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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BPW-1992-09-09 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. September 9, 1992 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (5) Rusoff, Tripp, Gerard, Cox, Brandford OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Shimer Common Council Liaison - Berg Deputy City Controller - Thayer Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Alderperson Neil Golder EXCUSED: Commissioner Reeves PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of the August 12, 1992 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 12, 1992 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Nichols reported that he has received a letter from Mr. Tesori which included a possible solution to the traffic problems at the Meadow Street Extension. A copy of this letter will be distributed to Board members. Mayor Nichols stated that he has been asked many questions about the City's recycling rules and how they differ from the County recycling rules. He asked that these rules be clarified and that this matter be forwarded to the Charter and Ordinance Committee if changes to the Municipal Code are needed. Superintendent Gray stated that his staff is currently following the County rules. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Public Hearing for Sidewalks on South Hill Terrace Motion to Open Public Hearing By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider sidewalks on South Hill Terrace be declared open. Carried Unanimously Janet Snoyer, of 126 South Hill Terrace, explained to the Board that she is generally in favor of the concept of sidewalks in that section of South Hill Terrace, however because of the unusual topography of the area, the installation of sidewalks on her property would cost approximately $5,000. - $10,000. She suggested that instead of installing sidewalks which would be very steep and especially dangerous during the winter, that the brush along the edge of those properties be removed and a gravel path be made instead. On a motion by Commissioner Rusoff and Seconded by Commissioner Tripp this item will appear on the agenda for the next Committee of the Whole meeting. BPW Minutes September 9, 1992 2 Motion to Close Public Hearing By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider sidewalks on South Hill Terrace be declared closed. Carried Unanimously Alderperson Neil Golder addressed the Board regarding the request for improvements on College Avenue and Mitchell Street Resolution on the agenda. He stated that he has spoken with Alderperson Schroeder (4th Ward) and Alderperson Booth (3rd Ward) and they are concerned about the vehicular accidents and pedestrian danger at that intersection also. Alderperson Golder stated that he would like to have at least two pedestrian warning signs installed in that vicinity as well as rumble strips and flashing lights (similar to the ones at elementary schools). Alderperson Golder reported that a child's arm was caught between the railings in the picnic table area of the Commons playground recently. He requested that staff look into this matter and possibly install plexiglass in front of those railings. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Common Council Liaison Berg reported that Common Council reaffirmed its commitment to install the brick circle with the granite curb and inscriptions included at the September 2, 1992 meeting. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported on the following projects: Joint Transit Facility - budget and staffing concerns MPO - Mass Transit budget DPW Budget Preparation Capital Projects meetings Solid Waste/Recycling meetings Municipal Pool - building work ongoing/pool work delayed GIAC Renovations - ongoing Green Street Parking Garage - nearly complete Commons Rehab Work - brick repair work will begin shortly Sidewalk Program - ongoing North Cayuga Street Bridge - ongoing, should reopen Oct. 15, 1992 City Court Facility - proceeding, slightly behind schedule Hector Street - curb repair designs to be completed in-house Johnson Boatyard Survey - complete Cass Park Pool/GIAC Mini Pool - out of service Flood Control Channel - 2nd mowing complete Beverly J. Martin School - signage installed Crosswalk Work - ongoing REPORT OF ASST SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & FACILITIES: Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported on the following projects: Highland Avenue Paving - work will be finished next week Road System Management Course - offered by Cornell University which explained street inventories, evaluation and prioritization of conditions, and repair and preventive maintenance programs New Recycling Truck is on the road REPORT OF ASST SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER: Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Shimer reported on the following projects: BPW Minutes September 9, 1992 3 Budget Preparation DEC denied the discharge permit with the 3 municipalities named Filter 9 out of service - major repairs needed Lead and Copper Sampling Accident at the 60 ft dam area in the watershed Town of Dryden did not adopt the Sewer Use Ordinance, may act on it in October HIGHWAYS, STREETS AND SIDEWALK ITEMS: Request for "No Thru Traffic" at Turner Place and Prospect Street By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from the South Hill Civic Association for installation of a "No Thru Traffic" sign on Turner Place at the intersection with Prospect Street, and WHEREAS, the South Hill Civic Association realizes that the signs are unenforceable, but hopes they will deter traffic; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install a "No Thru Traffic" sign on Turner Place at the intersection with Prospect Street. Discussion followed on the floor with Commissioner Tripp stating that she will not support this Resolution as she does not feel that this location differs from many other residential streets, and she is not sure that this is advisable at this time. Commissioners Gerard and Rusoff spoke for the Resolution as they contended that this is a heavily trafficked area which has an unusual topography, and the streets are misused by students cutting across town to get to Ithaca College. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (3) Rusoff, Cox, Gerard Nays (2) Brandford, Tripp Motion Fails Request for Improvements on College Avenue and Mitchell Street By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received requests for improvements at the curve on Mitchell Street at College Avenue in order to reduce the number and severity of vehicular accidents at this location; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install additional signage and extend the existing guiderail, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board consider reconstruction of the curve and directs staff to complete preliminary design including a cost estimate for review. Discission followed on floor regarding the Resolutions intent pertaining to signage. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the first Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: "RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install signage as recommended by the City Traffic Engineer in his memo of BPW Minutes September 9, 1992 4 August 27, 1992, and extend the existing guiderail, and, be it further" Carried Unanimously Considerable discission followed on the floor regarding grooved pavement and rumblestrips. Superintendent Gray explained that pavement that is grooved deteriorates much faster than regular pavement. He further explained that grooving is normally done when curves cannot be reconstructed, and that grooving is not effective in snow. Alderperson Golder stated that he thinks that motorists need something to alert them to slow down for pedestrians and the dangerous curve ahead. He stated that the only signage that is up now is a sign indicating a hill ahead and reiterated the need for rumble strips and flashing lights. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That the first Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: "RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install signage as recommended by the City Traffic Engineer in his memo of August 27, 1992, extend the existing guiderail, and install two sets of rumble strips and a "Pedestrian Crossing" warning sign at an appropriate distance from the intersection for down hill traffic." Discussion followed on the cost of installing and maintaining the rumble strips. Commissioner Cox noted that the neighborhood may not be pleased with the noise the rumble strips create. A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (3) Gerard, Rusoff, Tripp Nays (2) Cox, Brandford Motion Fails Amending Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That a Resolved clause be added to the end of the Resolution to read as follows: "RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install a "Pedestrian Crosswalk" warning sign, and a pedestrian crosswalk on Mitchell Street at College Avenue and Brandon Place. Ayes (4) Nichols, Tripp, Rusoff, Gerard Nays (2) Cox, Brandford Carried Main Motion as Amended The Main Motion as Amended reads as follows: WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works has received requests for improvements at the curve on Mitchell Street at College Avenue in order to reduce the number and severity of vehicular accidents at this location; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install signage as recommended by the City Traffic Engineer in his memo of August 27, 1992, and extend the existing guiderail, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board consider reconstruction of the curve and directs staff to complete preliminary design including a cost BPW Minutes September 9, 1992 5 estimate for review, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install a "Pedestrian Crossing" warning sign, and a pedestrian crosswalk on Mitchell Street at College Avenue and Brandon Place. Carried Unanimously Request for Improvements on South Titus Avenue The Board of Public Works has received a request from Frank and Filomena Hall of 417 South Titus Avenue for improvements to the area of South Titus Avenue, South Street, and Fair Street. The Halls submitted proposals for the area. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have also requested that enforcement of this area be increased since many motorists do not obey the existing traffic regulations. Resolution By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and staff have reviewed proposals of the area of South Titus Avenue, South and Fair Streets; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that staff write a letter to the Chief of Police requesting that enforcement be improved in the area of South Titus Avenue in response to the neighborhood concerns, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to install existing construction barricades when they are available (approximately late October), including flashing beacons, to block off South Titus Avenue between Fair Street and South Street parallel to Six Mile Creek next to South Titus Park, and, be it further RESOLVED, That said barricades will be in effect for 120 days, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request for the installation of all-way stops at the intersections of South and Fair Streets and South Titus Avenue and South Plain Street at this time. Discussion followed on the floor with Mr. Hall stating that he didn't feel this Resolution would work without the Stop signs included. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: "RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request for the installation of all-way stops at the intersections of South and Fair Streets and South Titus Avenue and South Plain Street at this time, but directs staff to move the Stop sign at the intersection of Fair and South Streets from Fair Street to South Street." Discussion followed regarding the Traffic Engineer's recommendations and reasons Stop signs are located in certain locations and not in others. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (1) Gerard Nays (4) Rusoff, Tripp, Cox, Brandford Motion Fails Commissioner Gerard proposed the the following Amending Resolution: "RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be stricken and have the Traffic Engineer respond to the Stop sign and pedestrian issues." BPW Minutes September 9, 1992 6 The Motion failed for lack of a Second. Motion to Defer By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Rusoff RESOLVED, That this Resolution be deferred until the September 23, 1992 meeting so the Traffic Engineer may respond to the Stop sign and pedestrian issues. Ayes (2) Tripp, Rusoff Nays (3) Cox, Gerard, Brandford Motion Fails Main Motion A vote on the Main Motion resulted as follows: Ayes (4) Nichols, Cox, Gerard, Brandford Nays (1) Tripp Abstention (1) Rusoff Carried Commissioner Brandford requested that staff respond to the Stop sign and pedestrian issues. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract # 17 General Fund......................................$ 50,959.76 Water and Sewer Fund.............................. 47,174.78 Joint Activity Fund............................... 21,865.80 Capital Projects.................................. 244,732.00 Solid Waste....................................... 23,156.90 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:55 P.M. Julie Conley Boyle Benjamin Nichols Deputy City Clerk Mayor