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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-08-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 18, 1993 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Request for Additional Free Parking from TC3 Request for Tree Removal in front of Clinton Hall Update on Parking Agreement with F. Thomas Assoc. Report on Upcoming Shopping Cart Meeting There were no deletions to the agenda. 1 Request for Additional Free Parking from TC3. Beverly Apgar was present to represent DII on behalf of TC3. TC3 will be participating in the new one hour "free" parking program. This will allow students attending classes at the new extension center to park free for one hour. TC3 is concerned that students will need approximately an hour and fifteen minutes for their classes, resulting in the charge of an hour. TC3 is requesting that if students do park for the additional fifteen minutes, that the city should waive the fee. Commissioner Brandford questioned how the attendants would know if they were indeed students. Supt. Gray pointed out that if the rules were altered for TC3, what would stop other groups from this privilege. Alderperson Daley suggested that TC3 look into bus passes, this would promote mass transit within the city. Mayor Nichols stated that when TC3 was considering the extension center, they questioned volume discounts on parking; we now have that program. The Board's consensus was that TC3 would have to work within the boundaries of the new program. It was noted that TC3 could propose an alternate plan to allow their students free parking. A resolution will be presented at the August 18, 1993 regular meeting denying the request. 2 Request from Tsvi Bokaer - Purchase of State Street Bricks. Tsvi Bokaer, owner of 413 West State Street was present to request that the Board allow him to purchase 3,500 bricks. He intends to pave the "tree- lawn" at 413 W. State and the adjacent property on the west. The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission has passed a resolution approving of the sale at $.25 per brick. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that there were plenty of bricks available. The Board will vote on a resolution at its next regular meeting approving a contract with Mr. Bokaer. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 18, 1993 3 Request from Tsvi Bokaer - Reduction of License Fee. Tsvi Bokaer, owner of 1201 -1205 North Tioga Street was present to request that the 1993 License Fee for his property be reduced. Mr. Bokaer claims that a portion of the land in the original agreement is no longer being used. Alderperson Daley suggested that the Building Department be consulted to verify that the appropriate number of parking spaces are available. The Board's consensus was that the license fee should be reduced since the land is not being utilized. The Board requested that Supt. Gray do a follow up on this matter. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting to approve Mr. Bokaer's request. 4 Request for Tree Removal in front of Clinton Hall. Joe Ciaschi, owner of Clinton Hall, was present to request that the Board have three trees in front of Clinton Hall removed. Mr. Ciaschi claims that the trees create a mess while in bloom, which is for a long period of time. He stated that his tenants continually complain that the blossoms get carried in to their stores despite DPW's attempts to keep the walk clean. He added that he would be willing to replace the trees upon their removal. Commissioner Tripp requested that the Board receive input from the Shade Tree Advisory Committee and John Friedeborn, City Forester. It was decided that the City Forester and /or Nina Bassuk should contact Mr. Ciaschi. This matter will resume at the September 1, 1993 meeting with recommendations from Mr. Friedeborn and /or Ms. Bassuk. 5 Update on Parking Agreement with F. Thomas Assoc. Herman Sieverding was present to explain to the Board that the approved agreement with Fred Thomas Associates to guarantee parking permits over the next ten years has been proposed to be changed. The lease will be for 7 years with two 5 year renewals. No Board member objected to this proposal. 6. Consolidation Update. Herman Sieverding noted that the City has a proposed contract to purchase land for DPW consolidation. Linda Tsang has met with several people from DPW concerning the site plan. It is hoped that it would be brought to IGR on August 24th and to Common Council on September 1 st. 7 Complaint from John Norelli - 703 South Plain Street. Commissioner Reeves reminded the Board that Mr. Norelli appeared before the Board to express his displeasure in how matters with Plain Street were handled. Upon investigation of the matter, it was learned that Mr. Norelli had several conversations with the Water and Sewer Department and the City Forester. It was explained to him why the service should be replaced, the trees removed and why the storm sewer was not being located in the street as originally planned. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained that the work had initially been planned for three phases. Due to scheduling changes, the work was completed in one. Before the project began, a notice was sent to each homeowner explaining the work to be done. That Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 18, 1993 work included installation of a new storm sewer. During the construction, it was discovered that there was not enough room under the street for the storm sewer. The storm sewer was then designed to be installed between the curb and sidewalk. During the work, Mr. Norelli's water service and an adjacent tree were damaged. In addition, the crews realized an another tree at the same property was in danger. Commissioner Tripp proposed that a letter be written to Mr. Norelli stating that staff has reviewed their reasons for doing work as they did and the Board is satisfied with the decisions made. The letter should include that the Board accepts his concerns regarding the litter and that staff has been made aware of the situation. She added that maybe the City should replace the service at its expense since city crews broke it. Commissioner Rusoff pointed out that in the past this type of replacement has been at the homeowner's expense and that decisions like this should be consistent. Commissioner Smith agreed. Commissioner Gerard said that he was aware of the situation and thought the matter had been settled. He added that it was a surprise to see Mr. Norelli address the Board with the issues. Supt. Gray told the Board that he would further investigate as to whether Mr. Norelli had been given a choice of the city repairing the service at its expense or to have it replaced at his. A resolution will be presented at the next Board meeting to IL deny the expungement of the bill and a letter will be sent to Mr. Norelli. 8. Shopping Carts. Commissioner Reeves explained that there will be a meeting on August 23rd with representatives from the grocery stores to discuss the problem of abandoned carts around the city. Currently, the city recovers carts which are left throughout the city then charges the store $5.00 to return them. She asked the Board if they felt we should continue with this policy. Mayor Nichols stated that he questions what the stores are willing to do in order to police the removal of carts from their property. He suggested that the stores develop a deposit system. Commissioner Brandford suggested that the fee for returning the carts be increased. Commissioner Gerard questioned why the stores could not have barricades at their entrances to deter people from removing the carts. Commissioner Tripp stated that an incentive to customers must be given for them to return the carts. She added that she would consider the increase unless an alternate suggestion is given. This issue will be further discussed at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Notes taken by: CW Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3