HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-07-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 7, 1993
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Absent: Assistant Superintendent Shimer.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
1. Request for Out Door Dining at Plums Restaurant
Michael Stento, Manager of Plums was present. Mr. Stento would like to have out door
dining from 11:30 am until 10:00 pm at his restaurant. He estimated that 100 square feet
would be needed. The Board agreed that the request was acceptable and asked Mr. Stento to
contact Supt. Gray to finalize the agreement and license fee. A resolution will be presented
at the next regular meeting.
2. Alex Haley Municipal Pool - Securitx
Supt. Gray stated that he had looked into security systems that are available. One system
available secures each side of the pool along the fence. The city could spend as much as
$4,000 per side for this system. Sam Cohen, Youth Bureau Director was present, he noted
that the pool is very visible at night since lights are left on. He questioned the possibility of
the Police Department increasing their patrols and issuing fines for violators. The Board
concurred that issuing fines may alleviate the problem. The Board will vote on a resolution
directing staff to install warning signs to violators and request that the Police Department
increase their patrols.
3. Update of MPO.
David Boyd, Director of the ITCTC, stated that since the Ithaca area has been classified as a
metropolitan area, it's required to have a Metropolitan Planning Organization. The MPO
consists of the Town and City of Ithaca, the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, and
Tompkins County. The MPO has three main activities which must be accomplished, the
Transportation Improvement Program, Long Range Planning and Unified Planning Work
Program. Basically, the MPO allows the participating entities to pull together and assist each
other with services which they may not be able to provide individually. They assist each
other in coordinating projects and solving problems. The MPO is federally funded. The
Board questioned whether certain sites would be eligible projects for the MPO. Mr. Boyd
stated that the ITCTC is at a disadvantage because it does not have a 20 year plan. Once
that is developed, projects will be able to be put into the TIP for action.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
CO CONMUTTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 7, 1993
4. Natural Gas Vehicles
Nancy Oltz was available to address the Board on natural gas powered buses. Ms. Oltz
stated that according to the Clean Air Act of 1990, buses purchased after the fall of 1993
must meet standards for burning cleaner fuel. Natural gas powered buses are very
expensive. They require special fueling stations which are not only costly, but time
consuming. The $250,000 station takes six hours to fuel one bus. There is a faster fueling
station available for $500,000 and only takes 15 minutes to fuel a bus. In addition to a
fueling station, special maintenance areas are required; each one must meet specifications to
allow proper ventilation. Once the equipment is obtained, special training for staff would be
needed. Dependability is also questionable. The City of Binghamton owns three natural gas
buses and claim they are lucky to have one in use at any one time. Ms. Oltz suggested that
the City wait on using natural gas until more technology has been developed. Until that
time, other options may be taken to comply with the Clean Air Act of 1990. It was
suggested that if the City wishes to pursue natural gas vehicles, fleet vehicles should be
considered first.
vital Project - 1994
There was brief discussion on projects that are to be requested for 1994. Commissioner
Reeves stated that this will be further discussed at the July 21, 1993 COW meeting.
6. Review Policy for Stewart Park
The Board agreed that the Parks Commission should first review the policy and make
recommendations to the Board for further consideration. Discussion followed on the carry
in -carry out program. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that two staff members are needed each
morning for two to three hours to clean up trash left from the day before. He does not have
the report on how much trash has been collected and the expense for removal, but expects it
soon. Commissioner Tripp suggested that harsh enforcement be instituted as with the pool.
Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that he understands that IPD has stopped their 10:00 pm patrol of
the park but will request that it be resumed.
7. Striping System Proposal
Supt. Gray stated that Cornell has built crosswalks with bricks which cost between $10 and
$12 per square foot. The Board was concerned with noise that would be produced by the
brick crosswalks. Supt. Gray noted that unless it was tested, there would be no proof of
effectiveness. This item will be further discussed at a later date.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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