HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-10-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 21, 1992
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff and
Tripp; Alderperson Berg, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray,
Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
ADDITIONS:
Placement of Downtown Directional Signs
Request for Change in Billing for Accounts Receivables
1. Placement of downtown directional signs. Susan Blumenthal
was present to answer questions regarding the signage which has
been proposed to be installed to direct motorists to Downtown
Ithaca. Ms. Blumenthal stated that Common Council has approved
of the funds to install these signs, it is now up to the Board to
approve of the locations. It has been planned that DPW will
install these signs, outside assistance may be needed on the few
locations outside of the City. Ms. Blumenthal stated that these
signs should be installed as soon as possible. The Board agreed
that a resolution should appear on the next agenda to approve of
the locations proposed.
2. Request to allow horse -drawn wagon rides around the perimeter
of the Commons and on the Commons November 28 1992. The Ithaca
Times has requested permission to allow Marquis's Horse -Drawn
Wagon Rides, whom they have a contract with, to have wagon rides
around the perimeter of the Commons from November 28, 1992 until
December 19, 1992. On November 28, 1992, the wagon will enter
the Commons to drop off Santa. The wagon will be escorted by an
attendant and will enter the Commons at Tioga Street and exit at
Aurora Street. Chief McEwen responded to the request stating he
felt that it was fine, though a "slow moving vehicle" emblem
should be on the back of the wagon. The Board will vote on this
item at the next regular meeting.
3. Triple -Crown request to waive fee for use of fields The
Chamber of Commerce, along with Triple Crown Sports, has
requested a waiver of fee for their annual Softball Series at
Cass Park. The Board agreed that because this request has been
turned down in the past, the request should be denied. The Board
will vote on this item at the next voting meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 21, 1992
4. Recruest for Change in Billing for Accounts Receivables.
Chamberlain Parsons sent a memo to the Board of Public Works
regarding accounts receivables. She would like to change the
current system to make it more efficient. The existing system
can be time consuming resulting in delays. This can cause
problems with properties that change hands and may leave
landlords with bills incurred by tenants. Currently, accounts
receivables are mailed out on the Thursday or Friday after
approval is given by the Board at the regular meetings.
Chamberlain Parsons is proposing to bill property owners weekly
upon receipt of the originating document. The bills will then be
recorded and presented to the Board on a monthly basis for their
approval. City Attorney Chuck Guttman has reviewed this request
and feels that a resolution from the Board changing the procedure
would satisfy the Charter and Code requirements. A resolution
will be presented to the Board at their next regular meeting.
5. Spencer Road - Extension of traffic pattern to end November I.
1992. Superintendent Gray explained the outcome of the data
which was received. He showed the Board how traffic has shifted
to neighboring streets and effected traffic flows. Police Chief
McEwen was present to report on the matter. He stressed to the
Board that a decision must be made on the future of the traffic
pattern of this street. He added that if the Board sees it as a
permanent pattern, it can always look at it in the future for re-
evaluation. John Humphries, resident of Spencer Road was
present, he stated that the street now feels much safer to
pedestrians. Another resident, from the 400 block of Spencer
Road, stated that the one -way section is very inconvenient
because in the mornings she must wait 20 minutes in order to
enter on South Albany Street at the intersection. Commissioner
Tripp questioned whether there was another way to improve the
situation. Supt. Gray stated that there were a few suggestions
along with sketches to change the area, all of which would be
costly. One being easier access for Stone Quarry motorists. The
Board questioned Commissioner Brandford on where the Task Force
on Traffic Issues stood on the issue. Commissioner Brandford
stated that the Task Force did not have a recommendation for the
Board at this time. The Board agreed that the item should be
voted on at the next meeting to keep the one -way arrangement.
Alderperson Daley arrived at 5:20 to report on the Task Force on
Traffic Issues recommendation. He also stated that the Task
Force was not willing to suggest what to do. Alderperson Daley
addressed a new subject of back yard parking. The Board agreed
that this subject should be discussed at a future Committee of
the Whole meeting.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 21, 1992
6. Assignment of Priority Tasks - Discussion on DPW
Consolidation. Supt. Gray presented his thoughts on
consolidation to the Board. He stated that while devising a
"Plan for a plan" many questions arose. One repeated problem he
had was that boundaries need to be set by the Board in order to
proceed. He listed many ways to consolidate and what is
involved. One point that he felt was particularly important was
that if consolidation takes place at Pier Road, there is only one
outlet. In the case of an emergency, all the equipment and
employees would be stranded. One present concern that he has is
the occupation of City Hall, the offices in the basement should
be cleared out and used for storage space. Possibly by starting
with the Electricians moving to the Streets and Facilities
location. He again questioned moving his office and the
Engineering Department to the consolidated site. The Streets and
Facilities Division could then utilize the engineering staff
which is often needed. Supt. Gray has contacted Broome County,
which is currently consolidating, for their views. He questioned
the Board on budget and how much should be spent. Commissioner
Rusoff explained that she felt that the term consolidation was to
provide increased service with less people, to create an
efficient system and to save not spend money. Commissioner Tripp
suggested that the Board look at the proposal from Phil Cox and
Larry Fabbroni. She also agreed with Supt. Gray that the
basement offices should be relocated. Mayor Nichols noted that
this is an opportune time to begin consolidating, with the new
transit facility, there will be more space without the buses. It
was pointed out that the equipment from Franklin Street will be
housed in that area, bringing all of the Streets and Facilities
equipment together. Supt. Gray pointed out that the Department
use to be consolidated in one area, then questioned why it was
deconsolidated in 1976. Alderperson Berg suggested the formation
of a subcommittee in order to move forward. It was agreed that
this item will be discussed again to include creation of a
subcommittee at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 21, 1992
7. Miscellaneous Items Commissioner Tripp questioned whether
the Beverly J. Martin School issue would be brought back to the
Board. Commissioner Reeves told her that it will be.
Commissioner Tripp also questioned how the Department will
be handling the deposit of leaves into the roads. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel stated that currently, the crews will be picking them up
though the City Code allows the Department to leave them.
Commissioner Tripp inquired about the recently changed
traffic configuration on Lake Avenue, the street has been posted
one -way. Supt. Gray noted that this was included in the all -way
stop which was previously passed. It was originally proposed in
the design of the North Cayuga Street Bridge. The Board agreed
that the discussion of the one -way configuration should be
discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:20 pm.
Notes taken by:
Donna Payne
Administrative Assistant
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