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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-06-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 16, 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 or deletions to the agenda 1. Cascadilla Park Road - Ice and Snow Removal Alderperson Schroeder was present to explain a request from the residents of Cascadilla Park and DeWitt Place. He explained that the geometry of the street is very unique. The problem is that in the winter, ice material is spread and accumulates leaving hazardous conditions. In addition to the hazards, there is an excessive amount of dust each time the weather improves. The residents are requesting that less material be spread on the road and that the speed of the spreader be reduced since the material is thrown into yards. He stated that he has spoken to Asst. City Attorney Kennedy and she has said that less material is acceptable if the BPW has formally adopted a policy. Alderperson Schroeder asked that if the policy is changed, could a smaller truck be used to spread the material. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that he could not guarantee the use of a small truck but could see that less material be spread by changing the speed of the spreader. He added that spring clean up usually starts in April, although it may vary, around the area of East Hill. Commissioner Brandford questioned if this would effect the Fire, Police or Post Office and asked if their input could be used in the decision. Several residents were present and reiterated the views Alderperson Schroeder expressed. The Board decided that a resolution to decrease the amount of material being spread be voted on at the next regular meeting. 2. Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Herman Sieverding from the Planning Department and Ken Walker from Sciarabba Walker, were present to describe the BID to the Board. Mr. Walker is the Chairperson of the BID steering Committee. The State of New York has adopted legislation which sets up the guidelines for establishing BIDs. BIDS are areas in which commercial areas are specially assessed and receive enhanced services. The services funded by BID are in addition to the services the area currently receives from the city. These services would be budgeted exclusively from BID funds. The projected area for the BID is the Downtown Business area and the West State Street corridor with approximately 337 parcels. The projected BID budget is about $300,000. Mr. Sieverding stated that based on surveys completed by property owners and merchants, there is a real concern with security and maintenance. The BID program will focus on these areas. The BID Steering Committee will be broken down into two committees; the first will focus on services, budget, and administrative structure while the second will deal with baseline services. Baseline services represent the City's ongoing commitment to the area in terms of services it now provides. Discussion followed BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COM IITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 16, 1993 on how the BID would effect DPW and the budget process. It was explained that the BID would fluxuate along with the City tax rate. The demand of services will not effect the DPW budget even if that budget is reduced since BID is self- supported. Mr. Sieverding stated that he expected the plan to be put together in about 60 days. During the process, meetings will be held to allow property owners to give input and ultimately, Common Council will vote for the approval of the plan. The plan will hopefully be instituted by the first installment of city taxes in 1994. Mr. Sieverding and Mr. Walker will keep the Board posted on the progress. 3. GIAC Request for Basketball Court Improvements Marcia Fort was present to address the Board concerning the deteriorated state of the GIAC Basketball Court. She explained that the primary use for the court is for leagues. She has received two estimates to rebuild the court, both are approximately $13,000. She would like to have the work completed by June 1994. Supt. Gray noted that this project could be included with the 1994 Capital Project Requests. It was suggested that the court be moved to a more accessible site. The Board advised Ms. Fort that approval from the School District would be needed in order to proceed with the project if it included moving the location. 4. Request to Use DeWitt Park for Picnic Representatives from the Monroe Title Insurance Corporation was present to discuss their request to use DeWitt Park for a Picnic. They plan to have approximately 125 clients attend on July 21, 1993 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. There will be no amplified sounds, no alcoholic beverages and they plan to removal all debris which is generated from the event. In addition, they will be putting up a canopy. Asst. Supt. Ferrel pointed out that the utilities would need to be marked out before setting up the canopy. The Board agreed that a resolution granting permission should be presented at the next regular meeting. 5. Request to Use DeWitt Park from Ithaca College Beverly Baker was present to address the Board. She explained that Ithaca College felt that last year's concert in the park was very successful and wanted to hold another concert making this an annual event. The concert is planned for September 19, 1993 with a rain date of September 26, 1993. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving the use of DeWitt Park. 6. Recyclables in Trash Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that he recently attended a meeting for haulers in which the County presented a new policy which will allow haulers to be fined if recyclables are found in the trash. They will not allow any more than 15% of the load to contain recyclables, haulers violating the policy will be charged a fine of $100. City crews will place a warning sticker on bags which are found to contain recyclables. The county will be running ads starting June 25 which will notify residents of the policy. The question of detecting recyclables was raised. Asst. Supt. Ferrel said staff will be looking into the use of clear trash bags that would be purchased form the city and act in place of trash tags. This item will return to the Board at a later date once more information is obtained. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 16, 1993 7. Request for Ex ungement of Snow /Ice Removal Bill. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the snow removal for 111 and 123 Catherine Streets was completed on March 30, 1993, two weeks after the Blizzard of 1993. It was agreed that two weeks was ample time to clear the walk. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3