HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-05-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
May 15, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Reeves, Seligmann, Alderperson Mackesey,
Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting.
Additions: Continued Discussion of Water and Sewer Expungement
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Lions Club Fundraiser.
Comm. Reeves explained to the Board that the Lions Club would like to close off a
street to hold a "Tennis Ball Race" fundraiser. Lion Mark Letham was present to
address the board, he explained that the race includes numbered balls being dropped
out of a pickup truck down the street. The first ball to the bottom wins. The Lions
requested that Buffalo Street be used from Eddy to Aurora Street. There is opposition
from the Police Department and Traffic Engineer Cole for the use of Buffalo Street. Mr.
Cole suggested several streets to Mr. Letham and the Lions feel that Williams Street
will serve their purpose. The board will vote on a resolution to approve the closing of
Williams Street on Sunday, August 4, 1996 at their next meeting.
2. Handicap Parking at Tompkins County Library.
Mayor Cohen stated that he had received a complaint that there isn't an immediate
access to the Tompkins Library entrance from the street for the handicapped. He noted
that he did not have a chance to check out the area and was unsure what the handicap
parking status is in that area. Comm. Reeves told the board that she looked at the area
and that based on the design of the steps, it was not feasible to have a handicap
accessible space. She noted that there is a parking space to the south on North
Cayuga Street which seemed adequate. Discussion followed on use of the space. No
action will be taken by the board until further input is received concerning use and need
of an additional handicap parking space.
3. City /Cornell Discussion of Upper University Avenue
Harold Craft and Phil Cox representing Cornell were present to address the board.
They explained to the board that University Avenue is in terrible condition and in need
of repair. They noted that there are no clear records indicating ownership of the road.
Mr. Cox explained that there have been several meetings between the City and Cornell
and that Cornell is now seeking an agreement with the City to hire a consultant to
determine the magnitude of the deterioration. Once the study is completed, the two
entities can negotiate the terms of an agreement in order to repair the road. Discussion
followed concerning maintenance and ownership of the road. A resolution will be
presented to the board at the next meeting to approve of shared funding for the
feasibility study of the road repairs.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 15, 1996
4. Request for Additional 15 Minute Parking Zone
Richard Driscoll of the Community Arts Partnership was present to thank the board for
the installation of a 15 minute parking zone in front of 116 North Cayuga Street. He
noted that an additional space would be ideal. He suggested that it be installed on
Seneca Street just off from Cayuga. Comm. Seligmann suggested that the first space
be given a trial run before adding another space. He noted that enforcement of the
space is an issue. Discussion followed concerning removal of meters in the downtown
area. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting to remove an additional meter
on Seneca Street.
5. Mitchell Street Discussion
Supt. Gray told the board that staff had held a meeting for the Mitchell Street residents
for their input. He noted that several households were concerned with speed and
agreed that they want a 24 foot wide pavement. Supt. Gray told the board that they
needed to decide on a pavement width for the final design. He explained that the
current pavement width is 26 feet and that the board has the option of approving up to
32 feet wide. He further explained that a 32 foot width would contain a parking lane.
Discussion followed concerning on street parking and bike usage. The board decided
on a compromise of 26 feet wide pavement in order to accommodate traffic as well as
bicycle usage. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting.
6. Continued Discussion of Water and Sewer Exnungement
This discussion continues from the last voting meeting at which no action took place
regarding a request for expungement of the bill for 424 North Cayuga Street. Comm.
Reeves noted that these types of requests are handled on a case by case basis. She
added that in this case, Mrs. Cunningham made an attempt to rectify the problem.
Comm. Seligmann noted that Mrs. Cunningham ignored the problem until the receipt of
the second bill and that she was obligated to act upon the receipt of the first one.
Discussion continued regarding who should take the responsibility of paying the bill.
The board did not meet a consensus on the issue. This matter will be voted on at the
next regular meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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