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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1995-08-23BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 23, 1995 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Rusoff (Arrived 4:50), Reeves, Mayor Nichols, Alderperson Johnson (Left at 5:00), Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni (Arrived at 4:20) and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Encroachment Agreement - 310 Hector Street There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. City/Cornell Zoning and Parking Issues. Alderperson John Schroeder was present and distributed an outline dated August 15, 1995 of the proposed parking and zoning ordinance for Cornell. He noted that the Planning Committee discussed the possible changes at their meeting of August 21, 1995 and summarized the changes. Alderperson Shroeder will present any updates to the board at future meetings. 2. Lake Source Cooling at Cornell. Lanny Joyce, Henry Doney and Rob McCabe of Cornell and Elizabeth Moran of Stearns and Wheler were present to address the board. Mr. Joyce noted that there is a 1994 study which investigated the effects the system would have on Cayuga Lake and is on file at the Tompkins County Library. The next step would be to complete a formal Environmental Impact Study. He added that if the effected entities do not support the concept, the study will not be done. Discussion followed concerning city facilities being a customer of the system. It was noted that the system will not be in operation until the year 2000. Ms. Moran outlined how the system would work and its environmental effects on the lake. She explained that there are concerns with the shrimp and zebra mussels in the lake clogging the intake. Comm. Rusoff questioned how unexpected problems will be handled. Mr. Joyce noted that there is no funding for unexpected problems. They expect that the combined knowledge will avoid any unforeseen problems. Mr. Joyce noted that he would like to get a list of design ideas from the City. Mayor Nichols noted that he felt this project should have council approval and that it was not simply a street opening project. Comm. Reeves questioned if the board felt comfortable passing a resolution granting preliminary approval. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. iw BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting August 23, 1995 3. Sidewalk and Retaining Wall at Dryden Road Supt. Gray noted that this item was asked to be reviewed by Alderpersons Booth and Johnson. Discussion followed concerning the problem of not having a sidewalk on both sides of the street. There was no consensus of a decision by the board. Comm. Reeves noted that she is not convinced the sidewalk is necessary and that she is reluctant to request pedestrian counts due to scheduling conflicts. A resolution will be presented to the board at the next regular meeting to request assistance from Cornell to gather information on the matter. 4. Traffic Issues. Spencer Road - One Way. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board has received two letters, one requesting Spencer Road be restored to two ways, the other stating that the changes have not produced the desired effects. He added that traffic speeds and accidents have increased while volume has decreased. Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer was present to address the board. He noted that he is not convinced that the current traffic pattern is appropriate. Comm. Rusoff suggested that the area be looked at and that appropriate measures should be taken to improve the traffic flow. Comm. Ehrhardt said he feels that if the intersection at Albany /Spencer /Elmira Road were reconfigured it may alleviate the problems. Comm. Reeves questioned what the next step would be. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he would like the Traffic Task Force's recommendation to be considered. According to the procedures, the next step is for staff's review of the issue. Challenge Industries Traffic Light. Comm. Reeves noted that a request was received and a recommendation has been given from the Traffic Engineer. Supt. Gray noted that Seneca Way is a State Arterial. A recommendation can be given to the state for their action. Comm. Reeves noted that Mr. Cole's recommendation is that the light is not warranted. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the next step is to determine if enough information has been obtained. Comm. Rusoff suggested voting on a resolution at the next meeting to make a recommendation to the state. 5. Encroachment - 310 Hector Street. Supt. Gray noted that the parking area for the property encroaches into the city right of way. He noted that an agreement can be reached which would allow the city to use the area if needed. The board agreed to vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting to grant the encroachment. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2