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.
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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.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary