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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-01-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 5, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. 1. Golf Course Rates - Steve Torrant, Golf Course Manager, was present to discuss the 1994 rates for Newman Golf Course. He recommended that the Board accept the originally proposed 1993 rates. Due to the short season in 1993, the original rates were reduced. Mr. Torrant told the Board that there is no longer direct competition for a 9 hole golf course. The two courses which were 9 holes increased to 18 and have increased their rates dramatically. He feels that this will bring Newman membership up. Mr. Torrant projected the 1994 revenues at $149,110. It was suggested that non city residents pay an increased rate. Mr. Torrant stated that he does not see that as beneficial since many long time members were city residents and have moved out of the city. He did not see that as good public relations. Commissioner Rusoff suggested that the Board look at expense and revenue figures with the City Controller. Commissioner Brandford agreed and suggested that they look at the last five years. Asst. Supt. Ferrel suggested that the budget be pulled from the General Fund as Solid Waste was. He further stated that the Board should look at possibilities to increase revenues, such as a driving range. This item will be discussed further at the January 19, 1994 COW meeting. 2. Proposed Increases for Parking Rates. The Board reviewed Beverly Apgar's letter of January 3, 1994 which stated that she felt the proposed increases would not accomplish staffs goals. She questioned why permit holders could not be limited to the areas staff is trying to fill. She explained that the additional $6.00 permit would not change the habits of the parkers. She also noted the lack of security and unclean conditions of the garages. Supt. Gray stated that the conditions of the garage are a separate issue. He added that based on a market based economy, if the city wishes to sell fewer permits, the rates should be raised. This issue will be discussed further in addition to a resolution presented at the next regular meeting. 11 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMUTTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING January 5, 1994 3. Review of Dunmore Place Change to One -Way. Alderperson Johnson stated that he had spoken to Supt. Gray during the week and they felt that an adequate review could not be made without the students in town. Supt. Gray stated that he has received only one complaint, that traffic is backed up on Route 79 at the Mitchell Street intersection. He noted that additional traffic will be going through that area due to Giles Street being cut off. This item will be reviewed further and a resolution will be presented at the March 2, 1994 regular meeting. 4. Parking Issues - Request for 4 Two Hour Parking Spaces on S W Corner of Farm Street at N. Aurora Street. Commissioner Reeves explained that Dr. Gardner, of 450 North Aurora Street, has requested 4 two hour parking spaces at the corner of Farm and N. Aurora Street to accommodate his business. Supt. Gray stated that 2 hour parking is used as buffer zones between metered and odd /even parking, it is generally used in business areas, not residential areas. He does not recommend implementing two hour parking for these reasons, in addition, there are two hour parking spaces on North Aurora. He believes that this is a residential area and should be treated as one. Commissioner Gerard stated that Dr. Gardner's business is essential and the Board should try to accommodate him. Supt. Gray suggested that this may be a landuse question and that the Planning and Development Board could make a recommendation. Commissioner Rusoff suggested that input from the residents be received as well. This item will be further reviewed at a February meeting. 5. Staff Reports - Air Conditioning on City Transit Buses Commissioner Reeves stated that the City of Ithaca is the only city in the state without air conditioned buses. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained to the Board that new bus specifications include air conditioning. Commissioner Reeves questioned if the buses could be retrofitted and if so, for how much? Asst. Supt. Ferrel told her that he could gather those figures for the Board. - Mitchell Street Curve Reconstruction Supt. Gray explained that the MPO has scheduled several projects over the next five years, including the Mitchell Street Curve Reconstruction. It is expected to be started in five years. Since this is not an appropriate scheduling, he is hoping that the city will be able to substitute the project with another project. He added that the design phase is underway within the Engineering Department. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COM MMEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING January 5, 1994 6_ Department Mission Statement Commissioner Tripp suggested two additional categories, Environmental Responsibilities and Natural Resource Conservation. It was suggested that employee input be received in establishing the goals of the department. Commissioner Reeves suggested that the statement, once established, be used as a performance review. This item will be revisited in March. 7. Notice of Defect in Front of Performing Arts Center. Commissioner Tripp asked the status of the notice received during the past week. Supt. Gray stated that the material was installed by Cornell on City property. He will be returning the notice explaining this. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary