HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-05-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
May 16, 1990
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Berg, Cannon, Connor, Cox, Reeves,
Sprague, Mayor Nichols; Supt. Thadani, Facilities Maintenance
Supervisor Ferrel, City Engr. Gray, City Atty. Guttman,
Alderperson Daley, Alderperson Peterson.
The following was an addition to the Agenda:
Parking Management Officer.
The following were deletions to the Agenda:
Parking Garage Signage - Kathe Evans present.
Dey Street petition for stop signs.
Farmers Market - George Sheldon proposal.
1. Community Festival on June 16th - request from George Rolle.
Mr. Rolle was present and brought along a petition from residents
in the neighborhood who were in favor of closing Cleveland Avenue
on Saturday, June 16, 1990 from 10 am to 9 pm for a community
festival. He noted he would like to also have booths to sell
crafts and other items. Commissioner Reeves noted that he would
have to contact the Police Dept. for a vendors permit and the
Health Dept. for any food to be sold. The BPW agreed to direct
staff to provide the necessary barricades to close Cleveland
Avenue on June 16th.
2. Parking Management Officer.
Alderperson Daley was present to discuss this issue. He noted
that an ad -hoc committee is being formed consisting of two
members from the BPW - Commissioners Berg and Reeves; two from
Common Council - Alderpersons Blanchard and himself; two members
of Downtown Ithaca, Inc., one member from Collegetown
Neighborhood Council, the Police Chief, the Supt. of Public Works
and two other DPW staff members. This committee will review the
current parking situation and decide if a parking manager is
needed and the aspects of the job description. Discussion
followed as to whom this person would report, or if this would be
a totally separate division. Discussion followed about the
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole
May 16, 1990
funding for this position. Discussion followed as to why the
merchants are involved and Commissioner Cannon noted many
concerns he has heard regarding the raised rates and felt that
DII should be involved. Council Liaison Blanchard noted that she
has made some phone calls to other cities in regard to how they
coordinate their parking and traffic need and felt it is
premature to discuss this as an entity now. Commissioner Sprague
felt that cities with similar populations should be contacted.
Commissioner Cox requested that the charge of this committee be
put in writing along with the list of members. Mayor Nichols
suggested that the City Controller be involved. The BPW decided
to endorse the formation of an ad -hoc committee to further study
parking management.
3. Signs on Route 13 regarding Recycling Center.
Commissioner Berg noted he felt signs should be installed on
Route 13 pointing out the location of the new Recycling Center.
Commissioner Reeves noted the procedure to do so requires
contacting the State and asking them to install them since this
is a State route. The BPW directed the Supt. to contact the
State and request these signs. Discussion followed about the
Center and the problems it is currently having. The BPW would
like to see this Center open on weekends but Supt. Thadani noted
he does not have the staff to man it. He has contacted City
Court to ask if persons sentenced to do Community Service could
man this Center. Commissioner Reeves suggested contacting the
County and asking for their help. Commissioner Cannon questioned
the need for staff on weekends. Discussion followed about
potential littering problems. The BPW decided to open the Center
on weekends for a three week trial period on Saturday and Sunday
from 7 am to 7 pm starting the weekend of May 26th.
4. Neighborhood procedures for reconstruction work.
Alderperson Blanchard noted the procedure she has proposed in
regards to the Elm Street Reconstruction project. She noted that
this procedure has been reviewed by both the West Hill Civic
Association and the Elm Street residents committee and they would
like to see the procedure tried, as well as the Conservation
Advisory Council. She further noted that the Community Dispute
Resolution Center were supportive of this procedure, and she
asked the BPW for their opinion. Supt. Thadani noted the
problems in the Elm Street project and felt that certain
priorities needed to be reviewed. Discussion followed about a
neutral party being involved in projects - someone who doesn't
have a vested interest. Council Liaison Blanchard noted the BPW
resolution that states a decision is to made regarding this
project before September 30th. Discussion followed about capital
projects . Commissioner Connor and Mayor Nichols agreed that a
written process is necessary. The BPW decided to pass a
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole
May 16, 1990
resolution endorsing the formation of a committee to work on a
procedure for reviewing future street reconstruction projects.
5. Elmira Road sidewalks.
Commissioner Reeves noted the previous discussions on this topic
and that the Elmira Road merchants did not want to install
sidewalks. Commissioner Berg felt that these views have changed,
and that some may want sidewalks installed, which Mayor Nichols
agreed. Council Liaison Blanchard asked the BPW to consider
possibly installing sidewalks on old Spencer Road on the back of
Elmira Road. Commissioner Cox noted the original reconstruction
of Elmira Road in 1976 and all the opposition the City was facing
regarding street lights and curbing. Commissioner Cannon
suggested that informal polls be taken on the Elmira Road to
determine if the sidewalks should be installed. Mayor Nichols
suggested that a map be reviewed showing where the sidewalks
would be installed and noted that he supports the installation of
sidewalks. The BPW directed the City Engr. to provide such a map
for further discussion.
6. Staff Reports:
Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Ferrel gave a report on
the following:
a) Street cleaning: Crews have been working on the flats, this
work is done just between the sidewalk and curb.
b) Pedestrian crossing: The "Five Corners" has been done.
C) Street striping: Crews have done from Albany - Court -
Meadow; there are 159 crosswalks to be done which depends on the
weather; primary zones (schools, etc.) are done first.
1) Cost estimates for longer lasting street striping:
Rick noted the handout the BPW received at their last meeting and
that the current method is the least expensive.
d) Rebricking of Stewart Ave.: This will be done this Fall
after the Thurston Avenue Bridge project.
7. Parking regulations on upper East Hill.
Commissioner Berg noted a public information meeting scheduled
for May 24, 1990 to comments from the public regarding the
proposed parking regulations.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole
May 16, 1990
8. Recycling Task Force Mission.
Council Liaison Blanchard suggested this item be postponed until
a County -wide recycling committee is formed.
Meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary
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