Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-08-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 5, 1992 NOTES Present: Commissioners Cox, Brandford, Tripp, Reeves; Alderperson Berg; Mayor Nichols; Superintendent Gray; Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer. ADDITIONS: Commons Electrical Box Status on 1993 Budget Status of Conference for Compressed Natural Gas Report of Traffic Task Force DELETIONS: DeWitt Park - Discussion of Possible policy on usage Increased Penalties for Public Works Regulations Violations Assignment of Priority Tasks 1. Cobb and Worth Streets - request for four -way stop and "Slow - Children" sign Residents from Cobb Street were present to express their concern on the high volume of traffic and the speed rr of vehicles in the area of Cobb and Worth Streets. It was suggested that a four -way stop be installed at that intersection to slow vehicles down. Commissioner Brandford questioned whether rotating the existing signs to the opposite corners would be effective. The residents agreed that this would seem to be sufficient. There was concern that traffic volumes weren't high enough to warrant change in the signage. Discussion turned to the amount of children in the area and if "Children at Play" signs are needed. Supt. Gray explained that the New York State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that the use of this type of signage is for conditions which are unexpected. The neighborhood is primarily residential therefore children playing are not unexpected. The Board agreed that resolutions for the changing of the stop signs and installation of "Slow - Children" signs should appear on the next regular agenda. 2. GIAC /Beverly Martin School requests The Board was given recommendations from Police Chief McEwen and Ed Wright, Principal of the Beverly Martin School. Tia Rudd Co- President of the PTA for the School was present to comment on the issue. Ms. Rudd said that the elimination of yellow flashing lights should not be considered. Supt. Gray suggested taking the service road currently being used by the school and transforming it into a bus zone. The consensus was that the recommendations of Chief McEwen be considered and that priority be taken by staff for implementation. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 5, 1992 3. Electrical Box on The Commons Mayor Nichols reported that there has been much concern regarding the newly installed electrical box on the Commons in Bank Alley. Work has been halted on the 5' by 8' box which holds the connections for the electrical utilities on the Commons. It was suggested that the box be turned to a right angle so that it's north to south instead or that plantings and benches be located near it to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Supt. Gray pointed out that there are other boxes of similar size which were installed in the original design. He also explained that the architect did not originally place it in north to south since it would give a closed -in feeling. He also remarked there use to be large pine trees in the vicinity of the box. Supt. Gray also reminded the Board that he is empowered to make Change Orders in the Contract although he feels uncomfortable doing so in this case. He then requested that the Board take a look at the situation and advise him how to handle it. 4. Status on 1993 Budget Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported that the budget should be ready to review with the Board the week of August 17th. One of the objectives to establishing the budget was to consolidate line items. 5. Status of Conference for Compressed Natural Gas Asst. Supt. Ferrel informed the Board that he will be attending a conference sponsored by NYSEG. NYSEG is interested in having a central filling station in Ithaca. 6. DPW Capital Protects - 1993 Supt. Gray list of items which should be considered for 1993. He asked the Board to review the list their comments. He suggested that the Board range plans for the department. Discussion proposed projects throughout the City. gave the Board a Capital Projects in and return it with take a look at long Followed on various 7. Report of Traffic Task Force Alderperson Berg read a resolution that will go to Common Council, which stated that the Mayor will have the power to establish this task force. The Board requested that the Mayor charge the task force with establishing goals and objectives. Discussion followed regarding traffic within the city and how downtown is effected by it. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Meeting notes Donna Payne Administrative by: Secretary