HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1991-06-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 1991
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Berg, Brandford, Cox, Reeves, Rusoff,
Tripp, Mayor Nichols; Council Liaison Blanchard, Acting Supt.
Gray, Acting Asst. Supt. Ferrel, Asst. City Atty. Kennedy.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following was an addition to the Agenda:
Request from Recycle Ithaca Bicycles to use City -owned building
on Inlet Island.
The following were deletions to the Agenda:
Downtown Visions Task Force suggestions to BPW (back -up
information included):
1. Installation of improved signage on State routes
directing visitors to the Commons.
2. Suggestion boxes on the Commons.
3. Emergency telephones on the Commons.
4. Review of times and places of trash removal on the
Commons.
Staff updates:
1. Scavenger Recycling Days - see attached memo from Bill Gray.
2. License fees discussion - see back -up information.
a) McPherson license fee - see back -up letter.
Review of City Hall HVAC report; Energy Engineering Technician
summer position - representative from the Energy Commission
present, back -up information passed out at 5/29/91 Committee
meeting.
Discussion of automated ticket dispensers in downtown ramps.
Northside land use as it effects consolidation of the Department
of Public Works - back -up letter from Bill Gray to Chuck Guttman
passed out at 5/29/91 meeting.
Dryden Road Parking Garage further discussion.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 1991
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1. Elmira Road sidewalks review of feasibility study.
Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning and Development, Peter Weed,
consultant, and several business owners on the Elmira Road were
present for discussion of Mr. Weed's feasibility study for
installation of sidewalks on the Elmira Road. Mr. Weed noted
that the study covered the area from the Norstar Bank building
south to the City line (both sides). He noted that there is a
currently well worn path along the east side of the Elmira Road
from pedestrian traffic. He noted that his pedestrian survey
revealed that about 4 to 6 pedestrians walk the Elmira Road an
hour, while Frank Gombas' 1989 study revealed 8 to 10 pedestrians
an hour. Discussion followed about what time of year these
studies were done and Mr. Weed noted that his was done in April.
Alderperson Blanchard's Titus Tower survey of residents noted
that 54% might use the Elmira Road sidewalks while 46% definitely
would not use the Elmira Road sidewalks. Mr. Weed noted the
safety problems without sidewalks on the Elmira Road as many
pedestrians have to walk in traffic at some locations. He noted
that to install sidewalks may require the City radically changing
some of their utilities to accommodate sidewalks. He also noted
that if sidewalks are installed back behind the curb it could be
difficult for motorists to see the pedestrians. Mr. Weed noted
that he felt sidewalks would improve safety for pedestrians,
improve property appearance and formalize pedestrian activity.
He also noted that he would suggest using crushed stone strip to
help reduce scattering of material, dark in color to help
establish a pedestrian zone and he doesn't suggest carrying over
the walks onto driveways. Mr. Weed also noted that a pedestrian
bridge would have to be installed near Pizza Hut. The BPW
decided to hold a public information session regarding this
project to receive input from the public. The BPW will hold this
on Tuesday, June 18, 1991 at 7:30 pm at Manos Diner. Staff will
notify property owners and the news media of this meeting.
2. GIAC /School District further discussion.
Thys Van Cort was also present to further discuss this item. He
noted the current lease for this property between the School
District and the City. Asst. City Atty. Kennedy noted that this
is a ten year lease, signed in July of 1987 for no money. Thys
noted that this lease covers the lawn and gravel topped parking
lot located at the corner of Albany and Court Streets and that
the pool will be going in over half of this parking area. He
further noted that the lease is specific as to the School
District maintenance of the area excluding the proposed pool
fence area. Discussion followed about the School District's
storing of bulk materials on their site which the neighborhood
feels is an eyesore. Thys noted that the School District has no
other alternative sites to store these materials and he still
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 1991
suggests Southwest Park. Discussion followed. Acting Supt. Gray
noted that this could be done in Southwest Park but other City
committees may object. The BPW noted that they have asked the
Parks Commission to review the long -term use of Southwest Park
and that they will have the final decision as to the usage
policies. The BPW was agreeable to the School District's request
for parking of their construction vehicles as long as it didn't
interfere with the construction of the pool. The BPW did not
want to consider mowing the lawn in this area as staff has too
much to do already. The BPW decided to make the School District
aware that Southwest Park is being reviewed by the Parks
Commission and is not available at this time but that the BPW
would like to see the School District's storage materials removed
from the area at Albany and Court Streets.
3. Parking permits review of sales.
Debbie Parsons, City Chamberlain, was present for discussion.
She noted that the demand for parking permits in the downtown
ramps has decreased greatly and they are not selling out as in
the past. She asked the BPW if they would like to consider
selling the permits on an unlimited basis instead of people
lining up at 7 am at City Hall the first morning permits go on
sale. Discussion followed. Debbie noted that she and the Acting
Supt. have discussed and noted that the Acting Supt. felt more
permits may be sold if people did not have to stand in line for
them, creating new problems in the ramps, possibly tying up the
ramp with long -term parkers. Commissioner Reeves noted that she
has heard complaints regarding both the lottery permit system and
the standing in line system at City Hall. Commissioner Tripp
suggested that the BPW consider trying unlimited parking permit
purchases on a trial basis which the BPW agreed to with a review
in October.
4. Request from Recycle Ithaca Bicycles to use City -owned
building on Inlet Island.
Andy Ruina, representing the Recycle Ithaca Bicycles (RIBS)
program, was present to ask the BPW for permission to use the old
Agway building on old Taughannock Blvd. for storage and repairs
to bicycles that are donated to them. Commissioner Cox asked Mr.
Ruina how long the program would like to use this site as this
property will probably be recommended to be sold. Acting Asst.
Supt. Ferrel noted that he and the Building Systems Supervisor
toured the building twice and that the roof is in need of repair
and the building is a disaster. Mayor Nichols asked if there
were any other suitable DPW sites. Acting Supt. Gray noted that
as the DPW will probably lose the Golf Course storage area due to
the construction of the Transit Facility, the DPW had earmarked
the old Agway building for their own use. Commissioner Reeves
asked about the insurance necessary for this project which Asst.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 1991
City Atty. Kennedy noted that the City insurance will not cover
this unless the program was offered through the Youth Bureau.
The BPW discussed issuing a lease agreement to the RIBs Project
temporarily. The BPW agreed to enter into a three -month lease
agreement with the RIBs project for use of the City building on
old Taughannock Blvd.
5. Reggest from Farmers Market to sublet their property at
steamboat Landing site.
The BPW reviewed a request from Paul Houston and Barbara Lynch to
rent the Steamboat Landing site on August 10th for their wedding
reception. Commissioner Reeves noted that the Ithaca Farmers
Market currently has a twenty year lease for use of this site
three days a week. Asst. City Atty. Kennedy noted that the BPW
has authorization to rent this site subject to the opinion of the
Ithaca Farmers Market. She further cautioned the BPW about
commercial use of City property as the City may lose its tax
exempt status if this is done. Commissioner Rusoff suggested
that the rental of Steamboat Landing be handled the same as the
rental of the pavilions at Stewart Park. Acting Supt. Gray noted
that he does not feel that the Steamboat Landing pavilion
structure is public property as the Farmers Market did all the
work on the pavilion. Council Liaison Blanchard asked what would
happen if this pavilion is damaged. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Reeves noted that there are people staying on boats
in this area and some may object to the noise. Commissioner
Brandford suggested that the boat yard residents be canvassed to
see if there any objections to the noise. The BPW tentatively
approved the request, pending review and input by the Ithaca
Farmers Market and no objections from the boat yard residents.
6. Review of Inlet Valley Project.
Dan Walker, Town of Ithaca Engineer, was present for discussion.
Acting Supt. Gray noted that the Town has been planning to do
water and sewer improvements in "Inlet Valley" for about a year
and a half, but to do this requires approval from the BPW. He
noted that the City would be gaining some benefits from these
improvements, such as better water circulation at the Elm Street
Tank. Town Engr. Walker gave the BPW the background for this
project; it was part of the Town of Ithaca's 1989 Water
Improvement Program and was originally intended to be done in
1989. He noted that under the West Hill Water Agreement, the
City provides water to the Town in this area. He also noted that
the Town population in this area is approximately 645 people
including the motels along Route 13 in the Town, the Town highway
barns, the Tompkins Co. highway barns and the Ithaca City School
District bus garage. Town Engr. Walker noted that there are
significant water problems in this area and the Tompkins Co.
Health Dept. recommends the extension of water to this area. He
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 1991
further noted that the City service would be strengthened and the
water quality would be improved by this project. He also noted
that water meters will be installed at the City and Town lines
for monitoring water usage. Town Engr. Walker described the
sewer portion of the project to the BPW, noting that the sewage
disposal will be discharged at the Floral Avenue sewer. He noted
that he is aware of some of the City's weak service areas and
that the Town is willing to work with the City to improve them.
Town Engr. Walker noted that the BPW passed a resolution on June
14, 1989, naming the Town of Ithaca as lead agent for this
project and that a long -form SEQR was done for this project with
a negative determination of significance made. Asst. City Atty.
Kennedy asked about the West Hill Water Agreement. Town Engr.
Walker noted that this agreement needs to be updated and that it
currently controls the rate of water and rental of sewer lines
that the Town pays to the City. He noted that the Town is
negotiating through the SJS committee for cost sharing of sewer
lines to discharge at the IAWWTP. Acting Supt. Gray noted that a
proposal for jointly owned sewer lines is being discussed so that
all owners of the IAWWTP will jointly own the sewer lines.
Acting Supt. Gray suggested that the Town submit a letter of
intent to the City outlining the proposed improvements and
updating of the West Hill Water Agreement and Intermunicipal
Water Agreement. Town Engr. Walker noted that the funding is
available for this project but that the Town will not take water
or discharge sewer before the agreement is finalized. Discussion
followed. The BPW approved the water and sewer improvements as
proposed by the Town of Ithaca and requested that a letter of
intent be submitted to the City for this project.
7. Shade Tree Advisory Committee update.
Nina Bassuk, chair of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAG)
was present for discussion. She gave the BPW an update on what
the STAC has been doing, noting that they work closely with the
City Forester. She noted that the STAC has helped designate the
City of Ithaca as a Tree City for the past 3 years for their
preservation of trees. She also noted that the STAC was very
involved in the Hudson Street landscaping project last year. Ms.
Bassuk noted some of the upcoming STAC including Youth Bureau
plantings, Dewitt Park plantings, Route 13 plantings and
plantings at Baker Park and Route 13. She noted the organization
of a citizen pruning program for volunteers which will assist the
DPW with maintenance of City trees. The STAC will train the
volunteers and provide materials and the work will be done under
the supervision of the City Forester. Ms. Bassuk noted that the
STAC has worked closely with the Interim Parks Commission over
the past year and are in the process of working on a budget for
projects. She also praised the City Forester, Dan Schmohe, for
his efforts. Acting Supt. Gray noted that many of the City
Forester's duties tend to change due to directives of the STAC
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
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June 5, 1991
and Parks Commission. The BPW thanked Ms. Bassuk for updating
them on the STAC's projects.
8. Flags, banners, yellow ribbons, etc. on City property.
Commissioner Reeves noted the discussion regarding this item at
the last COW meeting and that some BPW members were concerned
about setting a precedent by allowing these items to be placed on
City property. Acting Supt. Gray noted that he did a draft
letter to Donna Brown regarding her request to hang a banner and
yellow ribbons on City property but will not send it until the
BPW approves. Commissioner Berg felt that he would be more
comfortable if the items were placed only two days in advance of
the event instead of one week which the BPW agreed to. Acting
Supt. Gray will make Ms. Brown aware of the BPW's decision
regarding her request.
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.
Notes by
Lisa Cornell
Administrative Secretary
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