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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-05-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 6, 1992 NOTES Present: Commissioners Brandford, Cox, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Tripp; Mayor Nichols, Supt. Gray, Asst. Supt. Ferrel, Alderman Berg. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were additions to the agenda: *Mayor's report *Fire Department access requirements The following was postponed to another meeting: *Center and South Plain Streets 1. West Inlet project. Jerry Weisburd (House Craft Builders), Tom West (Engineering), Patricia Norton (Planning), and Betsy Darlington (CAC) were present. Weisburd said he had tried to incorporate suggestions and resolve issues raised in his many discussions with various City entities. He is at the limit of being able to guarantee the HUD "affordability" of the project. The changes he has made to the plans so far include a 26 -foot paved road rather than 20 -foot, 8 -inch water mains rather than 6- inch, and 30 -inch storm sewers rather than 8 -inch. Supt. Gray listed the requests the Board still had to deal with regarding this project: approving the street lighting, accepting the right of ways and the parcels which cannot be built on, and waiving the sidewalk requirements. With regards to the lighting, West said the proposed lighting was in line with the traffic engineer's recommendations. Weisburd said there would also be a private mailbox and lamp on each property. Supt. Gray said lighting was variable throughout the City and the proposed lighting was similar to that in other parts of South Hill. On the topic of accepting the street right of way and the other parcels, Supt. Gray said he would prefer a uniform right of way with the street centered in it and all other land divided into the parcels offered for sale. He pointed out that the lands which the City is being asked to accept are steep, difficult to develop, and contain drainage ways, which the City would be responsible for maintaining if they accepted the land. Comm. Tripp said she preferred a conservation easement or a village land trust for the land in question. Comm. Cox said he also preferred to accept a regular street right of way, rather than a IM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 6, 1992 collection of leftover parcels which neither the City nor the developer can use. Norton reported the Planning Board favors accepting the parcels to protect the environment. With regards to the sidewalks, Supt. Gray said sidewalks would be very difficult and expensive to construct later. The construction of the roads as proposed, without sidewalks, is in line with the rest of West Hill. He pointed out that Weisburd is asking for variances specifically to keep the cost of construction down enough to produce "affordable" housing. Comm. Cox said he is prepared to vote to waive the sidewalk requirements in order to promote such housing. 2. Mayor's re Port - miscellaneous. Mayor Nichols reported on several items: The City is trying to figure out a way to hire local people, especially younger people, to do the labor for the City's part of the sidewalk program. This is an attempt to promote local employment. The City may contract with some firm or organization, specifying the employment of union masons and local laborers. Traffic Consultant Carpenter is working on funding for two 22- passenger buses for a downtown /Collegetown shuttle. The ground breaking for the municipal pool is May 13. The Mayor suggests the pool be named for Alex Haley, because he was born in Ithaca. 3. Discussion of 1992 revenues. Comm. Reeves reminded the Board that Common Council had asked them to increase the revenue from six accounts this year. Supt. Gray said the Department would probably reach the required figures, except that for parking (and maybe that for street openings). He said parking revenues have flattened out in the last two years. Alderman Berg said the Board had previously sponsored a study which showed parking revenues could be increased by extending the hours of collection in the City garages. Supt. Gray pointed out it would also mean increasing staffing hours. Comm. Reeves said the City used to charge for overnight parking, but it was now free from 6:00 p.m. until morning. Alderman Berg suggested having parking be free from 6:00 p.m. through 2:30 a.m. The issue will be discussed again at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. 4. Cleveland Avenue historical marker. Barbara Blanchard present. Council Member Blanchard reported on progress toward the installation of the Wheat Street commemorative marker at the A.M.E. Zion Church. The marker is finished. Rick Ferrel has suggested to her that the proposed installation would not be longlasting; a granite base would be better. She will give $100 left in her campaign fund towards the granite base; the shortfall is $169. She asked the Board for that amount. The Commissioners agreed to her request; Asst.Supt. Ferrel said he would find the money. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 6, 1992 5. Fire Department access requirements. Chief Olmstead present. Chief Olmstead said he was concerned about the Board's discussion of creating barriers to control traffic. He said the Fire Dept. had to consider not only how to get to a fire, but also how to maneuver once they are there. The Department has created a description of standards which take into account the placement of hydrants, the necessity of approaching fires from uphill with aerial equipment, the turning radii of the trucks, and so forth. He distributed copies of an interim report. He said the Fire Dept. must be involved in any discussions of blocking off streets. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes by Marianne Hansen, Administrative Secretary. Page - 3