HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1992-11-04BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 4, 1992
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Cox, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff and
Tripp; Alderperson Berg, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray,
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
1. Public hearing for Collegetown Special Assessment Board has
the Power to Act. Commissioner Tripp moved to open the public
hearing, Commissioner Gerard seconded. Bill Avramis, property
owner, was present and stated he did not understand what the
Board was proposing. Commissioner Cox moved to recess the
hearing. The hearing resumed after the discussion of Inlet
Island. Commissioner Cox moved to reopen the hearing,
Commissioner Tripp seconded. There was discussion regarding Mr.
Avramis and that he felt there were parking spaces left out of
the schedule. Commissioner Cox moved to close the public
hearing, seconded by Commissioner Gerard.
RESOLUTION
Collegetown Special Benefit Assessment District Charges -
Commissioner Tripp.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works accepts the Collegetown
Special Assessment Benefit District Charges subject to further
investigation by the Deputy Controller of the Avramis properties,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be requested to make the
billing at the appropriate time.
Discussion followed.
Carried unanimously
2. Potential Substitution of Park Land for Inlet Island
Alienation & Conversion. John Schroeder was present to discuss
the Inlet Island Plan. The plan calls for "de- parking" of some
of the designated park land. Land will then need to be
designated elsewhere in the City as park lands. Alderperson
Schroeder showed the Board a drawing illustrating possible areas
that could be designated as substitute park lands. Some of areas
may have to be outside of the City depending on the land value.
The substituted area must equal the full market value of land
being "de- parked." The next step is to have the land assessed.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 4, 1992
3. Illegal Dumping of Trash - City responsibility for removal
Asst. Supt. Ferrel has had conversations with the Tompkins County
Solid Waste Division regarding illegal dumping on private and
public property. The County does not have any provisions for
removal of illegally dumped trashed, therefore illegal deposits
are the responsibility of the property owners. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel added that the service is becoming very costly, he also
added that approximately 150 tons of illegal deposits were made
last year. Discussion followed concerning enforcement of the
illegal deposits and policy allowing the Superintendent to use
discretion of pickups of the deposits. Commissioner Rusoff
suggested that the City go along with the County's policy and
leave illegal deposits to the property owners; it will occur far
and few for each owner. The Board agreed that this should be a
set policy in order to keep expenses down. They also felt that
although it is unfortunate for the property owner to take the
burden, it is the only possible way to deal with the situation.
A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting.
4. Cardboard Recycling - City Collection Commissioner Reeves
reported to the Board that the County will continue to pick up
cardboard from the City residents and small commercial
businesses. The Board questioned the definition of "small
commercial businesses ". Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the pick
ups will be of bundles no bigger than 41x41x1' equalling
approximately 1/2 cubic yard. He also added that picking up of
resident's cardboard involved one staff member as opposed to two
for commercial pick ups. A resolution will be presented at the
next regular meeing incluidng the definition of "small commercial
businesses ".
5. Beavers in Six Mile Creek Commissioner Reeves stated that
Asst. Supt. Shimer feels that the problem in Six Mile Creek with
the beavers is not going away. Commissioner Reeves and Asst.
Supt. Shimer had previous conversations as to whether this is an
operational problem or whether the Board should set a policy on
this matter. Discussion followed, the Board agreed that this
should be a policy decision. Commissioner Gerard reported that
he toured the area and feels that there is no major damage,
therefore the issue should be ended. He suggested that the DEC
wildlife officer should investigate the area and determine
whether there is a problem or not. The Board agreed that staff
should notify DEC for a walk through to give their
recommendations. A resolution will appear at the next regular
meeting to set a policy on control of the Beavers.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 4, 1992
6. Parking Lot Revenues Commissioner Reeves stated that the
parking hours for the Downtown lots have been extended and that
revenues are up. She questioned the Board whether the extension
should continue or not. The Board agreed that the extension
should be made permanent and that a resolution be passed to make
it possible.
7. Merchandise Display on Streets and Sidewalks This item will
be dealt with at the Charter and Ordinance meeting of November
12, 1992 and the Board has been asked to comment on the proposed
revisions. Discussion followed whether the Board or the
Superintendent should handle the requests. The Board agreed that
the Superintendent should handle the review of these requests.
8. Assignment of Priority Tasks - Discussion on DPW
Consolidation. Superintendent Gray discussed the immediate costs
that would occur. It was estimated that $2.5 million would be
needed, $1.5 million from Water and Sewer and $1 million from
Streets and Facilities. Supt. Gray pointed out that the existing
W & S building needs repairs due to the age and that the money
invested in a rehabilitation could be used for a new facility.
Commissioner Rusoff questioned whether a consolidation would
result in a reduction of staff. Supt. Gray responded that
natural tendencies would be to complete tasks that are normally
overlooked though needed to be completed. The Board discussed
forming a task group to proceed with consolidation. The group
will consist of Commissioners Reeves, Tripp and Superintendent
Gray. The group will devise a working outline to present to the
Board at a future date.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:40 pm.
Notes taken by:
Donna Payne
Administrative Assistant
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