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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1993-10-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE October 20, 1993 PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Berg, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Encroachment Request from DeWitt Historical Society. Conditions of Parking Booths Deletions: Removal of Mini Pool/School District Parking On Street Parking for Trucks at Ithaca Journal L. Reaue t from Elmira College for Strand The t r rgoyles- Alderperson Schroeder was present to address the Board concerning the salvaged sandstone carvings. He stated that he felt that a policy for such artifacts should be established. He further stated that he felt these types of artifacts should stay in Ithaca. The consensus of the Board was that a resolution should be passed stating a policy for salvaged artifacts. 2 Parking Request from Bib n' Ilicker. Barbara Sinclair from Bib n' Tucker was present to discuss the possibility of obtaining two free parking spots in the Seneca Street Garage. Supt. Gray stated that this would be a policy decision and that he felt that they should approach the Human Services Committee for their needs. Commissioner Reeves questioned the availability of parking adjacent to the property. Ms. Sinclair stated that the landlord told them that the spaces are unavailable to them. Commissioner Tripp stated that she understood that the Board is not allowed to give away services of value and that she agreed the Human Services Committee should be approached. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting denying the request. 3. Parking RNuest from the Alcoholism of Cheryl Caister of the Council was present to ask the Board for permission to allow their Green Street Permit holders to park in Lot D (Woolworth Lot). She stated that their employees leave work at 9:00 pm and feel unsafe entering the garage. She explained that lights are often out and on occasion, people have been followed through the garage. Supt. Gray told Ms. Caister that if in future she sees any lights out in the garage to contact his office. He further explained that the permits for Lot D are currently unavailable due to construction of the Court/Police Facilities. The permits should be on sale within the next few weeks. Ms. Caister stated that having a chance at the 25 permits would be sufficient. The Board agreed that the request was not possible and that Ms. Caister should be notified upon their availability. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 20, 1993 4 Conditions of Parking Boothe Commissioner Gerard asked what was the status of replacing the booths? Supt. Gray stated that staff had commented that they could not see spending $12,000 only to eliminate the booths, due to a new system in the near future. Commissioner Reeves stated that she understood that the Board was aware of the possibilities but they had already given the go ahead earlier in the summer. The Board's consensus was that despite the uncertainty of the booth's existence, they should be replaced to improve current conditions. 5 Fire i awes on the Commons Chief Wilbur of the Fire Department and Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator were both present to address the Board concerning the designation of fire lanes on the Commons. Chief Wilbur stated that there have been problems in the past during events and construction phases where vehicles were parked in the fire lane. He explained that there have been confrontations regarding this issue and that a solution is needed. He added that after a description of the lanes is established, some type of indication is needed for people to visually see the fire lanes. Ms. Deming added that she understood that the city has no legal grounds without officially designated fire lanes. The Board agreed that the description should be established and brought back to the Board to act on. Common Council would also need to approve the designation. 6 EncroachmP t RQQ110LfMffl DeWitt Hictori al Society, Margaret Hobbie and Joanne Florin were present to represent the DeWitt Historical Society. Supt. Gray explained that the Historical Society has leased the old Dean Building at 401 East State Street and need to make the building handicap gccessible. In order to do this, the least expensive way is to building a stairway, handicap ramp and landing on city property. The encroachment would take six (6) feet away from the width of the pavement. He stated that he originally denied the request since he did not want future expansion of the street to be hindered. He then realized that the expense of modifying the existing building to accommodate handicap accessibility would cost a great deal more money. The alternative plan would require construction within the face of the building. He recommended that the Board approve the encroachment contingent on a revokable agreement. The agreement could be revoked with a notice of one to two years. The Board agreed that the encroachment be granted with the ability to revoke the agreement. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 20, 1993 7. Traffic Issues _ UnjYMiLy and Stewart Avenues, Andrew Douglass, 700 Stewart Avenue, Apt. #27, was present to request that changes be made to the intersection of University and Stewart to improve the safety for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Supt. Gray presented traffic counts for the intersection and stated that former Traffic Engineer Gombas had felt that an all way stop may be needed at the intersection. He further stated that he feels that it may be eligible for one according to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. He had not had the opportunity to look it up prior to the meeting. He added that he would give a recommendation at the next regular meeting based on the manual. Commissioner Tripp suggested that an island be installed. Supt. Gray added that it may be possible to close down the intersection defining the traffic lanes. It was noted that one block of University was previously one way. Supt. Gray stated that it was changed to two ways due to paving conveniences, subsequently it was officially changed. Mr. Douglass also asked that cross walk striping be done again in 1994. A resolution will be presented for the Board's consideration at the next regular meeting. 8. Parking on Fulton Street. Commissioner Reeves stated that Ms. Irene Richards has requested that the 300 block of Fulton Street be made into 24 hour parking. Mayor Nichols stated that when construction by the state takes place, the parking may have to change. It was noted that 24 hour parking is difficult to enforce, but it was felt that the change could be made. Commissioner Reeves stated that she would pass the idea by Chief McEwen. A resolution approving the 24 hour parking will be voted on at the next meeting. 12 BUILDINGS PKQEERTIES AND TRAM IT I D S - Commisajongr Ri off by Commissioner Tripp; seconded by Commissioner Gerard A. Request For Use of State Street Bricks. WHEREAS, Peter Silag of 824 Cliff Street has requested the use of 1400 State Street bricks for use at 111 Osmun Place to pave twenty five (25) feet of driveway extending east from the sidewalk, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission passed a resolution approving the request at $.25 a brick; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of the sale of bricks under the usual terms and conditions to Mr. Peter Silag for use at 11 Osmun Place, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to enter into this agreement. �. 1a Iii. Page - 3 �I BOARD OF PUBLIC vrv,�. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETI Vc October 20, 1993 -- There was discussion on the procedure for obtaining the brick. The bricks are to be stacked and put on pallets by the individuals requesting the bricks. Carried Unanimously (5 -0) mayor that $400 000 needed to be cut in order to balance the budget. He noted that the sewer and water rates would need to increase 5 and 6 percent respectively. The increase would average $8.00 a year per household. Commissioner Reeves asked that the resolution include the current rates as well. Mayor Nichols also noted that trash tag rates may need to be increased. The county has increased the tipping fee and the amount of trash is going down while the recycling costs are rising. The question of yard waste was raised. Could the number of pickups of yard waste be reduced? Commissioner Reeves suggested that a resolution for increases be presented and that discussion could take place at that time. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 4