. Supt. Thadani will check
into this and report back to the BPW.
S. Pedestrian Crossing at the Five Corners
Commissioner Reeves noted the background for this request and
suggested that the Traffic Engr. do a traffic count here. City
Engr. Gray noted a study done at this intersection in 1967.
Discussion followed about possible traffic crossing mechanisms
and push button lights. City Engr. Gray will do further study
and report back to the BPW.
9. Pedestrian Crossings in General
Commissioner Connor asked staff how often these crossings are
painted. Staff noted that the crossings are painted yearly and
that to complete the striping program it takes about two to three
months to finish.
10. Oil and Stone Operations on City Streets
Supt. Thadani noted a memo and "oil- stained" carpet he received
from Planning and Development Director Thys Van Cort. City Engr.
Gray stated that he did an economic background on this operation
and found it to be less expensive. Discussion followed about
some of the problems encountered with this operation.
Commissioner Cox noted that he felt last years program was
excellent. Discussion followed about differentiating streets
between asphalt overlay and oil and stone. Council Liaison
Blanchard suggested sending a flyer to residents before their
street would be serviced, letting them know the details of the
operation, which staff will arrange to do in the future.
11. Newman Golf Course Shelter
Commissioner Sprague gave the BPW a background on this shelter,
noting that the Golf Course fund has $3,000 available for the
construction. The shelter would be similar to the one at Cass
Park - small pavilion with roof and picnic table. He noted the
City would have to provide lighting and wiring. The BPW was
agreeable to the construction on such a shelter, pending
environmental review.
12. Secondary Commons discussion
Commissioner Reeves gave the BPW the background on this in regard
to the annual review of outdoor dining permits on the Commons.
She noted that City Atty. Guttman recommends that the BPW not
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 18, 1990
give up their jurisdiction in this area. Discussion followed and
the BPW agreed to continue with the current method of approving
outdoor dining permits.
Commissioner Sprague thanked staff for their quick solution to
the Thurston Avenue Bridge problems.
Commissioner Berg asked about the graffiti problems near the
Commons which Supt. Thadani will look into.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary
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