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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-06-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 15, 1994 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Ferrel and Fabbroni. Comm issioner'Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions to the agenda: Commons Fountains Lighting at State and S. Plain Parking Garage Safety Updates BPW Insurance Claims /Complaints There were no deletions from the agenda. eauest f8r Sale of tate St reet nc s 12. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS. A. Request for Sale of State Street Bricks. by Commissioner Tripp: seconded by Commissioner Gerard. WHEREAS, a request has been approved by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for the sale of 200 State Street Bricks at $.25 a piece for a walkway at 114 East Court Street, and WHEREAS, the ILPC approved walkway is 36'x 2' wide and will connect the brick driveway on-the east of the property with the existing brick walkway on the west side of the property; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement for the sale of 200 bricks for use at 114 East Court Street. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 15, 1994 B. Request for Sale of State Street Bricks. by Commissioner Tripp: seconded by Commissioner Gerard WHEREAS, a request has been approved by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for the sale of 350 State Street Bricks at $.25 a piece for a walkway at 137 Fayette Street, and WHEREAS, the ILPC approved walkway is 20' x 4' and will connect the driveway with the door on the east facade of building at 137 Fayette Street; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement for the sale of 350 bricks for use at 137 Fayette Street. Discussion followed concerning the possibility of adopting a policy to allow staff to approve of the sale of bricks under $200. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting which would allow such a policy. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 2 Tennis Courts at Stewart Park Comm. Reeves told the board that an estimate has been received for the replacement of tennis courts, including one estimate for moving the location of the courts near the Youth Bureau. The Parks Commission has passed a resolution asking that the courts be moved to the east end of the park. There was discussion in the relocation of the courts and it was decided that the Youth Bureau Board and the Parks Commission would need to decide on the location. Comm. Reeves explained that Sam Cohen, Youth Bureau director, receives many complaints about the tennis courts, therefore he highly recommends the replacement of the courts. Mr. Cohen and the Youth Bureau also feel that the courts should remain at the current Ipcation. They are located in an open area which is more secure and the water lines are already established. A _ resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting asking staff for complete written estimates and a decision on the looa4on of the tennis courts. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 15, 1994 3 Request for Outdoor Dining at 126 N Aurora Street Giovanni Fresia, owner of Osteria Paesana, 126 N. Aurora Street and Alan Cohen, owner of Simeons on the Commons, wore both present to address the board regarding outdoor dining. Mr. Cohen stated that he feels that additional outdoor dining could only improve downtown. Supt. Gray feels that the area Mr. Fresia is asking for (18'x5') would be very tight for dining and pedestrian flow due to the existing poles and trees. Mr. Fresia stated that he was adding a planter at the comer to extend the building to assist in pedestrian safety as they approach the tables. Mayor Nichols added that if alcohol will be sold, Mr. Fresia will need Common Council's approval. Discussion followed regarding pedestrian flow. The Board agreed that Mr. Fresia and Supt. Gray would work out the layout of the tables in order to accommodate outdoor dining at the restaurant. A resolution will be presented at the next regulaj meeting approving the outdoor dining contingent upon Supt. Gray and Mr. Fresla'i meeting. 4 Request for Use of Festival Lands Supt. Gray stated that Laurel Guy had requested the use of the Festival Lands in order to burn the phoenix from the Ithaca Festival. Ms. Guy was dealing with the Fire Department and the State Parks. Supt. Gray stated that if Ms. Guy did not have the request settled, he would deal with the matter. 4a. Commons Fountain Commissioner Tripp stated that she feels the fountain should either be turned on or torn down. It is very unappealing since It seems to have no function. Supt. Gray stated that ideally, it should be torn out and rebuilt. Currently, the flow of water must be reduced to avoid overflows. Crews are checking the backflow preventor in order to turn the water on. The board agreed that input from the Commons Advisory Board is needed to determine the future of the fountain. 4b. Lighting at W. State and Sgulb Plain Streets. Mayor Nichols questioned Supt. Gray about increasing the lighting at W. State and S. Plain Streets. Discussion followed regarding lighting in the garages and other problem areas. 4c. BPW Insurance Claims/ .omol ants Supt. Gray noted that there have been several claims and complaints against the city. He said that he feels the board should be aware of the problems that the city has faced along with the coverage that the city has. This item will be discussed at a future meeting. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 15, 1994 5. _ Review of Task Force Recommendations. This item is continued from the June 1, 1994 COW meeting. Members from the Task Force were present to assist the board in reviewing the recommendations made in their final report. Modification to the Intersection of Day Street & Route 13, traffic control at Day and Adams and redesigning of Third Street between Route 13 and Adams will be discussed at future meetings. One recommendation included maintenance to northside bridges, this is already routinely scheduled. Southside recommendations of improving pedestrian safety at Clinton and Corn and Clinton and Geneva are being referred back to staff, as well as directing through truck traffic to route 13. This will assist in alleviating truck traffic on residential streets. Staff is currently analyzing the possibility of replacing crosswalk striping with permanent Inlaid crosswalks. Further discussion will take place to establish a north/south route out of the city and the possibility of an additional bridge between south and -north Titus Avenues. Recommendations to make N. Aurora and Cayuga Street two -way streets will be referred to planning and to staff. All recommendations for the west end (Octopus Renovations) are underway with the redesign of Route 96. The south hill recommendations were grouped with other projects which are underway or will be discussed at future meetings. The installation of various sidewalks will be referred to the Planning Department and will return for future discussion. Establishment of shuttle buses between the Commons and Collegatown, improved signage at bus stops, increased publibity for public transit, the purchase of buses equipped with bicycle racks and promotion of park and ride are all underway. The remaining recommendations will be discussed at the next COW meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 4