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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-01-03BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 3, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Request for Waiver of License Fee - 109-111 N Cayuga Street Comm. Reeves noted that the owner of 109 -111 N. Cayuga Street is requesting that the license fee be waived for the balcony. The board had granted an encroachment agreement for the stairway and a license fee for the balcony in 1989. Supt. Gray noted that when this was initially discussed, the owner was aware of the situation and that he is reluctant to waive the fee. He explained that the fee is calculated based on the tax base. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that his previous status as a freelance writer for the Ithaca Times doesn't effect his opinion of this issue. He stated that he feels that the city should encourage property owners to take pride in their property and he supports the ILPC's stand on the issue. Comm. Davidoff questioned what the purpose of a license fee is? Supt. Gray explained that it is based on a value received for use of city land. Mayor Cohen questioned what the concerns are regarding giving up the air rights? Supt. Gray explained that repairs and maintenance next to the building, in the right of way, may be an issue. The balcony may interfere with equipment. Mayor Cohen stated that he understands that this particular property may not be an issue, but it is creating a precedent. Comm. Reeves noted that she's concerned about setting the precedent. Discussion followed concerning the possibility of revoking the encroachment if it were granted. It was suggested that an encroachment be granted with the stipulation that if the city needs the land, it must be turned over. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting granting an encroachment. 2. Discussion of Possible Traffic Subcommittee. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that between February and July, 1995 a set of procedures were established for traffic requests. He noted that there are four priority projects for the Traffic Engineer, in addition there are about 130 various requests. He added that he didn't want to see the board go through the entire process with that many requests. He suggested that a subcommittee be established to review the requests and decide whether the board or the Traffic Engineer should handle them. Comm. Davidoff questioned how old the requests are and questioned if they have been acknowledged. Comm. Reeves noted that the people making requests have been notified that the board has adopted new procedures and that the list is being worked on. Discussion followed concerning setting up the committee and the need for a resolution for record. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that the committee could review the requests, determine if staff or the board should handle the items and then make recommendations to the board. It was noted that the current city code is incomplete concerning the traffic BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS r, Committee of the Whole Meeting January 3, 1996 regulations. Once the regulations are completed, traffic requests may be simplified. Discussion followed concerning the block grant at Cleveland Avenue. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that since the grant has been approved, the board has not seen specific requests. Once the plans have been received, they will follow the set procedures. He added that the Traffic Task force was not in favor of the plans and that they felt streets with serious problems should have priority. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he would be willing to speak with Paul Stevenson of the Planning Department as the plans relate to traffic issues. It was agreed that a resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to establish a traffic subcommittee. 3. Engineering Work Schedule for 1996 Comm. Reeves explained that the 1996 work schedule would be discussed throughout the month of January and that it is a critical discussion due to the loss of staff. Supt. Gray noted that he is taking the list of projects and prioritizing them. He added that he expects to present the board with a finalized program at some point during the discussions. He noted that this list may change throughout the year. Mayor Cohen noted that a list of priorities is needed in order to complete the list of projects. Comm. Reeves stated that she would like to see the board become more proactive instead of reactive. She added that there are several issues that she would like the board to work on as well. Mayor Cohen suggested that some time be set aside for emergency projects. Comm. Reeves pointed out the work program for the Planning Department greatly impacts the Engineering Department. Supt. Gray distributed a list of projects which indicated how many hours were available for the projects. He indicated that engineering work on some of the projects will be bid out. He stated that he believes work which is not routinely done by city staff should be bid out. Comm. Reeves noted that there is in -house work to be done associated with bidding out the work. Mayor Cohen stated that the work load should be figured for four people and an additional plan for five employees, if the vacant position is filled. He then questioned if the budget allowed for bidding out the projects. It was noted that the funds would come from the appropriate Capital Projects. Discussion followed concerning the MPO, Supt. Gray noted that the city has not received funds from the MPO for projects. Comm. Reeves told the board that the issue of Stewart Avenue brick repairs and suicide bridge barriers continues to be a big concern of the community. A brief history was given on both projects. Supt. Gray noted that he will have more information available for the board at the next COW meeting. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting January 3, 1996 4. Environmental Review of WWTP Improvements Asst. Supt. Fabbroni distributed a list of employees with their time accrued as well as time taken. He noted that the sick time used is very low and commended his crew for their dedication. He next handed out a draft resolution regarding WWTP improvements. The proposed modifications would keep raw sewage from entering into the creek and lake. Discussion followed regarding the modifications. It was noted that about 30% capacity will be gained. Further discussion followed concerning wording changes to the proposed resolution. A finalized resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting for the board's vote. 5. Transit Consolidation Update Comm. Reeves told the board that Council is being presented with a resolution authorizing state officials to move forward with proposed legislation for the consolidation of transit operations. She noted that the board previously passed a resolution to approve of a Capital Project to proceed with consolidation efforts. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary