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