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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-03-30BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 30, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Brandford, Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Alderperson Johnson, Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Announcements from the Mayor. Snow Budget Information. 1994 Ballfield User Charge. There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Announcements from the Mayor. Mayor Nichols announced that the State has reimbursed the City for $448,000 for flood damages. The City of Ithaca has also received a 1993 Tree City USA award which will be presented on Arbor Day. 2. City School District Property on Court Street Alderperson John Efroymson was present to address the Board concerning stored material on school property at Court Street. He explained that he spoke to the school district and they are attempting to clean up the stored piles. They have removed all composting material, leaving piles of gravel. They plan to install a 12 foot green fence to improve the site aesthetically. 3. Trash Tag Donation Program, Alderperson John Efroymson was present to update the Board on the progress of the new program. He summarized the program by explaining a group will need to apply for tags, pick up the garbage and then return to City Hall to pick up the requested tags. He added that in addition to press releases a press conference should be held. Alderperson Efroymson told the Board that he would like to start the program in early April. Supt. Gray asked that the form include a request for comments on improving the program. The Board will vote on a resolution approving the program at the next regular meeting. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 30, 1994 4. Snow Budget Information Controller Cafferillo was present to explain that the total amount requested to cover expenses for snow removal is $221,783.41. There are two options in recovering these funds. The first is to amend the DPW budget by reducing other areas in the DPW budget to replenish the accounts effected by snow removal. The second option is to adjust the capital program and this is the option he recommended. The streets have been severely effected and that reduction to this program is not advised. The $350,000 was moved from the 1993 capital portion of the budget into the 1994 operation budget. He is recommending that $200,000 be moved back into the capital portion of the budget. This will insure that the projects are completed. Mayor Nichols stated that he feels that this is unavoidable. It is not possible to cut back services in order to cover the snow removal. Controller Cafferillo noted that in the last three years, the capital projects have been cut back allowing existing debts to be paid off. 5. Strand Lot. Commissioner Reeves noted that there are two proposed changes in the contract with RHP. The first is that there be a 3 month notice for termination of the contract instead of 6 months. The City Attorney's Office also added a paragraph which provides the city to account to RHP on a quarterly basis. The Board agreed that they would like to review the projected revenues before approving the contract. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 6. Bridge Barrier Presentation Myra Kovary, CU student, was present to discuss the possibility of installing bridge barriers to assist in suicide prevention. She stated that she understands that since the installation of barriers on the suspension bridge in Cornell, the suicides have dramatically decreased from that bridge. She said that she is concerned with the Thurston Ave and Stewart Ave bridges within the city. She realizes that barriers may hinder the view of these bridges and cost a lot, but she feels that they are worth the money if they save lives. Commissioner Gerard asked why a catcher type of barrier couldn't be used. Ms. Kovary explained that they are much more expensive. Commissioner Brandford said that he would be willing to consider the installation if cost for maintenance and installation could be reviewed along with comments from the Arts and Design Commission, the Police and the Fire Departments. The Board agreed. Mayor Nichols questioned if there is a state policy on bridges and if there are any designs available from them. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting which will express the Board's interest in consideration of the barriers. Page - 2 r BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 30, 1994 7. 1994 Ballfield User Charge Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the Board that the fields would be available as soon as they are prepared. He explained that the IASA paid for all the utilities plus 40% of the cost for the 1993 season. He proposed that they pay 60% in 1994, 80% in 1995 and 100% in 1996. He added that the High School will be maintaining the fields for their games and that the leagues would have the same option. Don Schlather, of IASA, was present. He stated that the city crews have done a great job with maintaining the fields and he has heard many compliments throughout the league. He told the Board that the IASA is willing to maintain the fields on their own but would like the option to have the city do the work if they feel that it is not up to standards. In addition, he asked that if they were not able to maintain the fields, could the cost be phased in at a different rate. He proposed that it be 50% in 1994, 60% in 1995 and 100% in 1996. He felt that these would be minimum percentages and that during the three year period they could possibly meet the 100 %. He understood that if they maintain the fields they would have to keep up to standards set by the city and that the city could bill them for additional services. There were no objections from the Board. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary