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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-05-04BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 4, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Reeves, Rusoff, Smith, Tripp, Alderperson Johnson, Mayor Nichols, and Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Report from Barbara Blanchard. County Rep. Barbara Blanchard was present and reported that due to the recent closing of a major salt mine in western New York there will be a shortage of salt. This will result in higher prices. She suggested that the DPW begin to stock pile next season's supply to avoid the 50% -100% increase in prices. She added that the state and county have made plans to begin stock piling. 2. Elmira Road Sidewalks. County Rep. Barbara Blanchard was present to discuss Elmira Road sidewalks. She stated that she does not support installation of sidewalks although a pedestrian way is needed. The project to install sidewalks has been discussed and reviewed by the Transportation Council since federal funds are being requested. She added that the property owners have not been notified of the latest plans to install the sidewalks. In addition, the Council members for that ward were not aware of the history. She stated she and Chief McEwen feel that installation of sidewalks would create more of a hazard for pedestrians. The Transportation Council approved a resolution passing the project back to the city. The current application has no chance for funding since it is for basic installation of sidewalks and does not meet the criteria for the program. She told the Board that she and Comm. Reeves met with the Elmira Road Assoc. and requested that suggestions be made to the city. Mayor Nichols stated that he has disagreed with Ms. Blanchard since the beginning of the planning stages. He added that Common Council unanimously supported the proposal. He feels that the Board should discuss the issue and pass a resolution stating its position. IM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 4, 1994 3. TC3 Parking Request to Reduce Rate. Nancy Lieberman of TC3 was present to request that the Board reduce parking rates for the students attending their extension center. They have purchased $5,000 worth of parking stickers this year and expect that figure to double or triple next year. She explained that many of the students attending are adults returning to college who are receiving financial aid. The added burden of parking could hurt those students even more. In addition, a simplified system would assist them in distributing the "free" passes. Supt. Gray stated that Ms. Lieberman has spoke to him and he feels a simplified system could be worked out. He also explained to her that the city must maintain the garage and that losing the revenue from the students would create a burden for the city. He added that TC3 must maintain a lot in Dryden, they should understand that the city must maintain the garages as well. Commissioner Gerard questioned why 40 or 50 cents a week for parking would be a hardship for the students. The city must deal with the overall population and losing the revenue could jeopardize the level of maintenance. Mayor Nichols suggested that TC3 apply for city subsidies. A resolution denying the rate change will be presented at the next regular meeting. 4. Reauest for Removal of Sidewalk - 106 Cascadilla Park Road. John Steffens and Rosa Spivey, homeowners of 106 Cascadilla Park Road, were present to request that the sidewalk in front of their home be removed. They explained that it is a short sidewalk with no obvious purpose since it ends abruptly. They wish to have the sidewalk removed in order to park. The curb is 14 inches high making it impossible to open the passenger side door when parked at the curb. Comm. Rusoff and Alderperson Schroeder both stated that the sidewalk is not used since it ends suddenly and the trail is on the opposite side of the road. Supt. Gray explained that the city does not encourage sidewalk removal. He added that he can only assume that the height is due to regrading of the road. Comm. Smith questioned what would be put in its place. Mr. Steffens told the Board that he assumed asphalt and a retaining wall would be installed. The Board agreed that staff should review the situation and make a recommendation. In addition, each Board member could go look at the site in question. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 5. Report of Handicap parking at First Unitarian Church. Rev. Taylor was present to report to the Board. The Board had previously approved of the church to use three meter bags in order to allow handicap parking on Sundays. He said that the arrangement is working well but would like to request one of the three bags to be placed on Buffalo Street instead of on Aurora Street. This would allow one space directly in front of the church. No Board member objected to this request. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving of the request. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 4, 1994 Mohanan Pisharody, owner of 216 N. Albany Street was present to address the Board. Mr. Pisharody explained that he clears his sidewalk daily and does not feel there was ever a need for the crew to clear the walk. In addition, he received the bill one and a half months later and was unable to recall the day in question. Mr. Pisharody asked why the city did not notify him the day that the walk had been cleared. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that this address was one of the first properties to be cleared following a big snow storm because a complaint had been received. Comm. Gerard questioned why notification could not be left at the residence once the walk was cleared. Asst. Supt. Ferrel stated that there were going to be many changes for next winter to avoid these types of problems. The Board could not reach an agreement, but will vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting. 7. Possible Land Donation at West Inlet 2 Alderperson John Schroeder was present to address the Board regarding a parcel of land which will be donated to the city. The land is on Floral Avenue and abuts the West Inlet Development project. There was some concern about the current erosion of the land. Alderperson Schroeder explained that the land would be stabilized before being turned over to the city. He added that because the court order to stop work was issued at an unstable point, the erosion began. It was mentioned that during the previous discussions, the BPW was reluctant to take over the property. Supt. Gray stated he feels that in cases like this, the developer should keep the property and that the city ends up with properties which are unable to be utilized. Alderperson Schroeder added that Common Council will vote on a resolution at their meeting later in the evening. 8. Request for Outdoor Dining - Oasis Natural Grocer, r. Peter Sayet, owner of Oasis, was present to request use of the sidewalk for outdoor dining. He told the Board that there were no complaints last year. Supt. Gray told the Board that in other outdoor dining permits, the businesses are required to rope off their area to define the space being used. The permit is based on square footage, a roped off area would not allow additional area to be used. In addition to the dining, Mr. Sayet would like to display produce outside of the building. Supt. Gray explained that the city has a permit for short term displays on sidewalks. He added that the BPW would have to set up a permit policy for long term displays. Comm. Rusoff stated that the Board should look into the regulations to see if it could be allowed. A resolution approving the outdoor dining will be voted on at the next regular meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3