HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1991-03-20IM
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 20, 1991
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Berg, Brandford, Cox, Reeves, Rusoff, Tripp,
Mayor Nichols; Council Liaison Blanchard, Acting Supt. Gray, Acting
Asst. Supt. Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
1. Elmira Road sidewalks Committee has "Power to Actle.
Thys Van Cort and Dominick Cafferillo were present for discussion.
Thys noted that this project is authorized if the BPW would like to
proceed. This project would be funded by a benefit assessment district
and B &A and Common Council would also need to authorize this funding.
Discussion followed about the public hearing process for this project,
noting that two public meetings were already held that left alot of
unanswered questions. Discussion followed about the proposed
resolution before the BPW and where the $4,000 to pay for the study
would come from.
Resolution
by Commissioner Brandford, seconded by Commissioner Berg.
WHEREAS, Common Council has established a capital project for $250,000
for the installation of sidewalks on Elmira Road, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works would like more information about
the feasibility and the design implication of such a project, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of
Administration Committee the
for a feasibility study and
as proposed in his letter of
$4,000.
Public Works recommends to the Budget and
approval of a contract with Peter S. Weed
schematic design for Elmira Road sidewalks
January 15, 1991, for a sum not -to- exceed
Discussion followed. Commissioner Cox noted Alderperson Romanowski's
opposing the installation of sidewalks on the Elmira Road. Council
Liaison Blanchard noted that she is also opposed to this project as are
her constituents in this area. She noted that the businesses are
worried about the economic problems they will have due to this project
being funded by benefit assessments. Commissioner Berg felt that
$4,000 is a small price to pay to gain greater clarity into this.
I'M
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole March
20, 1991
Commissioner Cox would like to "deauthorize" this project and take it
off the books. Thys gave the BPW some background on this project. The
City expanded the entire road in 1975 and the installation of sidewalks
was discussed at that time but there didn't seem to be much foot
traffic then. Over the years the foot traffic picked up and requests
came in for sidewalks in this area. Mayor Nichols noted that he has
always supported the installation of sidewalks on the Elmira Road but
that it is a difficult issue as the property owners will probably not
benefit from it but that it will improve the appearance. Discussion
followed about holding another public meeting. Thys noted that as the
BPW has already held two public meetings the users (ones who walk
Elmira Road) will probably not appear. Council Liaison Blanchard noted
the pedestrian studies done in this area - only 16 of 123 employees on
the Elmira Road walk to work. Commissioner Berg noted that the
Planning and Development Board already passed a resolution urging the
BPW to construct sidewalks on both sides of Elmira Road. Commissioner
Cox noted that constructing sidewalks on both sides would be difficult
to do.
A vote on the resolution resulted at follows:
Ayes - (4) Rusoff, Tripp, Berg, Mayor Nichols
Nays - (3) Reeves, Cox, Brandford
Motion Carried
2. Cass Park /Stewart Park concerns.
John Doyle, Recreation Supervisor at Cass Park, was present for
discussion. Commissioner Reeves noted that one of John's suggestions
was for an additional trash fee per pavilion rental and she suggested
that the cost for pavilion be increased to include the trash charges.
Discussion followed. John noted that the increase in pavilion rates
could not be done this year as the 1991 forms have already been
printed. The BPW suggested that this be done for next year.
Discussion followed about the Cass Park Vendor Permits. John felt that
the permit fees should be increased as the current rate is $25.00, and
one vendor actually ran a business last year from the park. John was
concerned about the amount of traffic some of the vendors generate.
The BPW was not sure that raising the permit rates would help and did
not take any action on this item.
Discussion followed about some of the concerns John had regarding
Stewart Park. Commissioner Reeves noted that the BPW discussed
prohibiting alcohol in Stewart Park but that the public did not want
that so the Police Dept. stepped up their patrols of the Park.
Discussion followed about the current rules for pavilion rental at
Stewart Park, which John noted problems as the BPW rules encourage the
use of as many groups as possible to use the pavilion but two totally
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole
20, 1991
March
different groups could not share the pavilion. The BPW asked that John
submit this report to the Parks Commission for their review and
recommendation to the BPW.
3. South Hill School Alterations.
Acting Supt. Gray noted the problems that the City is having with the
School District regarding alterations at the South Hill School. The
BPW then went into Executive Session at 5:10 pm to discuss confidential
information. The BPW came out of Executive Session at 5:16 pm. Mayor
Nichols will report back to the BPW when he receives a response to his
letter from the School District.
4. Change in City Plumbing Code.
Commissioner Cox noted the problems the Examining Board of Plumbers are
having and suggested that this item be referred to staff to resolve.
He suggested that the new Asst. Supt. for Water and Sewer handle this
as it would be a good way for him /her to become acquainted with the
Plumbing Code. He further noted that the sewer use ordinance will be
part of this later discussion.
5. Cornell Cycling Team update on bicycle race.
Acting Supt. Gray noted the material received from the Cycling Team,
pointing out the petition with 50 signatures on it. He further noted
that bus service will not be interrupted during this race. The BPW
felt that the Cycling Team had canvassed the area sufficiently and
approved the request to close the streets in question for this race.
6. Request from Wildware Outfitters to use Dewitt Park for a tent
expo,
Acting Supt. Gray noted this request for the above business to hold a
tent expo in Dewitt Park. Commissioner Cox was concerned about this as
he noted there are strict guidelines regarding the use of Dewitt Park.
Acting Supt. Gray noted that this event is commercially oriented.
Discussion followed about this and other types of requests to use City
parks. The BPW denied the request from Wildware Outfitters to use
Dewitt Park for a tent expo.
7. Golf Course fees for Domestic Partners.
Asst. City Atty. Kennedy noted the request from Alderperson Golder that
domestic partners within the City pay the same fee as the Husband /Wife
rate at the Newman Municipal Golf Course. The BPW did not feel that
this was a big issue if the persons were registered in the City Clerk's
Office as domestic partners as the City does allow domestic partners
the same benefits at married persons.
Page - 3
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole
20, 1991
(W
8. Staff reports:
March
A. Loss to General Fund by Appointment of Asst. Supt. for
Water and Sewer - Acting Supt. Gray noted Mayor Nichols' memo regarding
this and that if the BPW did not agree to this option, another would
have to be adopted. He expects to develop a proposal that would save
$300,000 and will report back to the BPW at a later meeting.
B. Tompkins Co. Health Dept. Annual Water System Report - Acting
Supt. Gray noted that he has asked staff to develop a plan for changing
the chlorine system at the Filter Plant and will report back on this
issue to the BPW.
C. Willow Avenue update - Acting Supt. Gray noted that the original
request to change the name of a portion of Willow Ave. came from
Cornell Cooperative Extension after they wrote a letter to the State
DOT. The State referred them to the BPW. Council Liaison Blanchard
noted that letters to the businesses in this area have been mailed out
and that she will report back to the BPW as soon as responses are
received.
D. Carpenter Circle update - Acting Supt. Gray noted that this item
will come back to the BPW as it needs to be legally confirmed a street.
E. Intersection of Cayuga Street and Green Street sidewalk - Acting
Supt. Gray noted that he needed some directive from the BPW regarding
this issue. He showed the BPW a map of this. The property in question
is City property which needs to be replaced and noted that original
plans called for a "bump -out" to be installed in this location to help
pedestrians crossing this intersection and to slow traffic down.
Acting Supt. Gray noted that bump -outs are difficult for snow plow
drivers. Discussion followed. The BPW felt that as there is a
dedicated walk phase installed at the Green St. /Cayuga St.
intersection, the bump -out was not necessary.
9. Downtown vision Task Force recommendations.
Mayor Nichols noted that one of the recommendations
Vision Task Force was regarding the construction o
garage in the City. The Task Force felt that a client
be formed to do a conceptual study. The Task Force
smaller committees to review parking and public transit
should be formed. Mayor Nichols noted that the Task
that downtown parking should be promoted as similar to
charge for parking at nights or on weekends.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary
Page - 4
of the Downtown
f a new parking
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