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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-06-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE June 19, 1996 N T S PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Vargas, Alderperson Mackesey, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. Additions: Water Study Contract Water and Sewer Personnel Needs Tompkins County Request to Keep Loading Zone at Court House Deletions: Discussion for Policy on General Expungements Discussion of Crosswalks and Street Striping z Outdoor Dining Fees for 1997 Pete Nero of Rock Solid Praise Ministries was present to address the board. Mr. Nero told the board that the ministries would like to hold a non - denominational worship celebration in Stewart Park. Mr. Nero has requested the use of a pavilion, but none are available. He is requesting that the newly installed electric box next to the tennis courts be used for their event. He indicated that the grassy area would be the site of the event. It was noted that the board does not have a policy on renting space in parks other than pavilions. Comm. Davidoff noted that he felt the amplification of music would infringe on other users of the park. The consensus was that the event would interfere with other users of the park. Comm. Reeves suggested alternate spaces be considered for the event. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting to deny the use of the park. 2 Sclencenter Proposed Purchase of City Property. Charlie Trautman was present to address the board regarding purchasing the adjacent city owned property to the Sciencenter. He indicated that obtaining the land is important because of the need to expand the programs and that they are committed to the downtown area. Mr. Trautman stated that over the next two to three years they plan on major fund raising events to fund the addition. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni pointed out that the Water and Sewer Division is currently working with limited space. He explained that the area to be purchased is currently being used and that an alternate storage space is required. It was suggested that the board approve of the sale only if council allows for arrangements to be made for an alternate storage area. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular meeting to recommend that council approve of the sale of land and that an alternate storage area be made for the Water and Sewer division. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting June 19, 1996 3. Power to Act on Tabled Resolution 15. TRAFFIC ITEMS. A. Request for Upgraded Signal at Route 13 and Commercial Avenue. By Commissioner Ehrhardt; seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received request from the Fingerlakes Gymnastics Center for modifications to the traffic signal at the intersection of Route 13 and Commercial Avenue to improve safety, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Systems Engineer has reviewed the request and recommends that a new traffic signal and pole be installed at this intersection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves of the installation of two new poles and traffic signal heads at the intersection of Route 13 and Commercial Avenue, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board requests that the Budget and Administration Committee approve a Capital Project in the amount of $60,000, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board request that Common Council ask the county to fund half of the project due to the increased amount of traffic since the construction of the solid waste building. r Discussion followed concerning the estimated cost of $60,000. Supt. Gray explained that it included a complete installation of pole and signal head. This work would be done out of house. Discussion included the possibility of Tompkins County contributing to the cost since the solid waste facility increases traffic at the intersection. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board could approve the resolution or let the item go through the capital project process. It was noted that the item probably wouldn't be considered as a priority during that process. Carried 5 -1 Ayes (5): Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Vargas Nays (1): Davidoff 4. Traffic Committee Items. A) Visibility at Cascadilla and Cayuga Streets. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole has taken care of this request. A meter had been removed and the "No Parking" sign was moved to allow for better visibility. Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting June 19, 1996 B. Stop Sign Request at Cascadilla and Geneva Street. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the traffic committee has debated this request. Data on this intersection does not support the}nstallation of the stop sign being requested. A resolution will be voted on at the next meeting to deny the request. C. All Way Stop Request at Tioga and Tompkins Street. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the neighboring residents of the intersection were surveyed regarding the installation of an all -way stop. He noted that Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole does not recommend the installation of the additional stop signs. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that he and Joe Daley of the traffic committee recommend installation of the signs. He noted that parallel streets, Cayuga and Aurora have several stops and that stop signs on Tioga are not out of line. He added that he believes that traffic calming measures make more sense, but stop signs are the only tools at this point. A resolution will be presented to the board to approvd the installation of an all way stop. 5 Tompkins County Request to Keep Loading Zone at Court House. Mayor Cohen stated that he had a discussion with the Board of Representatives to rescind a recent board resolution which directed staff to remove a parking zone in front of the county court house. The county has indicated that they will be re- opening the Tioga Street entrance and will need the use of the parking zone. The board was concerned about abuse of the spaces since county vehicles often park there while the parking lot is available. The board agreed to vote on a resolution to rescind the resolution authorizing the installation of meters in front of the court house on Tioga Street, 6. Water Study Contract. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni told the board that there were three firms in contention for the contract and that staff is suggesting that O'Brien and Gere be hired for the work. Mayor Cohen noted that one of the other firms had noted that the city will not be disappointed in hiring O'Brien and Gere because they do very good work, The board will vote on a resolution to award the contract at its next regular meeting, 7. Water and Sewer Personnel Needs. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni distributed an amended table indicating 21 positions to be effected by his proposal. He noted that there will not be any budget changes and that all the positions are promotional upgrades. He added that there are several positions in which employees are currently working out of title. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained that the history of the department shows that promotions were consistent until the last 6 -7 years. He noted that he needs to take the proposal to the Budget and Administration Committee for approval. The board's consensus was to approve the proposal at their next voting meeting. Page - 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting June 19, 1996 Additional Discussion. It was noted that resolutions will be presented at the next regular meeting for award of contract for engineering services for Streets and Facilities' cold storage and a resolution regarding transit personnel. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 4