HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-04-05BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 5, 1995
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Tripp, Reeves, Mayor
Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were deletions from the agenda.
Additions:
1. Ithaca Festival - Use of Cit y Properties
Laurel Guy, of the Ithaca Festival was present. She reviewed the terms of the
proposed agreement. She noted that the requests were basically the same as 1994.
They would require use of DeWitt Park, closing of streets for the Friday night parade,
and closing of Cayuga and State Street on Saturday. Asst. Supt. Ferrel requested
Ms. Guy to contact him for placement of the tent in DeWitt Park. Ms. Guy explained
that trash would be dealt with by volunteers along with personnel from Challenge
Industries. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, was present and explained that food
vendors would need to meet CAB standards concerning food spills. She said that
ground cover is essential and that details could be worked out. Ray Wheaton of the
Fire Department was present to address concerns regarding fire lanes and billing of
propane inspections. It was noted that the Attorney's Office would need to negotiate a
procedure for billing of the inspections. It was agreed upon that a resolution would be
presented at the next meeting to approve the proposed contract.
2. Request for Outdoor Dinin.
Comm. Reeves questioned if there was any problems with grease clean up during the
1994 outdoor dining season. Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, noted that all of
the establishments needed several reminders. Discussion followed concerning the
agreement of cleaning the sidewalk. It was suggested that the contract for 1996 be
changed to include daily degreasing with an approved cleanser. Comm. Seligmann
questioned if the fee for use of the space is adequate? Ms. Deming stated that the
current fee is $5 per square foot multiplied by the time used and that Simeons is
requesting a five month permit. Comm. Smith added that outdoor dining is an
important aspect to downtown. Ms. Deming noted that the Aurora Street charge for
the outdoor dining should reflect the Commons fee. Comm. Rusoff stated that she
didn't want to hold up the 1995 contract, but the fees should be looked at for future
years. The board decided that the fees for outdoor dining will be reviewed at the next
committee of the whole meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
April 5, 1995
3. Reorganization of Superintendent /Engineering Offices.
Supt. Gray requested that the board support a proposal to Common Council to
increase staffing the Engineering Office. Tom West, Civil Engineer was present to
address the board. Mr. West explained to the board that work load and staffing levels
are not in balance. There have been several unexpected projects such as the Youth
Bureau and tank removals. Each have taken several weeks from the work schedule.
He noted that there are currently four staff members working out of title and that the
addition of a City Engineer, two Assistant Civil Engineers and elimination of one Jr.
Engineer would enable the department to run more efficiently. He added that use of
new technology has improved productivity but a gap still remains. However, the
bottleneck is now ocurring in the design stage. Another concern is the lack of
communication between staff and various boards and committees. Comm. Reeves
noted that work contracted out also involves a great deal of time from the department.
Supt. Gray told the board that they have four options, approve the proposal, decrease
the 1995 work plan, consider consultants, and if the City Engineer is not implemented,
review and adjust the first two options accordingly. He noted that this problem is a
serious one. Comm. Rusoff explained that she would like to take some time to
discuss the matter and not rush into it. Comm. Reeves suggested that one hour be
set aside for the next couple of COW meetings. Supt. Gray requested that the
proposal be read by the next regular meeting and that questions could be answered at
that time. This item will appear on the agenda for future meetings.
4. Lake Source Cooling Study - Cornell University.
Supt. Gray explained that Cornell is looking into a new system due to the age of
existing equipment and new standards. Cornell would like preliminary approval for the
use of city ROW. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni added that this would be an opportunity for the
city to upgrade utilities. He explained that Cornell would not complete utility work at
their expense, but it would be a reduced expense for the city. The consensus was
that more information would be needed before approval could be granted.
5. Finalized Costs for Stewart Park Tennis Courts.
Supt. Gray noted that the estimates did not include engineering support. Comm.
Reeves stated that final figures have to be presented to B &A on April 19, 1995. Supt.
Gray said that finalized estimates for both Stewart and Cass Park courts would be
presented in a resolution for the April 12, 1995 BPW meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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