Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-05-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 17, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Tripp, Reeves, Rusoff, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no deletions from the agenda. Additions: 1a. Traffic Request - pening of Allen Street.— Comm. Reeves explained that the new location of County Wide Appliance has created traffic problems for the patrons leaving. Customers must use Esty Street and are blocked in during rush hour by traffic on Meadow Street. It was later noted that customers turning left from Esty Street, cross Meadow Street and block the south bound traffic. Ms. Reeves noted that the owners of County Wide Appliance, Jack and Eleanor Ellsworth, have requested that Allen Street be opened until the Fulton /Meadow Street project is complete. Traffic Systems Engineer, Dan Cole, was present to address the board. The information that has been collected indicated that installation of a traffic signal is not warranted. He further explained that a "No Left Turn" sign could be installed, though it probably wouldn't be effective. Next, he reviewed the possibilities of opening Allen Street. He noted that he is very concerned with the width of the street, it is only 18 feet wide. He explained that he reviewed the list of city owned streets and discovered it is one of 25 streets that are listed as privately owned streets within the city. He recommended that the board not approve of the street opening since there appears to be no jurisdiction to do so. Comm. Reeves noted that input has not been received from Police Chief McEwen, although Deputy Barnes and Sergeant Loson are concerned with the street width and the under ground tank at the telephone company building. Mayor Nichols noted that the street has been opened in the past for the Library's book sale. Supt. Gray added that the opening was for a short duration and that the city has gotten away with it. He noted that in order to investigate the ownership, it would take several hours of hunting through tax maps at the County's Assessment office. It was noted that the business has access to Cascadilla Street except that the driveway has been condemned. Supt. Gray noted that he would research the reason for condemning the driveway. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that if the street were to be opened full time, it would need to be maintained, in addition, there are legal aspects to be considered. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that if the street were to be opened, there is a time period which it would have to be closed due to water main repairs in conjunction with the Route 96 project. Mr. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 17, 1995 Ellsworth noted that his property adjacent to Cascadilla Street is being used for a wrecker service and is required to have a fenced in yard. This causes problems with access to the condemned driveway. Mrs. Ellsworth explained that assistance from the city is needed. Their business is suffering due to the new location and the state has been of no help during the land take over. It was suggested that this item be investigated further and return to the next Committee of the Whole Meeting. 1b. Traffic Requests - Dryden Road /College Avenue Donna West addressed Common Council at their last meeting concerning the intersection of Dryden Road /College Avenue. She noted that the intersection is very dangerous especially for people who are sight impaired. Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, explained that he took traffic counts at the location although they were not extensive ones. He noted that the easiest and cheapest way to deal with the intersection was to install "No Right on Red" signs limited to peak hours. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that many motorists ignore the signs anyway. Comm. Rusoff suggested that more data be collected before a decision is made. Discussion followed and it was agreed that a resolution would be presented at the next regular meeting for four "No Right on Red" signs to be installed. 1c. Request for Parking Changes - West State Street and Dryden Road Traffic Engineer Cole was present to address the board concerning two requests he has received to change parking. The first was received from IPD regarding the parking in the 600 block of West State Street. Mr. Cole proposed that the board modify the parking regulation in front of Cramer's Auto Store to prohibit parking at five meters from 6:00 am - 9:00 am and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. He added that all of the businesses have private parking lots. The second request was for Dryden Road between Oneida Place and Fairmont Avenue. He recommended that parking be prohibited in that area. The board decided that a resolution for each parking change would be voted on at the next regular meeting. 1d. Choker at N Tioga and E Tompkins Street Comm. Reeves noted that a resolution was passed January 11, 1995 granting a temporary bump out at N. Tioga and E. Tompkins. She added that costs to install the curbs temporarily are the same as permanent installation. She asked the board if they would prefer them to be installed permanently? Discussion followed concerning the notification to residents. It was decided that the curb re- alignment would be installed permanently and that residents would be informed of this. Residents objecting to the permanent fixture would have until early fall to submit their comments. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 17, 1995 2. Northside Park Designation Alderperson Schroeder was present to address the board concerning the abandonment of Lake Avenue from Adams Street north to Route 13. He suggested that the board then declare the area as a neighborhood park as indicated in the Northside Land Use Plan. Comm. Reeves noted that this would cause additional maintenance for the parks crews. Discussion followed whether this area was truly a neighborhood park. A resolution will be presented to the board to decommission the road and designate it as a park. 3. Six Mile Creek Committee Proposal for Memorial Benches Alderperson Johnson noted that the committee was not ready to present the item to the BPW at this time. This item will appear on a future agenda. 4. Proposed Transfer of Circle Green Way to Parks Commission Comm. Tripp noted that Beth Mulholland has maintained the area for many years and that staff could take over the light maintenance when she retires from her duties. It was agreed that staff could maintain the area and that a resolution charging them to do so would be voted on at the next regular meeting. 5. Banners on the Commons Mayor Nichols noted that Commons Merchants have proposed installing banners around the Commons to enhance the appearance. In addition, the gateway banners would announce upcoming events. It was noted that city staff would install the banners. Comm. Reeves noted that the banners have not been purchased, therefore, may not be installed this year. Mayor Nichols suggested that they be installed in phases. Supt. Gray noted that the poles to be utilized have not been looked at for load limits. Comm. Seligmann questioned if the work could be contracted out. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that it would probably cost three times the amount of city staff. This item will appear on a future agenda for further discussion. 6. EngineedE Off ice Proposal for Disposal of Contaminated Soils It was noted that a handout from Tom West proposed a program for on -site treatment for contaminated soil from the water and sewer site during the tank removal. The program would work in conjunction with the Sciencenter. It was the board's consensus that this type of project would be good for everyone as a learning experience. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 17, 1995 7. Cascadilla Boat Club Request for Building Sign and Security Light Burke Carson, Jr., representing the Cascadilla Boat Club was present to address the board concerning lighting at the boat house in Stewart Park. He noted that there have been signs of vandalism as well as uneasy feelings by participants who are at the boat house late at night. Comm. Tripp questioned if a timer or motion detector could be used in order to save electricity. It was noted that if they were left on all night it would be a deterrent for vandals. The estimated amount for use of security lighting was at $32 per six months. Mr. Carson also presented a replica of a sign to be installed at the boat house. The board will be presented with a resolution for both items at the next regular meeting. 8. Appointment of Energy Commission Comm. Reeves explained that the city code authorizes the board to appoint members to the Energy Commission. It was suggested to recommend changing the code to combine the commission with the Conservation Advisory Council. Discussion followed on the purpose of the commission. It was decided that Lew Durland would be invited to a future meeting to give input on the need of the Energy Commission. 9. Clarification of Duties of Cass Park Lighting Committee Mayor Nichols noted that he thought the item was nearly settled when the new IASA schedule was accepted. He then realized that the Fall Youth Bureau Programs were also a concern of the neighbors. They have requested that the lights be turned off by 7:15 pm. He indicated that the Youth Bureau programs are very important and that turning off the lights at 7:15 is not a reasonable solution. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that there is a proposal to move the lighted fields and add two softball fields in order to complete the IASA games during day light hours. Comm. Reeves noted that she believes the next step is to ask each party what they ideally need to accomplish their program. They would then need to compromise on a solution. Comm. Tripp noted that the answer to Pam Mackesey's letter of April 26, 1995 asking for clarification would be that the board is committed to finding a long term solution. She added that there are no guarantees and that cost of moving fields would be part of the consideration. Comm. Seligmann noted that the parks are open until 10:00 pm and that the Youth Bureau should be able to use the fields until then. It was agreed that a letter to Alderperson Mackesey would be written assuring her that the neighbors would be included in continuing discussions. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 4