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.
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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.
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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
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