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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-05-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 5, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Shimer. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to the Agenda. DELETIONS: Ithaca Festival - Special Request for use of DeWitt Park 1. Request for "No Parking" Signs on Coddington Road Joe Daley, along with several Coddington Road residents were present to address the Board. For several years, Ithaca College students have parked on Coddington Road. This has not caused major problems until recently when the Post Office changed their procedures. The Post Office use to have a carrier hand deliver mail, now there is a mail vehicle which delivers to the box. Due to the parked cars, the Post Office is refusing to deliver mail since the access to the boxes are limited. The residents of Coddington Road are requesting a "No Parking" sign with restricted hours in order to allow for mail delivery and to accommodate parking for the residents of the street. Alderperson Daley presented a petition signed by residents asking for "No Parking" signs. The consensus of the residents was that the students parking on this street have lost parking privileges at the college and that it is up to the college, not the city, to provide them parking. Other concerns included property destruction done by these vehicles and lack of enforcement. The Board's concern was that if parking is restricted, it will create the same problem in another neighborhood. The Board agreed that parking should be restricted in order to resume delivery of mail to the residents. A resolution will be presented restricting parking from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm on the north side and prohibited parking on the south side of Coddington Road. 2. Request to Waive 1987 Sidewalk Assessment Bill for 413 Mitchell Street Attorney Michael May and his client Paul Bonaparte - Krough, owner of 413 Mitchell Street were present to appeal the recent bill for sidewalk repairs done in 1987 totalling $390.45. Mr. May explained that his client purchased the property in 1991, at that time, a tax search was done and indicated no outstanding debts. Mr. May said he felt that since the bill did not appear on the tax search, the bill should be waived. Chamberlain Parsons was also present and stated that when the bills were sent it was known that at least two properties had changed hands and that if the bill is to be expunged, B &A would have to approve. The consensus of the Board was to pass a resolution which requests B &A to expunge the bill for the sidewalk repairs. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 5, 1993 3. Commons Clean Up. Jean Deming, John Schroeder and Susan Blumenthal were present to discuss the appearance of the Commons. Alderperson Schroeder told the Board of his concerns including the loose trash which collects on the sidewalks, the conditions of the garbage cans and bike racks and loose granite blocks around trees. He feels that the overall appearance of the Commons is in poor shape and that attention is greatly needed to improve the Commons. Jean Deming explained to the Board she has spoken with Jim Kelly regarding the trash and recycling bins and improvements are being made. She also suggested that sand be added to the brick circle since many of the bricks are becoming loose. Ms. Deming noted that many people feel that the brick circle is finished and was a waste of money since it is not in very good shape. Commissioner Tripp stated that the Commons crew should be taking the responsibility to maintain the area. Commissioner Rusoff agreed that the Commons does need improvements on its appearance and that the department could do a better job with existing equipment and manpower. Supt. Gray pointed out that besides the Commons maintenance, the crew is responsible for break coverage of the parking booths, clean up of bus shelters and other odd jobs around the Commons. He added that Jim Miller could give a better answer as to what priorities are taken in maintenance of the Commons. Concerning the brick circle, the contractor should be in town soon to complete the work. Alderperson Daley noted that the next five weeks are rather busy times and that a well maintained Commons would give a good impression. It was suggested to urge store owners to assist in clean up of the Commons. Susan Blumenthal gave a report from DII which included maintenance of the Commons and lots. She noted that there are dirt piles under the helix at the North Tioga Street exit of the lot. The consensus of the Board was that Jim Miller should report to the next regular meeting to address the Board on the issues. 4. Golf Course. Steve Torrant was present to address the Board regarding concerns from members. He questioned the Board as to whether the yearly rate should be pro -rated since the season has been cut short due to the flooding. He indicated that 6 weeks or 20% of the season will probably be lost since the projected opening is June 1. He added that Hillendale has offered to allow City members to use their facilities with no green fees but would mandate the rental of carts. Mr. Torrant stated that he felt the decision should be made to either pro -rate the season or leave it as is and cut out the leagues; this would leave more playing time for members. The main advantage of keeping the leagues is that they can be depended on, they will have scheduled green time and will play regardless of weather. He also indicated that memberships are also just as important. The Board questioned whether other courses were willing to assist us as Hillendale is. Mr. Torrant indicated that they would be willing but we would not come out ahead. The Board agreed that more information should be reviewed and a recommendation from Mr. Torrant is needed to decide to continue the leagues. This item will be discussed at the next regular meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 5, 1993 5. Review of Revised Job Description for Traffic Engineer Position Mayor Nichols stated that the revised description was not exactly what he had in mind. He would like to see the title changed to indicate the position includes parking management. Commissioner Brandford felt that the term manager is untechnical and did not reflect well enough on the position. It was decided that further discussion would take place at the next regular meeting. 6. South Titus Avenue Barricades Commissioner Gerard quoted from the City Charter that if a street is to be added or abandoned, a public hearing is to be called before such action is taken. He noted that the expiration date for the extension is May 31 and that if a hearing is to take place, it should be on May 26, 1993. The Board agreed and will vote on a resolution to set the date of the hearing. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary