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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-06-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 2, 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. ADDITIONS: Odd /Even Parking Report from Joe Daley Water Shed - Informational Walk Through Bicycle Plan - Environmental Review DELETIONS: Striping System Proposals 1. Ithaca Concert Band Fred Muhlsteff from the Ithaca Concert Band was present to request that the Board waive the fee for the use of the small pavilion in Stewart Park. Mr. Muhlsteff explained that the band is funded by the City and felt the fee would be paid from city funds in a round about way. The Board's consensus was that the fee should be expunged. 2. Request for Directional Signage in Collegetown. Ellen Rosten, owner of Collegetown Motor Lodge, and John Shroeder were present. They questioned where the issue stands and that they feel there is a great need for the placement of directional signs for Cornell University and Collegetown Business District. Supt. Gray stated that NYSDOT has approved the signs although the City will have to cover the expense of the signs which is approximately $100 per sign. There are five signs to be installed, two directing traffic to CU, the remaining three directing traffic to the business district. Discussion followed concerning funding of the signs. Mayor Nichols questioned if the signs could be included with the downtown directional signs. Commissioner Tripp asked that placement of these signs take place before August, when the students arrive. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 3. Request to Expunge Ice and Snow Removal Bill for 402 Hudson Street Commissioner Reeves stated that the case appears to be a hardship case based on the letter written to the Board. Ms. Belfort, owner of 402 Hudson Street, was not present to address the Board. The Board decided to vote on a resolution at the next meeting. 4. South Titus Avenue Before discussing the Odd /Even parking, Alderperson Daley asked that the Board clarify their decision at the last regular meeting. It was noted that the Board has decided to abandon the section of South Titus Avenue between South and Fair Streets. The Board next needs to decide whether the section of land should be made into park land or green space. The Board decided that further clarification on street abandonment from the Attorney's Office is needed in order to proceed with this item. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS v COMMTTEE OF THE WHOLE June 2, 1993 5. Odd /Even Parking Report Alderperson Daley was present to discuss the Odd /Even Parking Committee's suggestions. He noted that during the meetings, there were many plans. The committee kept two items in mind, enforcement and discouraging long term parking. The committee is considering the current system, the Daley Option, which is Odd /Even parking during the day, and the neighborhood option. Discussion followed on the three systems. A major concern with the Daley Option is that it only applies on weekdays, therefore, snow removal on weekends will be difficult. It was suggested that a blanket prohibition of parking during the winter be used. It was noted that the current system has problems since it can be confusing, people are hesitant of being out at dark to move their cars and it is very inconvenient. Commissioner Smith said that he agreed with the Daley Option since it would allow residents to park closer to their homes. There was concern as to where commuter parkers would go with the Daley Option. Alderperson Daley noted that the committee has not come to an agreement on which option to recommend. He added that it would be ideal to have a new system in effect by August in order to alleviate confusion by the students, otherwise, it would have to wait another year to implement. Commissioner Gerard added that a public hearing would need to be held before implementing a new system. The Board agreed that further discussion would take place on this issue at the June 16, 1993 Committee of the Whole meeting. 6. Request for Outdoor Dining -Oasis Natural Grocer Peter Sayet, partner at Oasis, was present. Commissioner Reeves explained to the Board that there had been a problem with the 1992 agreement for outdoor dining. The agreement was not signed and the license fee was not paid until May of 1993. Mr. Sayet stated that he hadn't been aware of the situation until after the season had ended, he had understood that permission was granted and was not aware there was to be a signed agreement. Attorney Guttman stated that the agreement had been drawn up and given to Oasis in August and that many conversations had taken place between his office and Oasis. Commissioner Tripp asked Mr. Sayet that this year's agreement be taken care of in a timely manner. Mr. Sayet asked the Board if the agreement could be extended to October 1993. It was noted that the tables are currently on the sidewalk without a valid license. Mayor Nichols questioned whether action should be taken for illegal use of the sidewalk. Attorney Guttman stated that failure to comply with the agreement could result in revoking the license, order of removal or denial of license. Commissioner Rusoff questioned if the agreement could be back dated legally. The Board next questioned the $20.00 fee. It was decided that staff would use the current formula for license fees in determining the fee. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting granting a license to Oasis for outdoor dining. 7, Bicycle Plan - Environmental Review. No Board members objected to the memo sent from Jon Meigs dated May 27, 1993 concerning the Environmental Review of the City Bicycle Plan. This enabled Common Council to approve it also at its meeting on June 2, 1993. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMUTTEE OF THE WHOLE June 2, 1993 8. South Titus Avenue The Board discussed the resolution passed at the last regular meeting to abandon South Titus Avenue between Fair and South Streets. There was concern whether the area should be an active park or green space. It was decided that Planning and Development should give the Board feed back on traffic and other options. 9. Water Shed - Informational Walk Through Commissioner Gerard explained that earlier that day, he had walked through the Water Shed area with Civil Engineer Tom West. Mr. West had pointed out to him the various projects going on in the Water Shed such as the utility bridge, repairs to the trail and silt removal. During the walk through, the possibility of an informational walk was mentioned. The walk could include the media in order to clear any misunderstandings that may be taking place with all the work in the Water Shed. Commissioner Brandford asked why a construction sign was not in place to explain the projects. Supt. Gray stated that he would look into the installation of a sign. The Board agreed that a walk through of the Water Shed with the media should take place. 10. DPW Ca ital Project Preliminary Discussion Supt. Gray handed out a list of current Capital Projects. He explained that one of his goals this year is to "clean up" the list by completing many of the projects. He added that there are many projects which are being worked on. The Board questioned whether an additional staff member is needed. It was agreed that a new position should be pursued through the Vacancy Review committee. Discussion followed concerning the work to be completed on the Capital Projects. It was agreed that this item would be discussed again at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary