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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-01-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 19, 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 to the agenda. Deletions: Energy Commission Master Plan Outline 1. Sidewalk Assessments - 218 Delaware Avenue James Iacovelli and Edward Mazza were present to address the Board concerning sidewalk work at 218 Delaware Ave. done by the city in 1987. Chamberlain Parsons explained that the assessment has not been added to the 1994 taxes nor has interest been added. Mr. Mazza stated that he is representing Mr. Iacovelli as well as himself. He has purchased the property from Mr. Iacovelli on a land contract. He added that in September, 1988 he did a tax search which did not indicate an outstanding sidewalk bill. The tax search was certified that no outstanding liens existed. He added that if Mr. Iacovelli had in fact received a notice of defective sidewalk, he would have repaired it himself since he owns a company which does that type of work. Also, Mr. Iacovelli isn't sure if the work was even done. Supt. Gray stated that staff has looked at the property, the repairs were still visible. Staff was able to measure 245 square feet of repaired sidewalk. Supt. Gray noted that Mr. Iacovelli had received adequate notification of defective sidewalk in 1985 and 1987 and subsequent notification of a public hearing regarding the assessment. Mr. Mazza's argument was that the tax search did not indicate any outstanding bills against the property. Supt. Gray's response was that the assessment was in progress and there was no way for Chamberlain Parsons to know about a pending bill. The question of legal ownership was raised. City Chamberlain Parsons stated that Mr. Iacovelli's name is on the tax roles. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy was present to advise the Board as to who would be responsible for the assessment. Asst. Attorney Kennedy advised the Board that since Mr. Iacovelli's name is listed on the tax roles he is liable for payment, if they feel that the bill should be paid. She added that the tax search was valid because the warrant for the assessment had not yet been issued. Chamberlain Parsons said that she would meet with Supt. Gray and the Attorney's office to revise the procedure of certifying tax searches to avoid this type of situation in the future. The Board was unable to give Mr. Iacovelli a preliminary decision. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING January 19, 1994 2. Snow Removal Protest. Mr. Karl Paulnack, 223 North Albany Street, was present to address the Board regarding a pending snow removal bill. Mr. Paulnack explained to the Board that he purchased his home in August of 1993. At that time, he looked into all the laws which pertained to him as a homeowner, including the snow removal ordinance. Mr. Paulnack stated that he feels he made an honest effort to remove the snow from his walk and handicap ramps. He explained that there was a path equivalent to two shovels wide. Mr. Paulnack told the Board that when the snow removal crew arrived, he questioned what was wrong with the walk. He was told they were under orders and proceeded to clear the walk. Mr. Paulnack stated that he felt it was unfair that his walk was cleared to the bare concrete while the adjacent properties were not cleared. He questioned the Board as to why the crew did not or could not continue on to the next properties. He felt that the actions were unfair. Commissioner Tripp questioned Asst. City Attorney Kennedy how clear the sidewalk had to be. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy stated that the walk had to be clear from snow, ice and other obstructions. There is no ordinance which stated it is to be cleared to the bare concrete. Commissioner Rusoff stated that she was inclined to expunge the bill when it is issued and that the snow removal law should be reviewed to answer the questions of how clean the walk has to be and the condition of neighboring properties. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that there will be many more appeals due to the overabundant amount of complaints made. The Board agreed that the snow fall was an unusual amount and that Mr. Paulnack had made a reasonable attempt. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 3. Sidewalk Assessment - 710 Stewart Avenue. Commissioner Reeves understands that Mr. Banfield, owner of 710 Stewart Ave., feels that the Board has previously expunged the sidewalk assessment. Meeting minutes have been checked and there is no reason to believe that the Board approved of an expungement. Lynne Yost, Junior Engineer, stated that Mr. Banfield had contested the original assessment and that it was reduced. The reduction was due to the city readjusting the curb line after the sidewalk was repaired. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that he could confirm that the curb line was changed after the sidewalk work was completed. Commissioner Reeves requested staff to further investigate the situation and to present a resolution at the next meeting. 4. Golf Course Rates - 1994. Deputy Controller Thayer presented the Board with golf course revenue and expense comparison figures for the past five years. He noted that three of the five years had an excess of expenditures. Commissioner Rusoff noted that Steve Torrant was going to look at comparing private and municipal courses. Commissioner Tripp suggested receiving a RFP and compare the figures to Mr. Torrant's projections. The Board agreed that the objective was to have the golf course break even and that the tax payers should not have to subsidize the golf course. Commissioner Tripp suggested that a subcommittee be formed to look at all the questions that have risen in the last few years. The subcommittee will consist of Commissioners Tripp, Smith, and staff as needed. This item will be discussed further at a future meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING January 19, 1994 5. Snow Removal Priorities. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that all the priority sheets had not yet been turned in. Those that had been, rated the arterials as the number one priority. Commissioner Reeves added that no matter what areas are considered priority, other areas will receive complaints. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the parks are often cleaned first since there is staff assigned to the areas. Once staff has completed their daily tasks, they clear snow from the walks and parking lots of the parks. This often gives the public the impression that parks are a priority when in fact, it isn't. Commissioner Reeves noted recent letters to the editor in the Ithaca Journal. The Board agreed that staff should respond to the letters. Commissioner Gerard mentioned safety for pedestrians, it is perceived that cars are given first priority. There are many streets where pedestrians must walk in the street due to uncleared sidewalks, including some city owned sidewalks. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that all city owned sidewalks are cleared before crews begin on "privately" owned sidewalks. Alderperson Thorpe was present and suggested that a possible pedestrian snow route be established. She explained that north /south and east/west routes could be designated and cleared by the city crews. This would allow pedestrians a sure cleared route in each direction. Supt. Gray noted that would require an additional snow blower for the Department. Alderperson Johnson told the Board he has received complaints from residents that plows push snow back into newly shoveled walks and driveways. Supt. Gray stated that he feels the only way to avoid that problem would be to eliminate on street parking. This would allow the crews to clear the street in one pass and avoid multiple passes. Commissioner Reeves added that the City of Syracuse does this, cars are required to be parked in designated lots which are also cleared by the city crews. Any car parked on the street, during the emergency period, will then be towed. This item will be continued at the next regular meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3