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