Loading...
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. Page - 2 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. Page - 3 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 Page - 4