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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-05-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 2, 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, Alderpersons Cummings and Daley. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: Hudson Street Reconstruction. Stewart Park Merry -go- round. 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). Recycling Task Force Mission. Parking Garage Signage - Kathe Evans present. Staff Reports: a) Street cleaning. b) Pedestrian crossing. C) Street striping. 1) Cost estimates for longer lasting street striping. d) Rebricking of Stewart Ave. Neighborhood procedures for reconstruction work - Barbara Blanchard - Elm Street. Cornell Transit Study - Bernie Carpenter. a) Cornell Park and Ride at East Hill Plaza. Dey Street petition for stop signs. 1. Coddington Road Drainage Problems. Alderperson Daley, as well as several of the residents in this area, were present for discussion. Lee Wells, a property owner in this neighborhood, noted the problems they have had with parking and the storm sewers. The residents requested "no parking" signs to be installed from #124 -150 Coddington Road, where it meets Hudson Street. Alderperson Daley noted that during his campaign, these issues were continually brought up. Discussion followed and the BPW decided to direct staff to look installing storm sewers and "no BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole May 2, 1990 parking" signs. For further discussion on these issues, the contact people will be Alderperson Daley and Lee Wells. 2. Hudson Street Reconstruction. Alderperson Daley noted the previous discussions and the current resolution on this project. Commissioner Reeves felt that this discussion now was out of the BPW's hands as this was a procedural decision and that a resolution was already passed. Mayor Nichols disagreed noting the impasse situation between the residents and the Engineering office and the major issue about the Therm curve. He noted that letter from the Fire Department noting their requirement for a wider street radius on Pearsall Place. The residents noted that there are many children who play on Pearsall Place and that they did not want it widened. Discussion followed, and the BPW decided to discuss item 2 of City Engr. Gray's hand -out regarding Columbia and Hudson streets and the loss of parking spaces. Commissioner Cannon noted that there is a lack of parking throughout the City and was concerned about the resident's desire to eliminate the proposed parking. The residents noted they were concerned about losing green space if this parking is put in. Commissioner Cox asked that it be noted for the record that if this street is narrowed, the City will be giving up parking spaces. Discussion followed. The BPW decided to leave this item for staff to further discuss with the residents. The BPW then went onto discuss the Therm curve. Commissioner Cox noted that he felt that this item should not be a concern to the legalities involved and he would not support a sub - standard design. The residents noted they wanted a redesign of this curve. It was noted that this curve is being designed for 30 mph, while the residents noted that they would like it designed for less then 30 mph, and that staff and the residents are unable to reach a compromise on this issue. Commissioner Connor suggested that the Community Dispute Resolution Center be contacted to try to help solve this conflict. Commissioner Cannon noted that he has talked to the Director of the Center and it was probably too late in the project to consult with them. City Atty. Guttman urged that a decision be made as rapidly as possible due to the legalities and money involved. Commissioner Reeves noted that she supports staff's design according to New York State standards. Commissioner Cannon noted that this may be litigated and would probably result in a moral victory. City Atty. Guttman described a typical lawsuit where the street was not designed according to New York State standards and how the City could then be held liable. Due to the lack of time, the BPW decided to further discuss this at the Hudson Street meeting on Tuesday, May 8th. Meeting adjoined at 6:05 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 2