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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. Page - 2 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. Page - 3 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 Page - 4