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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1991-10-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 16, 1991 NOTES Present: Commissioners Berg, Brandford , Cox, Reeves, Rusoff, Tripp, Mayor Nichols (4:10); Council Liaison Blanchard, Acting Supt. Gray, Asst. City Attorney Kennedy (4:08). Asst. Supt. Shimer, Others Present: Guy Gerard, Resident; Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting, which was called to order at 4:02 p.m. The following were additions to the Agenda: None The following items were deferred to a future agenda: None 1. Discussion of automated ticket dispensers in downtown ramps. Lynne Gifford, City Junior Engineer presented four alternatives to the question of "What is to be done for the current problems and needs of the parking garages and lots owned by the City. The four types of alternatives are: 1. Automation without attendants 2. Automated with attendants 3. Fully attended 4. Updating the present situation with computerized booths and tapes in the lot surface. Each of these alternatives has options as presented in the handout attached and made part of these minutes. Lynne is to return to the Board with answers to questions presented by the Board. They are: 1. What would each option cost 2. Income recovery from each option 3. Advantages /disadvantages of each system 4. Policy necessary for efficient use of each system 5. Size of lots necessary to recover costs 6. Time Lines 7. Costs and recovery of present situation 8. History of other cities that have installed systems 9. Costs per space A BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 16, 1991 Further discussion included funding this improvement through a Capital Project, involvement of the Planning Department, timing of the project to allow for adequate staffing in the Department and changing the structure of ownership of the lots. 2. Ithaca Festival Trash collection. This item was handled in the budget meeting of October 15, 1991. Mr. Gray was requested to send a letter to the Ithaca Festival Committee to make them aware that the Board did not plan costs of trash collection for the Festival in their budget. Also that an agreement is needed with them for all services provided by the City for the Festival. Items that will need further discussion is the collection of trash in City parks and whether barrels will be placed for trash collection in the usual spots in the City. 3. Review of Transit Agreement for Construction and Maintenance. This agreement has been signed by the Mayor. A ground breaking was held on October 11, 1991. The money for the project has been guaranteed. 4. Parking meter issues - Disability Advisory Council recommendations. The Disability Advisory Council has not furnished the Board or Staff with information needed to adjust parking meter heights. Commissioner Tripp is to meet with the Council and report her findings back to the Board. Attorney Kennedy also reported that, according to the ADA we must comply with what can be accomplished with reasonable effort. Attorney Kennedy stated the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a seminar on the impact of the ADA. If anyone would like to attend Val Saul, Personnel Administrator has information. 5. Northside land use as it effect consolidation of the Department of Public Works. A discussion was lead by Acting Superintendent of Public Works William Gray. A study was done some time ago but has not been implemented due to lack of staff. Mr. Dennis Shimer the new Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Water and Sewer was introduced to the Board at this time. His training time will impact when implementation of the study can begin. Page - 2 2M BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 16, 1991 Spaces available for a consolidation need to be coordinated with the Planning Department and others. This issue is on hold until research and development can be implemented. This should be approximately one year. The issue will be brought back to the Board. 6. Policy regarding posting of political decorum on City property. Attorney Kennedy prepared a resolution on this issue and passed it out at the meeting. Discussion on the necessity of this resolution ensued. She explained to the Board that this is not a simple matter and the resolution presented was the only way she saw to resolve the difficulties brought up by various laws affecting this situation. It was decided to place the resolution on the next BPW agenda and have the vote decide its fate. 7. Newman Municipal Golf Course lease proposal. Attorney Kennedy has researched this issue and found that many conflicting opinions exist. State regulations are conflicting and bring up concerns. She needs information from Mr. Gray and Mr. Torrent. She will research further and meet with Mr. Gray and Mr. Torrent to get specific information. This issue will then be brought back to the Board. 8. Dryden Road Parking Garage further discussion. Mr. Gray expressed uncertainty on what the Board wanted from this issue. Commissioner Reeves is to research the exact requests from College Town merchants and return to the Board with further information. 9. Plumbing Inspection Fee Proposal. A proposal from Dennis Drader the plumbing inspector was received sometime ago. This request was to raise the rates to cover his salary. Mr. Gray stated that this fee was easy for residents to avoid and if it became too expensive the temptation to avoid it might be very strong. Mr. Gray will review the rates and bring the Board a recommended fee schedule in the form of a resolution. Mr. Drader should attend the meeting when this is scheduled. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 16, 1991 10. Mowing policy at Flood Control Channel. Supt. Gray explained that the DEC and The Army Corp of Engineers schedule annual inspections of the Flood Control Channel. Our agreement with them states that we will do routine maintenance. This includes by past practice that mowing be done twice during the growing season. The Channel must be kept free of trees and scrubs that would inhibit water from moving. The timing of the mowing was discussed previously. The current information available on the request to change the mowing dates is unclear. Commissioner Tripp will meet with CAC to discuss exact dates, goals to be achieved and will then report back to the Board and the Superintendent. 11. Extended hours in the downtown parking lots. A study has been completed and information from that is needed by the Board. Mr. Ferrel was not in attendance at this meeting. Personnel have had input into the matter. The controller will be asked to input information needed to decide this matter. When the information available is put together it should be returned to the Board for a decision. 12. Communications from the Mayor. Mayor Nichols reported that he has received information on the counts taken this summer at Stewart Park. He will be sending this information to the Board soon. The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Notes by Donna Wild Administrative Secretary Page - 4