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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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