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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 Page - 2