HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-07-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 21, 1993
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel and
Assistant Superintendent Shimer.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Tompkins County Tag System
Additional Time Request from Plums
There were deletions to the agenda.
Co 1 _ Tompkins County Trust - Request for Conduit Under the Commons.
Larry Updike from Tompkins County Trust Company was present to discuss the possibility
of running a conduit under the Commons from the main office to the soon to be occupied
remote office in the Rothchild's Building. Mr. Updike stated that he understood that
restoration of any concrete removed must meet specifications. Supt. Gray explained private
utilities are encouraged not to be in the ROW since it is unlikely they are registered with
UFPO. He was concerned that if future work by the city is performed, it may interfere with
the conduit if not registered. Another concern was with the recent renovations to the
Commons. Merchants and patrons would need to endure the noise and inconvenience of the
work which would need to be performed. The Board questioned Mr. Updike why TCTC
couldn't pursue overhead utilities. Supt. Gray explained that overhead utilities are not
allowed in the vicinity of the Commons. The Board decided that the request was acceptable.
A resolution will be voted on directing staff to assist the City Attorney's Office in negotiating
a contract for the work to take place.
2. Report on Public Hearing for Alternate Side Parking
Alderperson Joe Daley was present to report on the public hearing held on July 13, 1993 on
proposed alternatives to odd /even parking. He explained that all proposed plans were turned
down by the public, the consensus at the hearing was that neighborhood plans should be
devised. The disadvantage to that type of plan is the cost to produce signs, installed signs
become "sign pollution" and theft of signage would increase dramatically. Discussion
followed on current regulations and possible changes to parking regulations in various
neighborhoods. This item will be discussed at future meetings.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
CONMHTTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 21, 1993
3. Tompkins County Tag System
Alderperson Daley was present and stated that he attended a meeting concerning the County's
trash tag system. County Representatives did not like the idea of the City's proposal to use
an alternative bag system. County Reps. stated that they would be reviewing the law and
that a resolution asking for alternative systems should be presented to them before August
12. The consensus was that there is no justified reason why the county is not interested in
the city using the bag system. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting
requesting the county to allow alternate methods to be used for fee collection.
4. Request for Stop Sian at Cliff Park Road and Cliff Park Circle
The Board has received a request from Jeffery True, resident of Richard Place, to install a
stop sign at the "T" intersection of Cliff Park Road and Cliff Park Circle. Supt. Gray stated
that "T" intersections do not necessarily need posting. The right -of -way is given to the
straight of way or the car to the right. He further explained that it is the Board's discretion
to install a stop sign. A resolution approving of the installation will be voted on at the next
regular meeting. There was no consensus of the Board.
5. Maximum Weight of Trash Bags
Commissioner Reeves explained that there has been some concern from staff that garbage
bags are not in accordance to the code weight restriction and, are too heavy. She questioned
if the Board felt it necessary to recommend that the Charter and Ordinance Committee
change the restriction from 100 pounds to 70 pounds. Residents could then use 2 tags for
collection if needed. Supt. Gray noted that he understood OSHA's regulation on weight
being lifted by an individual could not exceed 70 pounds. A resolution recommending the
change will be presented at the next meeting.
6. Additional Time Request from Plums
Plums Restaurant was granted permission for use of the sidewalk for out door dining at the
BPW meeting of July 14, 1993. Plums have since requested an extension of the contract
from September 30, 1993 to October 30, 1993. The consensus of the Board was to allow the
extension. Staff will proceed with the agreement to include the change.
7 Department Mission Statement
Supt. Gray explained that the mission statement was a result of the Mayor's request during a
staff meeting. Mayor Nichols added that all departments were asked to develop a mission
statement, the purpose is to define the objective of the department and then, determine if the
objective is being accomplished. Supt. Gray stated that the mission statement he has
presented is only a draft and that any input to it would be appreciated. Discussion followed
on what items should be included such as, traffic management, public communications and
map and records retention. Supt. Gray stated that he would keep the Board informed of the
status of this and other department's mission statements.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 21, 1993
8. Streets and Facilities Oil Spill.
Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that about three weeks ago a hydraulic lift in one of the garage
bays was repaired due to an oil leak. A pool of oil was discovered during the repair. DEC
was notified to determine if it was a hazardous amount and what steps should be taken for
clean up. DEC has enacted a new policy in which the party responsible for a spill must sign
an agreement for clean up. This agreement has been forwarded to the City Attorney's Office
for review. Since clean up began, twenty 55 gallon drums of oil and water have been
removed and a monitoring well has been installed. Supt. Gray stated that the replaced lift
had replaced a previous lift about five years ago. It was believed to have had the same type
of leak and may be the initial cause of the problem. The Board questioned if this leak would
have any effect on the water supply. Supt. Gray and Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that
because of the location and the soil conditions, the oil should not effect any water supplies.
If all goes well, the incident should not exceed $10,000.
9. Capital Projects - 1994.
Commissioner Reeves explained to the Board that the proposed Capital Projects should be
prioritized since other departments have additional requests. The following shows how each
member prioritized the proposed projects:
Brandford: Linn St Bridge
Basketball Court
Meadow /Elmira Rd
Albany /Elmira Rd
Commons Towers
Pedestrian Bridge
State /Aurora St.
Gerard: Linn St Bridge
Meadow /Elmira Rd
Aurora/State St
Basketball Court
Pedestrian Bridge
Commons Towers
Rusoff: Linn St Bridge
Albany /Elmira Rd
State /Aurora St.
Meadow /Elmira Rd
Basketball Court
Commons Towers
Pedestrian Bridge
Reeves: Linn St Bridge
Basketball Court
Aurora/State St
Meadow /Elmira Rd
Albany /Elmira Rd
Pedestrian Bridge
Commons Towers
Commissioner Smith stated that he felt the Linn Street Bridge should be the priority item and
the Pedestrian Bridge as number 7 with the remaining five of equal importance.
Commissioner Reeves said that she felt the Meadow /Elmira Road and the Albany /Elmira
Road intersections should be considered as one item.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
CONMHTTEE OF THE WHOLE
July 21, 1993
10. DPW Consolidation.
Supt. Gray explained that property adjacent to the S &F building is being considered for
purchase. Linda Tsang of the Planning Department has prepared two sketches which show
how the Pier Road location could be utilized with additional land. Both sketches showed
variations of layouts for the square footage needed for stock piling and building spaces. It
was explained that by moving the road a few feet towards the golf course it would allow for
additional space. Commissioner Rusoff questioned if the golf course could be redesigned in
order to provide more land for the facility. It was noted that there would be a great deal of
expense to move the greens but the idea could be considered. The Board agreed that stock
piling space is needed after they discussed the possibility of materials being delivered on site
on an as- needed basis.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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