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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