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.
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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.
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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
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