HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-05-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
May 1, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith,
Alderperson Mackesey, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Request for Change in Parking Regulations
- 123 East Seneca Street
- 116 North Cayuga Street
Esty Street Sidewalk Update
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1 Cass Park Ballfield Light Committee Report.
JoAnn Cornish and Janet Breslin of the Cass Park Lighting Committee were present to
address the board. Ms. Cornish explained that the committee spent many hours and
that they feel they have reached a compromise although all parties are not totally
happy. She reviewed an outline previously distributed to the board. The first step to be
undertaken is to repair or replace the existing lights under a 1995 Capital Project. This
would hopefully alleviate safety concerns, reduce utility costs and mitigate negative
impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. The committee suggests that the city hire a
consultant to study the facility and investigate funding sources for long range planning.
In addition, the Recreation Partnership should continue. Additional facilities from
participating municipalities should be sought and time management of Union Fields
should be reviewed. The projected growth of the Recreation Partnership should also
be determined in order to appropriately manage the fields. A follow up to the
recommendations should be made via an Ad Hoc Committee for the Cass Park Master
Plan as well as BPW follow up of implementation of Committee Recommendations.
The board thanked the committee for all of their time spent on the project and was
happy to see that the issue has been agreed upon. The board will vote on a resolution
at the next regular meeting to approve of the committee's recommendations.
2. Request for State Street Bricks.
The board received a request for bricks to be used at the Drop In Children's Center.
The request has been reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Preservation
Commission. Discussion followed concerning the number of remaining bricks. Staff
indicated that there are acres of the bricks in storage. The board would like staff to
give an estimate of how many bricks remain. Discussion also included requests for
free bricks. The board decided that selling 3,000 bricks for the project was acceptable
and will vote on a resolution at the next meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 1, 1996
3. Esty Street Sidewalk Update.
Supt. Gray noted that he sent a letter to Esty Street property owners explaining that
sidewalks will be installed on their street during the Route 96 project. Asst. Supt. Ferrel
and Civil Engineer Tom West have since met with the property owners who are in
agreement that they do not want sidewalks. The owners stated that they felt there isn't
a need for sidewalks on their streets. It was explained to the owners that they could get
the walks installed relatively inexpensively if they project were to be undertaken soon.
Supt. Gray told the board that the project could move forward or they could hear from
the property owners. Comm. Ehrhardt questioned why the board would have to act on
a resolution to move forward with the project and charge the property owners. The
consensus of the board was to go ahead with the project and try to get the least amount
of expense as possible.
4. Water and Sewer Expungement.
Eleanor Cunningham, owner of 424 North Cayuga Street was present to address the
board regarding excessive water and sewer bills. She explained that upon receipt of
the bills, she hired a plumber who checked for leaks throughout the house. The
investigation did not reveal any leaks and she is therefore requesting the bill be
expunged. Ass. Supt. Fabbroni noted that in the past, excessive readings throughout
the city have resulted from water running through a toilet. He further explained that
current readings indicate that the consumption is normal and that the problem no
longer exists. He added that he strongly believes the meter is working properly. Ms.
Cunningham noted that she could understand it if the high bills had occurred during the
summer quarter due to watering of the garden. Comm. Smith stated that he would be
willing to expunge the difference of the bill compared to an average bill since Mrs.
Cunningham had taken appropriate steps. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he was not
willing to expunge any portion of the bill. He added that the city has fulfilled its
obligation to monitor water consumption and notify the resident upon recognition of
high usage. Discussion followed concerning the function of meter and whether it was
properly working. Comm. Seligmann noted that testing of the meter is not necessary
since current readings are in line with the past readings. John Miles, Mrs.
Cunningham's son -in -law, arrived late and explained that he initially investigated the
problem and found no leakage. There did not appear to be a consensus although the
board will vote on a resolution at its next meeting.
5 Request for Change in Parking Regulations.
Mayor Cohen noted that he received a request for the Town of Ithaca to remove a
meter and install a 15 minute parking zone in front of the Town Hall. Comm. Ehrhardt
stated that he opposed the idea because it was a service to benefit town residents and
not city residents. Comm. Smith noted that he did not see a problem since the area
would be enforced. Mayor Cohen stated that he also received a similar request from
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
ce Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 1, 1996
the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County for a space in front of Clinton
House. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he did not oppose this request since it would
benefit city residents as well as county residents. Comm. Smith stated that he feels
both requests should be granted because both entities are a vital part of the downtown
area. Comm. Seligmann stated that he was against the idea of 15 minute zones and
felt that the spaces would be abused. In addition, revenue would be lost. Mayor
Cohen stated that he did not look at meters as a revenue source, but a means to rotate
parking. He added that he'd like to see city wide 2 hour parking zones that would be
strongly enforced and force long term parking into the garages. The board agreed that
resolutions for both requests will be presented at the next regular meeting.
6. Garbage Bag Update.
Mayor Cohen stated that he has received sample bags from other municipalities in
hopes to replace the current tag system with a bag system. Supt. Gray indicated that
the board has reviewed the idea in the past but the county law does not allow systems
other than the tag system. Mayor Cohen stated that he would take this issue up with
the county.
7. Golf Course Concessions.
Mayor Cohen told the board that he is not comfortable with the recently approved 3
year contract for concessions at the golf course. He stated that he would like a clause
added to the contract which would allow the city to revoke the agreement upon
implementation of a new program. He noted that he would like the board to consider
contracting out all course operations, including maintenance of the grounds. Comm.
Reeves stated that she is not interested in cutting off the recently approved contract
before it's duration. She added that if the board chooses, it can review and consider
the Mayor's proposal and implement it in three years. Supt. Gray noted that the
recently bid contract was difficult since there was no historical data of sales. Once this
contract runs out, that information will be available, making the next contract more
competitive. Comm. Davidoff questioned why a vendor would be interested in such a
venture if the city cannot break even on it and if there is an opportunity to make money
on the course, why isn't the city able to do so. He added that he felt the city should no
longer subsidize the course. There was no conclusive decision on Mayor Cohen's
recommendation.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
A
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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