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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-03-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 2, 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. Additions: Report of Parking Committee There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Dunmore Place - One -Way. The Board had Power to Act on the following resolution: 14. PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS - Commissioner Tripp. A. Request to Make Dunmore Place One -Way. Moved by Commissioner Tripp; seconded by Commissioner Rusoff. WHEREAS, on October 27, 1993, residents of Brandon and Dunmore Place appeared before the BPW requesting solutions to increased traffic making shortcuts through the neighborhood between East State Street and Mitchell Street, and WHEREAS, after a lengthy discussion and requests for opinions from the Police Chief, Fire Chief and residents of Brandon and Dunmore, the BPW passed a resolution on November 10, 1993 requesting the Police Chief to issue an order making Dunmore Place a one -way street from Brandon to East State Street on a temporary basis, and WHEREAS, the BPW has requested opinions on the success of the on -way configuration from the residents, the Police and Fire Chiefs, and having received favorable comments from those concerned, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That effective March 5, 1994, the One -Way configuration on Dunmore Place from Brandon to East State Street be made permanent. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 2, 1994 Discussion followed. Rich Robinson, resident of Brandon Place, was present and stated that the traffic problems have decreased improving the safety for pedestrians. David Nutter, of BAC was also present to discuss the difficulties that bicyclists have due to the one -way configuration. Commissioner Brandford suggested that a bike/pedestrian path be used as a connector to Valley Road, The Board agreed that this was a feasible solution. Commissioner Reeves suggested receiving input from the residents before implementing the proposal. Carried Unanimously (6 -0) 2 Participation in Coullty Bid Process for Highway Se The Board had Power to Act on the following resolution: 16. BUDGET, ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS - Commissioner Reeves, A. Authorization to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing of Highway Services with Tompkins County. Moved by Commissioner Reeves; seconded by Commissioner Gerard. WHEREAS, the Office of the State Comptroller has ruled that counties may no longer extend their bids for public work (services) to political subdivisions, and WHEREAS, General Municipal Law Section 119 -0 provides for municipalities entering into cooperative purchasing agreements to jointly bid needed services, and WHEREAS, General Municipal Law, Article 5 -G, Section 119 -0 states that "any agreement entered into hereunder shall be approved by each participating municipal corporation or district by a majority vote of its governing body," and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Ithaca, Article V,Section C -61, places responsibility for streets, drains, and property with the Board of Public Works, including operations, maintenance, construction and related appropriagons, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca be hereby authorized to participate with Tompkins County in the cooperative purchasing of the following highway services: Recycling of Bituminous Materials Installation of Subsurface Drainage Steel Sheet Piling Calcium Chloride Solution Traffic Line Painting BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 2, 1994 Commissioner Gerard questioned if the use of Calcium Chloride is being increased. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that it wasn't and that it is normally used along with sand in extremely cold weather. Discussion also included the Traffic Line Painting. Supt. Gray explained that the bid would allow the city to choosb from competitive bids. Carried Unanimously (6.0) 3 Snow Removal Continued Discus ion Alderperson Mackesey was present to address the Board regarding South Hill and the narrow streets. She suggested that snow on streets such as Pleasant Street be plowed away from cars. There is only one lane of parking and the two driving lanes could be plowed onto the no parking side of the street. This would entail driving the wrong way. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that this was not feasible since it would put the city at a great liability arM that blocking off the street would not be practical since additional manpower would be needed. Ms. Mackesey further explained that the 24 hour parking seemed to create a problem for the snow removal. The Board agreed that it is a difficult regulation to enforce. Commissioner Reeves requested Alderperson Mackesey to receive input from residents on changing the parking regulation. Mayor Nichols added that major roads are being considered for the snow emergency and that possibly a follow up snow emergency for secondary streets could be held. Commissioner Reeves stated that these ideas can be further addressed by the sub- committee. 4. DPW Work Plan - 1994. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni gave the Board an overview of his projected work plan. He noted that sewer construction is the main portion of the department's work. He hopes for the first phase to begin the fast of April. He noted that the consolidation plans would also continue and that the final version of the Dam Study should be going to the D13C soon. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that yearly maintenance would continue in all aspects of the Streets and Facilities division. The yard waste crew would begin collection around April and will be collecting daily. Planned projects include Mutual Housing road construction, completion of Hector Street, Maple Avenue storm sewer repairs and repairs to Triphammer Road. He explained that Mitchell Street is being considered for contracting out instead of being done in house. He added that he had hoped Giles Street would be completed by now, but due to the weather isn't. Discussion turned briefly to Stewart Avenue Brick work. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that he would have figures available on brick repairs at the next COW meeting. Also included in the S &F work program are repairs to bridge decks, dead end turn arounds for trucks, preparation for use of the Seaoord land and golf course improvements. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 2, 1994 4 Cass Park.Skgjing Rink Issues gal d by Joe CassanitL Commissioner Smith stated that he received a phone call from Mr. Cassaniti, who is concerned about spectators at the rink. Mr. Cassaniti feels that there is not adequate arrangements for spectators to view the public hockey games. He feels that bleachers should be installed, the rink should be enclosed and that no smoking should be enforced. Commissioner Reeves told the Board that Mr. Cassaniti has had correspondences with her and she has explained to him that the rink was not intended for spectators. He was further told that the rink was built with federal funds and enclosing it would be in violation of the original arrangements. Commissioner Reeves added that Thys Van Cort, Planning Director, is looking into that arrangement. The Board agreed that the Youth Bureau should consider Mr. Cassanid's concerns since they maintain the rink. 5 Reoort of Arkine (' Commissioner Rusoff explained that the Parking Committee had met that afternoon and discussed three topics. She gave the Board an overview on the discussions of the Strand lot and Thurston Ave, meters. The committee feels that a dynameter is ideal for the Strand lot. It would avoid the placement and maintenance of several meters and could be used elsewhere when the lot is abandoned. The committee also felt that a dynameter could be used on Thurston Avenue allowing easier. collection of the coins. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that he felt the dynameter would not work on Thurston Avenue. People would not be aware of the system unless they park near it. Commissioner Brandford said that the system should be researched. The' Board agreed to allow staff to receive proposals for a dynameter system. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. ➢svn . d Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary