HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-04-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 15, 1992
Present: Commissioners Brandford, Cox, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff;
Mayor Nichols, Supt. Gray, Asst. Supt. Shimer, Asst. Supt.
Ferrel, Alderman Berg.
Absent: Commissioner Tripp
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
The following was an addition to the agenda:
Free bus passes for Earth Day
1
The following items of new business were deferred to another
meeting:
Telephone booth at Cayuga and Jay Streets
Traffic request Cobb and Worth Streets
1. ReQL t to Stewart Park - American Cancer society.
Thomas Koester, Executive Director of the Tompkins County Unit of
the American Cancer Society, requested the use of the paths in
Stewart Park for a walk- a -thon to benefit the Society on Sunday,
September 13, 1992. They have already reserved the small
pavilion for that day. The Society is not asking for the
exclusive use of the Park; amplified sound will be used at the
start /finish line (a permit will be required); no special
assistance is requested. A vote will be taken at the next
meeting.
2. Monthly transit passes.
The Board had Power to Act
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Transit Operations Manager has presented a plan for
the sale to the public of unlimited transit passes at a monthly
cost of $19.00, be it therefore
RESOLVED that the Board of Public Works approves the sale of such
passes in concept, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Board requests the speedy review of such a plan
by the Traffic Reduction and Public Transit Committee for their
recommendations.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 15, 1992
Ayes (5)
Nays (0)
motion carries.
3. Free bus service on Earth day. Bernie Carpenter, Transit
Consultant, asked the Board to authorize free bus service on
April 25, 1992 in honor of Earth Day. He said last year's offer
was well received, and suggested that the free service was
valuable advertisement of the transit system. The Board agreed
to offer the free service.
4. Collegetown sicnace and maintenance. Ellen Rosten and
Alderman Schroeder presented a request for signs to be placed
pointing the way to the Collegetown business district, the
Collegetown parking garage, and to Cornell by way of the
Collegetown business district. They hope these signs would
benefit the business district. Discussion followed on how to pay
for the signs, how many signs would be necessary, where they
might be placed, and how to works with Cornell in the placement
of the signs directing traffic to the university.
5. Request to close street - Ithaca Festival. Ted Crane, the
Director of the Ithaca Festival, asked the Board for permission
to close Cayuga Street between Seneca and Green, and W. State St.
between Cayuga and Geneva from 10:00 a.m. to midnight on Friday,
June 5 and from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 6. This
area would be used for a stage, a craft fair, and food vendors.
He said thi* had been discussed at a general Festival meeting
which included fire, police, and transit representatives. The
Board will vote on this request at the next regular meeting.
6. Reouest to use DeWitt Park - Ithaca Festival. Ted Crane
asked the Board to permit the Festival to use DeWitt Park from
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, for family
entertainment and an art show. Amplified sound would be used.
The Board gave preliminary approval for this use; they will vote
at the next regular meeting.
7. Parkin at the bottom of Cascadilla Park Road, Councilman
Schroeder said that residents of Cascadilla Park Road request no
parking signs on one side of the road on the steep, lower
section. They find it difficult and dangerous to turn onto the
street when cars are parked on both sides. They are also worried
about access by emergency vehicres. Supt. Gray said the issue
had been discussed before; the Traffic Engineer is ready to
recommend restricted parking based on the warrants. The Board
was in favor of this restriction.
8. Report of the Shade Tree Advisory committee. Nina Bassuk
and a student reported on the plans the Shade Tree Advisory
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 15, 1992
Committee has made for planting trees along part of Old Elmira
Rd. The city has received a grant for this year's project; the
Committee will apply for a renewal ,to continue the work. They
have been discussing the planting with Asst. Supt. Ferrel, and
are still trying to solve problems, especially problems of
drainage. The Board discussed the future of the project,
including the possibility pf creating a benefit district. The
next occasion on which the Shade Tree Committee presents its plan
to the Board will probably include a public information meeting.
9, nnmmons renovations and historical Plagues. Jon Meigs has
presented a plan to install bronze historical markers in the
pavement during the reconstruction of the Commons. Mayor Nichols
read a letter for the Dewitt Historical society supporting the
concept of the markers, but asking that more time be taken to
receive public input and to consider what events should be
commemorated. There was discussion of various specific
suggestions.
Reaolution
By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford
WHEREAS, a suggestion has been made to place historical and
informational plaques in the paving of the Commons during its
reconstruction, and
WHEREAS, funds remain in the budget which would permit
contracting for the production and installation of these plaques,
be it therefore
RESOLVED that the Board of Public Works authorizes the addition
of the production and installation of a maximum of fifteen
plaques to the Commons Reconstruction budget, at a cost not to
exceed $3000.00.
Ayes 5
Nays 0
Motion carries.
10. parxing permits in Seneca bLreeL r amp uurxnw yu vfie
reconstruction. Supt. Gray gave a brief description of the
various options which the City is considering for dealing with
the loss of approximately 450 parking spaces downtown during the
construction planned for this summer. Herman Sieverding, of the
Planning Department, has been coordinating the investigation of
these possibilities, and he will report to the Board at the next
committee of the Whole meeting.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 15, 1992
11. center and south Plain Streets - recueat for four -way stop
Comm. Reeves reported that she understands some residents of this
area are willing to accept Traffic Engineer Gombas' suggestion of
switching the stop sign from one street at this intersection to
the other, while other residents continue to feel that a four -way
stop is the only answer. Comm. Brandford suggested blocking off
the street at one end by erecting stanchions behind the Clinton
West Plaza. Comm. Reeves said the Police and Fire Departments
should be consulted before deciding to block off a street.
Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
Notes by Marianne Hansen, Administrative Secretary.
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