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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-04-20BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS r COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 20, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Report of Golf Sub - Committee Deletions: Aurora Street Cross Walk 1. Proposed "Adopt a Planter" Program. Monica Roth - Crispin was present to address the Board about the proposed program. She explained to the Board that the planters around the city are in need of attention. This program would request volunteers to "adopt a planter. " The volunteers would be trained in plant maintenance. There would be oversight of the volunteers at first, once the planters are established, the volunteers would be on their own. She said that currently, there are several properties which have plantings between the curb and sidewalk which will also be monitored. Ms. Crispin told the Board that she would keep them updated on the program as it evolves. 2. Parking Committee Presentation Tom West and Lynne Yost were present to present recommendations to the Board. They explained the three alternative parking systems that are available. The first is a similar system to the present one which is the least expensive. The big disadvantage is that the system cannot be upgraded. Alternate 2 would involve a central computer which can be a disadvantage; if the computer fails, the entire system would be unable to function. This system would allow 24 hour monitoring, increase auditability and cashier accuracy. Alternate 3 would replace the current system with magnetic stripe technology. The advantages would be the same as #2 but would also allow use of credit and ATM cards. This system is more secure in that it is harder to forge or misuse. The only real disadvantage is the cost. Mr. West stated that the committee's recommendation was to implement system #3. Commissioner Tripp said that she felt the next phase was to determine if the system is able to pay for itself. Mr. West added that cost would also depend on placement of the machines; if the lot exits are reconfigured, this could save on conduit material. He noted that system #3 would always require personnel, which is ideal. This way people unfamiliar with the system could receive assistance. The Board agreed that they should proceed and receive bids for system #3. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting to request that a Capital Project be established. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 20, 1994 3. Ithaca Festival. Laurel Guy, Festival Director, was present to address the Board. Ms. Guy explained that funding was difficult to find this year, so there would be a lot of cut backs to stay within their budget. Ms. Guy said that she has met with city staff, including Police, Fire and DPW. They plan to have more volunteers to collect trash and will make vendors aware that they are responsible for their own trash. They plan to close the 100 blocks of Cayuga and West State on Saturday only. Stewart Park will be used on Sunday as it has in the past. They will require the use of DeWitt Park for children's events and other quiet events. They would also like the use of the Strand Parking Lot to set up a stage for several events. Supt. Gray explained that the city does not have the authority to provide the area. Ms. Guy said that she would contact RHP for the use of the lot. The Board agreed that the plans were acceptable and will vote on a resolution approving of the agreement. 4. Request for Snow Removal Bill Expungement - 217 -219 First Street Commissioner Tripp stated that this property is near her house and has seen it in violation several times throughout the winter. The Board agreed that Asst. Supt. Ferrel's memo of March 16, 1994 provided sufficient information and will vote on a resolution at the next meeting. 5. Request for Snow Removal Bill Expungement - 419 Wyckoff Avenue The Board decided that Asst. Supt. Ferrel's letter of March 17, 1994 provided enough information and that the bill should not be expunged. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 6. Request for Bill Expungement - License Agreement for 322 Elmira Road Commissioner Reeves told the Board that there have been several appeals for this property over the years. Last year, Mr. Weiner removed his business off city land. He currently uses city land for access to his property as other businesses do. Supt. Gray explained that other businesses use the R.O.W. for Elmira Road, Mr. Weiner is using city property. The land being used could be utilized by the city if the driveways were not there. Commissioner Tripp stated that a few years back the BPW was going to look at such situations and sell the property. This should be looked at more seriously and considered. Commissioner Smith suggested that the fee be expunged for one year while consideration is being made. A resolution will be presented for a vote at the next regular meeting. 7. Request for Water and Sewer Bill Expungement - 314 Hook Place Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained that there was a broken line which resulted in an excessive amount of water use for the unoccupied building. He felt that since the water remained in the basement, the sewer portion of the bill should be expunged. The Board decided to vote on a resolution expunging the sewer portion amount of $313.11. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 20, 1994 8. Report from City Attorney's Office Re: Smoking at Cass Park Commissioner Reeves stated that Common Council is authorized to restrict smoking at the rink during public skating hours. If a private event is taking place, the city cannot restrict smoking, the organization would have that right. Commissioner Smith questioned the status of the bleacher installation. Commissioner Reeves stated that she was waiting for a proposal on the design of the bleachers. 9. Clear Trash Bag Discussion Commissioner Smith questioned if the Board would be considering clear trash bags instead of the use of tags. He feels that there could be better control of the weight in each bag. Supt. Gray stated that he did not see weight as a problem. Although the clear plastic would allow the crews to see if recyclables are being thrown away. The county has indicated that the city levels of recyclables being thrown out are not a problem. Clear bags would keep it from being a problem. Commissioner Reeves pointed out that the current agreement with the county requires a tag system. 10. Report from Golf Course Committee %w Commissioner Tripp explained that they have been approached by citizens asking to take part in the committee. The consensus of the Board was that this committee was to consist of only Board members although the public would be welcome to give input. It was suggested that a public information session be set up to receive input. Commissioner Tripp reported that the plans for a driving range are moving forward. The committee will report back to the Board at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. A Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3