HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1994-12-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 7, 1994
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Gerard, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Rusoff, Reeves, Mayor
Nichols, and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Request that Hot Truck be moved from Stewart Avenue.
Request for changes in Sidewalk Program.
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Water and Sew—er Appeal-- 1 out ayuga treet
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained to the board that in March of 1990 remote meter
readers were installed at 317 South Cayuga Street. Remote readers allow the
department to receive a meter reading without entering the building. The second
quarter billing for 1994 showed an unusually high amount for apartment 2N. Mr.
Augustine, owner of the building, checked teh apartment and made several repairs.
He felt that if a problem had existed, it was corrected. The following bill also indicated
an unusual amount. Upon investigation by the department and Mr. Augustine, it was
discovered that the remote readers had been erroneously marked. The readers for
apartments 1 N and 2N had been switched. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that the
meters were marked according to the information provided during the installation. Mr.
Augustine has requested that the bill be waived since he had attempted to rectify the
problems. Asst. Supt. Fabbroin suggested that the board not waive the bill and that
Mr. Augustine could work out a payment plan with the city. John Augustine was
present to address the board. He noted that had the meters not been switched, the
problem would have been fixed upon the initial large bill. Commissioners Tripp, Rusoff
and Gerard felt that the bill should be expunged due to the mix up in the meters. A
resolution to expunge the bill will be presented at the next board meeting.
2. Proposed Sale of City Property - NW Corner of Route 13 and Third Street
Hoyt Benjamin, owner of B &W Supply was present to address the board. Mr.
Benjamin explained that he submitted a site plan to the Planning Department which
was turned down. He feels that if he could obtain the additional property adjacent to
his land, he could submit an acceptable site plan. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board
that he was concerned with keeping a right of way for future installation of sewer lines
Mr. Benjamin noted that a city ROW would not be a problem. The board agreed that
a resolution recommending Common Council to sell the property would be voted on at
the next meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
December 7, 1994
3. Fulton Street Water Line Realacement
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that during the Route 96 project, many of the
water lines along Fulton Street will be destroyed and need replacing. The state is
planning to replace them with 6" lines. He has had several discussions with DOT
concerning 12" line replacement. The state has agreed to install 12" lines if the city
agrees to pay the difference between the 6" and the 12" lines. The estimated amount
is $79,000. Once this work is completed, the city will have a good water system in the
west end. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting approving of the
installation.
4. Commons Fountain and Trash Cans Discussion.
Comm. Reeves noted that Alderperson Schroeder had provided pictures of several
cans placed around the Commons and Collegetown. She questioned the board if the
Art and Design Committee should review the appearance of the cans. Comm. Rusoff
suggested that staff look into can capacity and use. Comm. Gerard noted that if
household trash is a problem, it should be addressed. The board agreed that a
resolution requesting input be received from staff and the Art and Design Committee.
Commissioner Reeves explained that Common Council has set aside $2,000 for a
study on the Commons Fountain. The board needs to decide whether to fix or
remove the fountain. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, noted that many people
who visit the Commons appreciate the fountain. She added that a total redesign may
be in order due to the dangers of the current structure. The board agreed that
information regarding cost and appearance be received from the Commons Advisory
Board, the Art and Design Committee and staff.
5. Parking Meter Expansion
Comm. Rusoff told the board that the sub - committee toured the proposed expansion
area. The sub - committee agreed with staff's recommendations although there are
questions concerning overnight parking and handicap parking. The board agreed that
a resolution indicating the total number of spaces as well as handicap space locations
be presented to the board.
6. Request that Hot Truck be moved from Stewart Avenue
Comm. Reeves reviewed a letter received by Thomas Hirschl that requested the Hot
Truck, which occupies a space on Stewart Avenue, be moved to another location. Mr.
Hirschl noted that business at the Hot Truck draws loud crowds from 11:00 pm until
4:00 am. Mayor Nichols noted that this is the first complaint that he has received.
The board discussed alternate locations in the area. It was noted that the business
had been granted a vending license issued by the Police Department. The board
agreed that the matter should be taken up by Cornell University and that the Mayor
would write a letter to them explaining the concerns.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
December 7, 1994
7. Request from BAC for Bicycle Rack in Woolworth Lot
Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that staff could install bike racks near the bus shelter as
requested. It was suggested that racks be installed in the driving lane on the east
side of Woolworth. Comm. Smith asked that no parking spaces be removed due to
the installation of the racks. A resolution approving the request will be voted on at the
next regular meeting.
8. Request for changes in Sidewalk Program
Comm. Reeves explained that Jr. Engineer Lynne Yost has requested that the board
consider revising the rules and regulations concerning the sidewalk program. She
asked the board to keep this matter in mind and that a sub - committee will be created
in the near future to address this issue.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary