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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 Page - 2 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 Page - 3