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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-07-14zs BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4;00 p.m. July 14, 1993 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (4) - Brandford, Rys_off, Reeves, Gerard OTHERS PRESENT- Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Common Council Liaison - Berg Deputy City Controller - Thayer Senior Stenographer - Holcomb EXCUSED: Commissioner Tripp Commissioner Smith PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE• T Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. T APPROVAL OF MINUTES: s co Approval of Minutes of the Mav 2a 1993 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Ruso£f: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves L RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 26, 1993 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Tue Minutes or the June 9, 1993 and June 23, 1993 Board of Public Works meetings were postponed until the July 28, 1993 Board meeting. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA Buildin s Properties and Transit Items Commissioner Ruso£f requested the addition of Item 12A — Removal of Boiler from Strand Theater - Resolution. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD: Shopping Carts Alderperson Blanchard spoke to the Board regarding the problem of shopping cart dumping. She suggested that perhaps the Board and members of Council could meet with store owners to try to come up with a solution to the problem. Discussion followed on the floor. South Titus Avenue Street Closing (for ro osed ark space) o Alderpersn Blanchard questioned why the street was closed when Alderpersons Daley, Romanowski and herself had presented a petition stating that the residents in that area did not want the street closed. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the reasons for the street closing. Commissioner Reeves stated that there will be a public hearing regarding green space or park space so there will be an opportunity for the residents to speak for or against the matter. Outdoor Dining Alan Cohen, 302 East State Street, spoke to the Board in favor of outdoor dining on the Commons and stated that he would like to see more changes for outdoor dining on Aurora Street. 1 July 14, 1993 By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of residents living on Cascadilla Park Road and the 200 block of DeWitt Place have signed a petition asking the City to institute a modified winter road sanding policy on their streets, and WHEREAS, the topography of these streets is unique in the City, due to a sequence of tight hairpin curves, the narrowness of the street rights -of -way, the placement of many homes within a few feet of the road pavement, and the exposure of many homes to street rights -of- way on three sides, and WHEREAS, under these special topographic conditions, the City's normal sanding policy cause a serious dust problem and a traffic hazard due to excessive build -up of applied material which are different from other locations in the City, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the request with Police, Fire and Postal Officials whose general reaction was that the driveability of these roads must be maintained to avoid a reduction in service, and WHEREAS, the proposal to carefully monitor and limit the amount of applied winter abrasive is intended to improve the driveability and safety of these streets while avoiding the hazards identified above, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed this request and believes there is a problem of excessive material being applied to these streets; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to develop a system which will modify or bypass the computers in the trucks, allowing the quantity of applied materials to be reduced, and be it further RESOLVED, That a reduced amount of winter abrasive, carefully monitored to maintain safety, shall be applied to: (1) the 200 block of DeWitt Place and (2) the portion of the 100 block of Cascadilla Park Road that begins just above its short straight section east of University Avenue and that ends at its intersection with DeWitt Place, and be it further RESOLVED, Tlfat a normal amount of winter abrasive shall be applied to: (1) the short straight section of Cascadilla Park Road just east of University Avenue, before Cascadilla Park Road begins to curve, (2) the 200 block of Cascadilla „Park Road, and (3) the main traffic route through the City Cemetery, and be it further RESOLVED, That signs reading "Caution: Road is minimally sanded during winter months" shall be placed at the intersection of Cascadilla Park Road and University Avenue, at the intersection of the main Cemetery road and University Avenue, and at the intersection of DeWitt Place and Stewart Avenue, and be it further 5 RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to review possible equipment modifications that will limit the swath of the applied materials to the narrow pavement width of these streets, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to clean Cascadilla Park Road during the winter season when and if warm weather spells permit and to give these streets a high priority during spring clean up of roads, and be it further 27 July 14, 1993 RESOLVED, That the City's normal snow plowing policy shall continue unchanged on these streets. Motion to Substitute By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded -by Commissioner Brandford RESOLVED, That Resolution A2, Requjeat to Modify Winter Road Sanding Policy on Cascadilla Park Road (as edited by Supt. Gray) be substituted in place of Al (as suggested by Alderperson Schroeder) . I Carried Unanimously By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of residents living on Cascadilla Park Road and the 200 block of DeWitt Place have signed a petition asking the City to institute a modified winter road sanding policy on their streets, and f WHEREAS, the topography of these streets is unique in the City, due LO to a sequence of tight hairpin curves, the narrowness of the street T rights -of -way, the placement of many homes within a few feet of the road pavement, and the exposure of a number of homes to street m rights -of -way on three sides, and Z C WHEREAS, under these special topographic conditions, the City's L normal sanding policy creates conditions which the residents state cause a serious dust problem and a traffic hazard due to excessive build -up of applied material which are different from other locations in the City, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the request with Police, Fire and Postal Officials whose general reaction was that the driveability of these roads must be maintained to avoid a reduction in service, and WHEREAS, the proposal to carefully monitor and limit the amount of applied winter abrasive is intended to improve the driveability and safety of these streets while avoiding the hazards identified above, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed this request, believes there is a problem of excessive material being applied to these streets, and that this situation is unique; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to develop a system which will modify or bypass the computers in the trucks, allowing the quantity of applied materials to be reduced, and be it further .RESOLVED, That a reduced amount of winter abrasive, carefully monitored to maintain safety, shall be applied to: (1) the 200 block of DeWitt Place and (2) the portion of the 100 block of Cascadilla Park Road that begins just above its short straight section east of University Avenue and that ends at its intersection with DeWitt Place, and be it further RESOLVED, That a normal amount of winter abrasive shall be applied to those areas which are not unique: (1) the short straight section of Cascadilla Park Road just east of University Avenue, before Cascadilla Park Road begins to curve, (2) the 200 block of Cascadilla Park Road, and (3) the main traffic route through the City Cemetery, and be it further RESOLVED, That signs reading "Caution: Road is minimally sanded during winter months" shall be placed at the intersection of Cascadilla Park Road and University Avenue, at the intersection of 9 July 14, 1993 the main Cemetery road and University Avenue, and at the intersection of DeWitt Place and Stewart Avenue, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to review possible equipment modifications that will limit the swath of the materials applied to the narrow pavement width of these streets, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to clean Cascadilla Park Road during the winter season when weather permits. Amendinc Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Brandford RESOLVED, That the last Resolved Clause be Amended to read as follows: "RESOLVED, That the City's normal snow plowing policy shall continue unchanged on these streets and that the Board directs staff to clean Cascadilla Park Road during the winter season when weather permits." Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended Further discussion followed on the floor on the Main Motion as Amended with Superintendent Gray answering questions from Board members. A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT- Superintendent Gray reported on the following items: Stewart Park - The handicapped ramp on the north side of the Pavilion was being poured today and most of the curb cuts have been completed. Day and First Street - The street work on Day and First Streets began today. When the manhole was dug up they found another section of collapsed sewer line. Therefore, that contract will be slightly larger than anticipated. City Court - The official dedication for the City court facility will be on Friday, July 23, 1993. Police Department - The Police Department renovations will begin this week. Strand Theater - The asbestos removal at the Strand Theater is three days behind schedule. Sicnace for Buses - The new signage for the buses that was supposed to be in place before the students returned will not be completed in time. BUILDINGS PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Removal of Boiler from Strand Theater By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, there is a salvageable boiler in the Strand Theater that is in good condition, and WHEREAS, bids have been received for removal of this boiler; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Integrated Waste Special Services of Grand Island, NY low bid of $3,500. for removal of the boiler be accepted, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Mayor to sign an agreement. Carried Unanimously 4 29 July 14, 1993 The owners of Plums Restaurant one North Aurora aStre is have requested that they be permitted to operate an outdoor cafe on the east side of their building. Resolution By Commissioner Rusoff: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the owners of Plums Restaurant be granted a license to use 100 square feet of right -of -way comprised of two areas 5' x 10' on either side of the 'entrance until September 30, 1993, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to a establish a license fee based upon the current rate, and, be it further RESOLVED, That all necessary permits from the Health Department and insurance coverage be obtained, and, be it further T RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to sign a revocable license T agreement with the owners of Plums Restaurant according to the m usual terms and conditions. 7L Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: By Commissioner Rusof£: Secondedy byrCommissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request through the Planning Department to temporarily alter parking on Fayette Street due to the construction of additional facilities at Reconstruction Home; now, therefore, be it the RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Common Council suspend the alternate parking regulations of the City Code in the 200 block of Fayette Street £or's period of 12 months from the date of their resolution or until substantial completion of the project, whichever comes first, and be it further RESOLVED, That the east side of the 200 block be designated "No Parking - Construction Zone" and the west side be designated a twenty -four hour zone for the duration of this period, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Traffic Engineer work with the Police Chief to address any concerns that may arise due to construction during the period prior to Council's consideration of this request. Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARRS: A. Scoo er Law in cit Parks By Commissioner Gerard: Seconded by commissioner Rusoff WHEREAS, City parks, sidewalks and private properties are continually contaminated with the waste of dogs whose owners are negligent in their responsibilities for cleaning up after their dogs. The result is not only damaged vegetation and unpleasant odors, but a potential health hazard as well, and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission passed a Resolution on April 13, 1993 urging the Board of Public Works to authorize a "Pooper Scooper' law including fines for violators and then provide enforcement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby requests the Charter and Ordinance Committee consider the adoption of a "Pooper Scooper" Law, and be it further 30 July 14, 1993 RESOLVED, That the Board requests Charter and Ordinance and Common Council address the issue of enforcement should such a law be proposed and enacted. Carried Unanimously H. Security at Alex Haley Memorial Pool The Alex Haley Memorial Pool opened on July 2, 1993. Following its opening, there have been several occurrences in which trespassers used the pool. The City's administration and staff are concerned that there is a possibility of someone becoming injured or other damage occurring during unauthorized use of the facility. Resolution By Commissioner Brandford: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, lights are currently left on at the pool site during the night to improve security and in order to assist the Police Department who patrol the area, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works would like to further improve security at the pool; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install signage stating that unauthorized use of the facility is prohibited and that violators will be prosecuted. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES• Audit Reoort By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Rueoff RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract k 13 General Fund ......... ......:.......................$ 64,490.77 Water and Sewer Fund ..............................$ 15,741.87 Joint Activity Fund ,$ 59,392.36 Capital Projects ..... ..............................$ 216,665.63 Solid Waste .......... ..............................$ 26,798.15 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved. REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS• Carried Unanimously Parks Commission Commissioner Reeves reported that she updated the Parks Commission 6n the Titus Avenue Triangle issue. She further reported that the Parks Commission is very interested in working on the DeWitt Park signage recommendation, and would like to start working on instituting uniform signage for all City Parks. Commissioner Reeves further noted that the Parks Commission is concerned because they are not involved in discussions concerning the plantings in DeWitt and Stewart Parks. Bus Rodeo Commissioner Reeves reported that Cornell Transit recently hosted the annual Bus Rodeo in which 38 bus drivers from several New York transit systems participated. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned'at 5:35 pm. Connie ,7, Holcomb Senior Stenographer Benjamin icho is Mayor