HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-11-16BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 16, 1994
NOTES
e
PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves, Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions or deletions from the agenda
1. ParxlnO Meters ProieCI xpans on - ower t Ct
Caleb Kleppner and Andrew Schulman of 116 Oak Avenue were present to address
the board. Both were opposed to the installation of additional meters on Oak Avenue.
They stated that there are many houses without off street parking. Mr. Schulman
questioned if the board had considered a plan for alternate parking for the residents.
Mayor Nichols noted that the city is not obligated to provide parking for residents or
commuters. Comm. Rusoff noted that there are several streets in the city which
require residents to arrange for off street parking. It was noted that the city should
encourage Cornell to find alternate parking for their employees and students. This
would alleviate some of the parking problems. Supt. Gray noted that the purpose of
meters are to circulate the cars, insure the resource of parking is made available and
assist in snow removal. If cars are left for long periods of time, snow removal
becomes very difficult. Mayor Nichols noted that the meters will not effect overnight
parking. Comm. Reeves read a letter received from 42 Cornell employees opposed to
the installation of parking meters. Alderperson Schroeder noted that there are two
areas of the proposal that he would like to see made "No Parking," Supt. Gray added
that the layout is a proposal and not a finalized plan.
14. PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS.
A. Expansion of Metered Parking Project.
By: Commissioner Tripp; seconded by: Commissioner Rusoff
WHEREAS, the city has undertaken a Capital Project (CP 285) to install parking
meters on Thurston Avenue between Barton Place and the eastern end of Wait
Avenue, and
WHEREAS, there are several similar areas along Stewart Avenue and Oak Avenue
where parking meters can be installed to regulate usage, reduce congestion,
encourage off- street parking and reflects their current use as linear parking lot, and
WHEREAS, the installed meters are projected to have less than a two year payback
period after considering installation, depreciation, collection, enforcement and
administration expenses; now, therefore, be it
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 16, 1994
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the current Capital
Project 285 be expanded from $40,000 to $140,000 to cover east hill parking meters
and forwards this resolution to the B&A Committee for their review.
Discussion followed. The board agreed that finalization of the layout could be handled
by staff and the parking subcommittee. The finalized layout will be presented at a
future meeting. Mayor Nichols asked that a letter be sent to Cornell University urging
their assistance in the parking solutions.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
2 -Pall Park Ballfield Lighting.
Alderperson Shenk explained that a resident on west hill has complained about the
ballfield lights at Cass Park. She said that she understood that the cross arms on the
poles are in need of repair. She asked if staff could gather information on
replacement of the cross arms and if the lights could be redirected during the process.
She also asked if the contract with the softball league could be negotiated to include
an earlier shut off time for the lights. Comm. Tripp asked Alderperson Shenk to see if
other residents agreed that the lights are a problem. Alderperson Shenk noted that
there is an upcoming West Hill Civic Association meeting and discussion would
Include this topic. This item will return to the board at a future meeting.
$ Suicide Barrier for Bridges
Officer Dan Slattery of the Ithaca Police Department was present to address the
board. Officer Slattery is a member of the department's Recovery Team. He
explained that he has been involved with many recovery cases that were accidents
and actual suicides. He noted the dangers that the recovery team faces when a case
occurs. He explained that students hang around the Central Avenue bridge where
many of the accidents have occurred, increasing the chances of accidents. He
suggested that due to the nature of this problem the city should work with Cornell on
this matter. He presented that board with a design of a bridge barrier that could be
made and installed by DPW. The barrier would not be visible to vehicles passing by.
It would hang 15 feet below the bridge and could not be defeated by someone trying
to jump out of it. There are statistics showing the effectiveness of the barriers.
Officer Slattery noted that he is trying to obtain pictures of the barriers located on the
Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. Since its installation, suicides from the bridge
have decreased. Alderperson Schroeder stated that he is against the installation of
the barriers. He added that the funds could be used for programs that attack the root
Page - 2
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 16, 1994
of the cause. Supt. Gray noted that staff was previously asked by the board to
present a design for barriers. He added that the proposal from Officer Slattery will be
considered in the design. This Issue will be discussed at a future meeting when the
design from staff is available.
4 Outdoor Skating at Auburn Park
Dominique Bouchard of 212 W. Lincoln Street addressed the board with his proposal
to have an outdoor skating rink at one of the city parks. He explained that he would
like to flood an area of a park for free skating and for hockey playing. He added that
he would donate his time to prepare and maintain the skating area. Since writing his
letter of request, he realized that Conway Park was a better location than Auburn
Park. He noted that Conway has a chain link fence and is a flatter area. Supt. Gray
said that he is concerned with the use of the hydrant, sufficient training would be
needed. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that in the 1960's, the city provided a skating area
for the community. Comm. Seligmann questioned the liability of the project. Mr.
Bouchard said that he was willing to sign a waiver of any injury on his part. Comm.
Tripp requested that Mr. Bouchard receive input from the neighborhood. The board's
consensus was that Mr. Bouchard be allowed to create and maintain a skating area
on a trial basis and that the City Attorney be consulted on the issue of liability.
5. 1995 Budget.
Supt. Gray explained that B &A requested that the proposed increase of 7 1/2% be
lowered to 4 1/2 %. He has been negotiating the budget for several days with
Controller Cafferillo. Asst. Supt. Ferrel told the board of the proposed changes from
the originally proposed budget. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reviewed the W &S budget and
noted that the requested equipment is still in the budget. He also noted that there will
be rate increases for water and sewer. Supt. Gray gave the board a brief overview
comparison of the 1990 budget to the 1995 proposed budget. Asst. Supt. Ferrel listed
the various projects from 1993 and 1994 that have gone unfinished due to lack of
funds and staffing. Comm. Reeves also listed requests from the board that have not
been completed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
Page - 3