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.
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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
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