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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-08-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 1, 1990 NOTES Present: Commissioners Berg, Connor, Cox, excused), Mayor Nichols; Supt. Thadani, Asst. City Engr. Gray, Asst. City Atty. Kennedy. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the Agenda: Reeves, (Cannon Supt. Carpenter, Status of City Electrician position. Polygon project on Floral Avenue. Parking permits for Woolworths lot. Report from City Atty. regarding use of Steamboat Landing site. The following were deletions to the Agenda: Cornell Transit Study - Bernie Carpenter. a) Cornell Park and Ride Lot at East Hill Plaza. Elmira Road Sidewalks. Central School Parking. Deposit fee for Ithaca Festival vendors - Mike Cannon. Regulations governing off - street parking for rental residential dwelling units - Barbara Blanchard - Barbara will report this to Rich Berg as it is a parking and traffic item. Criteria for sidewalk inspections. Letter from Lucy Bergstrom regarding idling vehicles on State and Aurora Streets. Sales tax at the parking garages. 1. Sanitation violations at 408 Stewart Avenue. Richard Gilbert, owner of the property at 408 Stewart Ave. was present for discussion regarding the untagged trash found at this location, which he is being held liable for. He noted that he did speak to Asst. Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, Jim Kelly, and noted that there was no evidence found in this trash to indicate it belonged to any one of his tenants at 408 Stewart Ave. Supt. Thadani noted many similar complaints that he has received, and noted that the Police Department is now taking complaints regarding untagged trash. Mr. Gilbert suggested raising City taxes to compensate for the large amount of untagged BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole August 1, 1990 trash found in the City. Discussion followed. Commissioner Cox noted that a large amount of the property in Ithaca is tax exempt, and raising taxes to compensate for trash problems would be unfair to City tax payers. Council Liaison Blanchard noted that the City was forced into the trash tag system by the County, and suggested that Mr. Gilbert speak to someone at the County regarding his trash problems. It was further noted that the trash tag program is to be reviewed shortly. The BPW directed Supt. Thadani to further discuss this violation with Mr. Gilbert and the Refuse and Recycling staff for resolution. 2. Polygon project on Floral Avenue. Kathe Evans from the Planning Dept. was present for discussion. She noted that she and Mayor Nichols walked along this area on Floral Ave. She noted that an environmental assessment form is being worked on for this project, and that she will be seeking the BPW's approval. Discussion followed about the money involved for this project, noting that $410,000 will come from public money, while $560,000 will be the result of a private loan. Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter asked about the curve near the proposed project, noting it could be a problem for people crossing the street at that location. Discussion followed about specific City money involved. It was noted that this parking lot will be a public lot, to be used by anyone, not just residents of the housing project. The BPW asked Kathe for more specific details concerning the funding involved, which she will discuss at a later meeting. 3. Conversion of Zikakis auto plaza to mini -mall. Commissioner Reeves discussed a letter received from Kathy Wolfe of Trowbridge Associates, regarding the installation of sidewalks on Route 13 near the former Zikakis auto plaza, and requesting to be relieved of the license fee charge for occupying the City right -of -way, since they will be removing the sign that was occupying this property. Discussion followed. The BPW agreed to remove the license fee charges, and also agreed to write a letter to them encouraging the installation of sidewalks in this area. 4. Staff Reports: a) Dey Street - report re: communication with State - Supt. Thadani called the State DOT, noting a formal reply from them will take 4 -6 months, as a lengthy survey must be done. He noted he also asked about the Recycling Drop -off Center Signs, which should be up in about a month. b) Tioga Street - review of accident reports - City Engr. Gray noted the report (accident history, etc.) that he handed out, Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole August 1, 1990 also noting the recent improvements that were done to Tioga St. The BPW will review this information and discuss at a later time. C) Parking permits at the Woolworths Lot - Supt. Thadani noted the recent problems encountered at the Woolworths Lot due to the construction of the County Mental Health Building. He noted that he has been authorizing additional permits to the contractors so they may park their vehicles in the Lot, and now there seems to be some problems due to a shortage of parking spaces. Supt. Thadani noted now that he has now received another request from one of the contractors for parking permits and that he is hesitant to authorize any additional spaces. Discussion followed. The BPW directed the Supt. to contact these contractors and notify them that the only way they can get permits is to stand in line at City Hall when they go on sale. d) Recycling Drop -off Center update - negotiations with County regarding supervision costs - Supt. Thadani noted the recent communications with the County regarding the cost for supervision at the Center. The BPW did not agree with these costs and directed the Supt. to relay this message to the County. e) City Electrician - Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter noted that he received only 2 applicants for the City Electrician position, and one decided to pull out. He noted that he then interviewed the sole applicant, along with the City Electrical Inspector and former City Electrician, and they all highly recommend this person. However, because of the low starting salary for this position, Bernie is requesting Step 4 for this person, and he noted that he has spoke with the Personnel Dept. and the Union regarding this. The BPW authorized Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter to proceed with the hiring procedures. f) Farmers Market use of Steamboat Landing on days other than regular Market days - Asst. City Atty. Kennedy read the current contract which states that if they use it for more than three days a week or if they use it for anything other than free - flowing, cultural, recreational, etc., they need to come back and ask permission from the City. Discussion followed about the recent art show that was held there, and Asst. City Atty. Kennedy will look into this further to find out who arranged this. g) DPW Consolidation Study - staff review of Trowbridge report - Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter noted his dilemma with this review as the design phase contract for the Joint Transit Facility is to be signed on Sept. 28. Discussion followed about getting a consultant to come in and do a thorough study to include architectural, engineering and space needs. Commissioner Reeves asked the BPW to consider if the DPW really should stay at the current site. The BPW decided that this issue needs more discussion, and requested the formation of a task force, which Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole August 1, 1990 the Mayor will appoint members to, to further study options and issues regarding the DPW consolidation plans. 5. Budget Review Commissioner Reeves reminded the BPW members of the dates of the upcoming budget reviews. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 4