HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-04-03BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
co COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 3, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas,
Alderperson Mackesey, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
11. wiy rroperty i ranster Request - Campbell Avenue
Jill Venuto of 108 Elmwood Avenue was present to address the board. Ms. Venuto
explained that during the closing of her house last fall, she learned that the driveway is
located on City property. She noted that in addition to the driveway property, there is
an abandoned park behind her house which is surrounded by private property. She
stated that she has a copy of a 1932 lease from the city which entitled the property
owner to the land for 99 years. Supt. Gray distributed 1899 Crandall Maps, 1933 aerial
photos and 1965 tax assessment maps. The 1899 maps indicate that a city park is
encompassed by private property with an access way of about 20 feet, where Ms.
Venuto's driveway currently exists. Ms. Venuto stated that she spoke to several of the
neighbors and found only two that were aware of the park status. One indicated that
the abutting property had been deeded to them and the other noted that it was included
within the survey. Comm. Reeves told the board that she took a quick review of the list
of surplus land compiled by the Planning Department. The park was not included on
the list. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni noted that if the land is official park land, it would need to
be alienated if it is to be turned over to the adjacent property owners. Supt. Gray told
the board that he would work with Ms. Venuto on obtaining copies of the neighborhood
abstracts and forward them to the City Attorney's Office for their review. A resolution
will be voted on at the next regular meeting to forward this item to the Attorney's Office.
2. Art and Design Committee Proposal to Improve Council Chambers
Sally Grubb of the Art and Design Committee was present to review the proposal to
improve Council Chambers. She indicated that the Alderperson's desks would form a
circle in the middle of the room with public seating on either side. The seating would
be located on risers in order to allow better viewing. She noted that the flooring and
wall coverings would be changed to quiet the room and make it more aesthetically
pleasing. She noted that the work could be done in increments. She suggested that
the first step be to rearrange the current furniture into a circle on a trial basis. Council
could decide if it wants to permanently change the set up. The question of cost was
brought up. Ms. Grubb noted that they didn't have a cost at this time, but would be able
to give a ball park figure in the near future. The board agreed that Alderperson
Mackesey would take the idea to Council for their review.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 3, 1996
3. Ithaca Festival Contract Approval.
Laurel Guy, Director of the Festival, was present to address the board on the yearly
contract. She indicated that she had spoken to the Police and Fire Departments for
their input. Ms. Guy reviewed each segment of the contract including the parade
schedule; use of streets and parks; funding and bus transportation. Ms. Guy noted
that there will be adequate personnel for garbage collection. She requested that the
volunteers be allowed to pick up trash in Stewart Park on Monday morning. Asst. Supt.
Ferrel told Ms. Guy that he would have the crews hold off their clean up duties until
9:30 am. The board will vote on a resolution at fi -ie next regular meeting approving the
agreement.
4. Babe Ruth League Request for Cass Park Field Improvements.
Bill Gaffney, representative of the Babe Ruth League and Don Beermann, President of
the Babe Ruth League were present along with two engineering students that have
designed improvements for the baseball field at Cass Park. The design includes
installation of fences, dugouts, an electric box and a storage area. Discussion included
the necessity and installation of outfield and foul line fences. It was noted that the
outfield fence is made of plastic and can be damaged very easily by lawnmowers. The
grass along the fence will be maintained by the Babe Ruth League. This fence will
collapse in any direction that a fielder may approach, including from neighboring fields.
Mr. Gaffney stated that he has spoken to NYSEG about installing a meter which could
be turned on and off as needed. The electricity is needed for the concession trailer.
The storage area would allow the league to store the maintenance equipment and to
allow for a space for the scorekeeper. Guy Gerard was present and noted that the park
is for public use and that the installation of fences should not interfere with public use.
Comm. Reeves noted that she would take the issue to the Parks Commission for their
review. This item will be voted on at the next meeting to approve of the proposed
improvement.
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
IM
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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