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,
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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
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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
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