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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. Page - 2 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 Page - 3