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.
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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
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