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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-07-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 1, 1992 NOTES Present: Commissioners Brandford, Cox, Gerard, Reeves, Tripp; Mayor Nichols, Alderman Berg, Superintendent of Public Works Gray, Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were addition to the agenda: • Naming of Municipal Pool • Fill Ordinance • Request from Ithaca Girls Fast Pitch League • Vacant Plumbing Inspector's position The following were deletions from the agenda: • Mountain Bikes in Wild Flower Preserve • Neighborhood Traffic and Parking Concerns GIAC /Central School /Immaculate Conception 1. Inlet Island Report. John Schroeder was present to answer questions. The Board expressed their approval and complemented Alderperson Schroeder on the report. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting accepting the concept contained in the report. 2. Fill Ordinance. Commissioner Cox expressed his concern regarding the 50 cubic yard limit, he feels that it's too restrictive and that there are Federal regulations which would control many of the issues trying to be solved by this ordinance. Alderperson Schroeder explained that there have been locations which have been left in an unsightly appearance and with possible erosion problems. Commissioner Reeves expressed concern of how the Department of Public Works fits into this ordinance. Alderperson Schroeder stated that the intention was for Public Works to be exempt but that the ordinance should be followed. Mayor Nichols agreed with Commissioner Cox that the limit of 50 cubic yards was too little. Alderperson Schroeder explained that local contractors were surveyed no objections were made to the amount. Supt. Gray was asked to obtain a copy of the Town of Ithaca's fill ordinance. This item will appear on the next Committee of the Whole agenda. rr+ BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 1, 1992 (W 3. Proposed Resolution from 6 -Mile Creek. John Johnson was present to answer any questions. Commissioner Brandford requested that in the first resolved, "safe and potable water" be added. Commissioner Cox feels that there is no problem with the resolution. Assistant Superintendent Shimer questioned the three uses of the 6 Mile Creek Natural Areas and their priorities. This item will be taken back to the 6 Mile Creek Committee and possibly return to the Board. 4. South Titus Avenue. Mr. Frank Hall, 417 S. Titus Avenue was present to discuss his concerns. Commissioner Reeves pointed out to the Board that depending on Common Council's decision on the Street Hierarchy, the Board may not have the power to decide on this item. Supt. Gray discussed options for S. Titus Avenue, he felt that sketch #2, presented by Mr. Hall, could be adapted with wet lands in the proposed abandoned area. Discussion followed regarding the present situation and possible options. Mr. Hall stated that the neighborhood is very child oriented and that traffic enforcement is greatly needed. Commissioner Reeves reminded the Board again of the Street Hierarchy resolution to be presented to Council. This followed with discussion regarding how the Board will be able to handle traffic items in the future. This item will appear on a future agenda. 5. Municipal Pool. Mayor Nichols has been informed that the naming of the Municipal Pool must be made in the next 5 days in order to have it on the concrete lintel. The name of "Alex Haley Municipal Pool" has been suggested and the G.I.A.C. Board has agreed on that name. Discussion on naming the pool after a local person that has made community contributions followed. The Board's consensus was the name of "Alex Haley Municipal Pool" be used. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 6. Great American Circus request for use of City Property. Allan C. Hill Entertainment Corp. has requested the use of City property to hold the "Great American Circus" on August 13, 1992. The request includes the use of land for the event and for parking of approximately 300 cars. They are also asking for a location with a fire hydrant for their use. The Circus is donating proceeds to a charity which has not yet been named. It was agreed that Carpenter Business Park could be used along with Steam Boat Landing as a parking area for a fee of $500.00. Discussion followed regarding fees for water usage and site preparation. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving use of City land for a fee of $500.00 plus expenses. 7. Plums request for outdoor barbecue. A request from Plums was received to hold an outdoor barbecue which would occupy a parking (W space and a portion of the sidewalk for the week of July 20th. Deputy Fire Chief, Brian Wilbur, has reviewed the request and has confirmed that all Fire Prevention Codes will be met. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 1, 1992 (W 8. Request from Ithaca Girls Fast Pitch League to waive Cass Park fee. A request was received from the Ithaca Girls Fast Pitch League to waive the fee for the use of Cass Park Ball Fields on four occasions this summer. Commissioner Reeves suggested that the fee be waived unless the fields need maintenance. Asst. Supt. Ferrel pointed out that the City is currently in a contract with the Ithaca Amateur Softball Association which states other organizations using said fields will be responsible for the $10.00 fee per game. A resolution denying the request will be presented at the next regular meeting. 9. Vacant Plumbing Inspector's position. Asst. Attorney Kennedy stated that the position is a public officer based on the City Charter. Asst. Attorney Kennedy suggests the Board ask Common Council to revise the job description omitting the classification of public officer for the plumbing inspector. Public Officers, by state law, are to be residents of the municipality they serve unless an exemption from the state is made. Commissioner Cox is concerned with the restriction of residency considering the low salary range and qualifications. Discussion followed concerning possible changes in the job description. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting which will present the Board's recommendation to Common Council. (W 10. Possible Resolution to Common Council - Street Hierarch v. Alderperson Berg presented a resolution to the Board that Common Council would vote on at the July 1, 1992 meeting. This resolution, unlike others being presented to Council, would not create a Community Task Force on traffic issues. Alderperson Berg feels that the Board is responsible to make decisions on traffic problems. There was concern from Board members that the presented resolutions would take power away from the Board. Commissioner Reeves feels that the Board is not trained in a manner to make certain decisions on traffic and parking problems. Without assistance in making decisions, these problems will continue in an endless circle. Commissioner Cox feels that the Board will have to continue to deal with these problems on a smaller scale and that if the resolution passes, the Board will be powerless. The Board agreed that the resolution presented by Alderperson Berg should be presented to Common Council. The meeting adjourned at 6:15. Meeting Notes by Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3