HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-09-30:1
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 30, 1992
NOTES
Present: Commissioners Cox, Gerard, Rusoff, Tripp; Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent of Public Works Gray,
Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
1. Benefit Assessment District for Parkins Herman Sieverding,
Deputy Director of Planning and Development was present to
explain the proposed district. This proposal is an alternate way
to fund City owned parking. The State gives municipalities the
authority to implement a benefit assessment district, the City
has already done this in Collegetown. The proposal calls for two
tiers, first would be city wide, the second would be directly
related to the proximity to existing off street facilities. The
City would benefit from this since it would cover the costs of
maintenance and operations along with the establishment of a
capital reserve fund to be used in the future. The proposal for
the assessment district, if adopted in 1993, could be used for
the 1994 budget process. Discussion followed concerning effects
on a new parking structure, budgets and property taxes. The next
step for this proposal is for discussion by Common Council and
development of specific examples and formulas. Mr. Sieverding
also mentioned that Novelli Engineering has given a proposal for
a study to assess each of the existing garages on the structural
systems, ongoing maintenance programs and future repairs.
2. Job Bonds Act. Herman Sieverding was present to discuss the
Bond Act. Mayor Nichols said that Tompkins County will be
eligible for $3.1 Million if the Act is passed. The State is
looking for infrastructural projects which will lead to the
development of jobs in the private sector. The City has applied
for a portion of this money for a project at the Cherry Street
Industrial Park and site acquisition for a parking structure on
State Street. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of
extending Cherry Street.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 30, 1992
3. Neighborhood Traffic and Parking Concerns - S Plain and Wood
Streets. Commissioner Reeves reported that she spoke with
Traffic Engineer Gombas. He gave her an approximate traffic
count of 2,000 cars a day on Wood Street. There are about half
of that on South Plain Street. Supt. Gray stated that from an
engineering standpoint, this did not warrant a four way stop.
Commissioner Rusoff requested that updated counts with speed be
taken so that the Board may review the situation more
extensively. This item will be brought back to the Board in a
resolution at its next voting meeting.
4. Assignment of Priority Tasks - Discussion on DPW
Consolidation. Commissioner Reeves stated that during this
discussion the Board should prioritize what should be dealt with
concerning the Consolidation of DPW. It was noted that with the
building of the new Transit Facility, land will need to be
acquired since that area was originally involved with the
proposed site. Superintendent Gray pointed out a couple of the
personnel issues which should be looked at including the City
Forester, Building Maintenance Supervisor and the physical
positioning of the Engineering staff and Superintendent's Office.
Supt. Gray added that the entities within DPW are spread out
causing inefficiencies. The Board showed concern with the
department being accessible to the public and whether it should
have representation in City Hall. The Board questioned use of
Southwest Park and acquisition of the Seacord property. Asst.
Supt. Ferrel mentioned that Mr. Seacord proposed a trade in land
which would involve the property at First and Franklin Streets.
Commissioner Tripp proposed that the Board look at the physical
consolidation before the personnel aspect. The Board agreed that
staff should develop a plan of action with recommendations and
present it to the Board at its Committee of the Whole meeting on
October 21, 1992.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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