HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-09-04BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 4, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor
Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent
Fabbroni.
EXCUSED: Commissioner Reeves and Asst. Supt. Ferrel
Mayor Cohen chaired the meeting.
Additions: Closing of Parking Lots for Employee Recognition Picnic
Stray Golf Balls at Newman Golf Course
Seneca Street Garage - Garbage Storage
There were no deletions from the agenda.
eP 1. Closing of Parking Lots for Employee Recognition Picnic
City Clerk Holcomb was present to address the board concerning requests from
employees that she has received. Ms. Holcomb noted that she is co -chair for
organizing of the Employee Recognition Picnic. She explained that the afternoon and
evening lot attendants have expressed their interest in attending the picnic and that
they feel it unfair that the lot be closed during the day and not during their shift. She
noted that if the picnic is to recognize employees, this group shouldn't be left out. It
was noted that the lot attendants were not emergency personnel and the lots could be
possibly be closed for the day. Discussion followed regarding the possible loss of
revenue. The board agreed to pass a resolution to close the parking lot at 11:30 for the
duration of the day on September 20, 1996.
2. Sidewalk appeals - 409 East State Street (Wilcox Press)
Attorney James Miller was present representing his client, owner of Wilcox Press. Mr.
Miller explained that according to city code, the property abutting the sidewalk is
responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk. He noted that the sidewalk is located on
a retaining wall approximately 20 feet higher than the property. He added that he has
researched the deed and has found that the city owns the retaining wall and is
therefore, the city's responsibility. Supt. Gray noted that there are several similar
situations throughout the city. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he felt the sidewalk is part of
the neighborhood's infrastructure and that it made sense that Wilcox Press be
responsible. Supt. Gray told the board that he would do research on the property's
deed and report back on his findings. A resolution will be voted on at the next regular
meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 4, 1996
3. Strav Golf Balls at Newman Golf Course
Asst. City Attorney Kennedy was present and explained that a new tenant at the
McPherson building has made complaints regarding stray golf balls being hit toward
their office. There used to be a fence in place which stopped balls from hitting the
building. Ms. Kennedy indicated that General Accident Insurance, the city's carrier,
has stated that they will not cover any incidents unless the balls are hit by city
employees. It was noted that vehicles at the Transit and Streets and Facilities
buildings have been hit on occasion. Alderperson Mackesey suggested that maybe
moving the first tee would reduce the number of stray golf balls. The board decided to
have the golf committee review the situation and return to the board with a
recommendation.
4. Seneca Street Garage -Garbage Storage
Jean Deming, Commons Coordinator, told the board that DPW stores garbage at the
Seneca Street Garage near the second entrance. She noted that the storage place is
not ideal since it is unsightly and smells. Supt. Gray agreed and stated that he wasn't
aware that the practice was continuing. He added that the exit gate would be opened
soon and that it would have be stored elsewhere.
5. Request to Film on City Property.
Heirich Hadding, Ithaca College Student, has requested use of Cayuga Street in front
of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Store. The film shoot is planned for September 29, 1996
from 1:00 am until 8:00 am. He explained that there are several child actors and that a
Saturday night/Sunday morning shoot seemed to be more logical. He added that if the
board felt a Sunday night would be more ideal, he could change the schedule. Supt.
Gray suggested that a parking lane be removed and that traffic could be shifted to that
lane. Comm. Seligmann questioned if all of the merchants agreed to the project. It was
noted that Ben and Jerry's did agree although permission from the franchise
headquarters is still to come. The board agreed to vote on a resolution approving the
request for use of the 100 block of North Cayuga Street.
6. Consideration of Private Water Source for Property off Cottage Place
James Marshall, owner of 111 Cottage Place, was present to address the board. Mr.
Marshall told the board that his newly purchased house has problems with the water
service. He explained that the lines are not buried at a sufficient depth and therefore,
during the winter, water must be left running in order to avoid freezing pipes. This
practice will be very costly. Mr. Marshall is requesting that the city allow him to drill a
private well in order to avoid the cost of installing a new service. The property at 111
Cottage Place has a large amount of bedrock causing high expenses to install a new
service. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni is recommending that the board approve Mr. Marshall's
request. Mr. Marshall is aware that he will need to obtain permission from the county
and state in order to proceed. The board will vote on a resolution at the next regular
meeting.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 4, 1996
7. Sidewalk Appeals - 525 West Buffalo Street.
Supt. Gray explained that the driveway apron at 525 West Buffalo Street was replaced
during the 1995 sidewalk program. A notice was sent to the owner, Margaret Anne
Smith, who did not notify staff that the work would be completed. The assessment was
issued and Ms. Smith appealed the bill. Supt. Gray noted that staff researched the
property and found that the driveway apron is partially owned by the adjacent owner,
Byrne Dairy. He noted that split bills could be issued to rectify the problem. The board
agreed to vote on a resolution to charge both property owners one half of the total bill.
8. Sidewalk Appeals - 327 Center Street.
It was explained to the board that the initial inspection was done and that 75 square
feet of tree damaged sidewalk was found to be out of compliance. When the notice
was issued, the tree damage was not noted. The homeowner of 327 Center Street did
not contact the city to make arrangements for repairs. The sidewalk repairs were
completed in 1995, including replacement of the sidewalk apron. An assessment for
the replacement of the driveway apron was issued, the city was responsible for the tree
damaged area. The owner of 327 Center Street is appealing the assessment because
the notice did not specifically indicate that the sidewalk apron needed repairing. Staff
has determined that the estimate for the repair of the 75 feet of tree damaged sidewalk
is approximately the amount of the driveway apron repairs. Staff recommends that the
board not expunge the bill because the owner was notified that work needed to be
complete. The board agreed that a resolution should be voted on at the next regular
meeting to deny the request for expungement.
9. 24 Hour Parking Request - Willow Avenue and Lake Avenue.
Tia Rudd and Graham Kerslick were present to address the board. They explained that
parking along Lake Avenue is difficult because the creek side of the road is posted for
"No Parking." It was noted that Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, had the "No
Parking" signs removed in June and that the odd /even rule would apply to both sides of
the street. Alderperson Mackesey suggested that Willow and Lake Avenues be signed
similar to that of Hudson. No parking would then be prohibited from 9:00 am until noon.
Discussion turned to the odd /even parking regulation. The board decided to discuss
the possibility of changing the regulation at the October 2, 1996 COW meeting. It was
noted that input from the Police and Fire Departments should be obtained for the
meeting. The board agreed that a resolution should be presented at the next regular
meeting to leave Willow and Lake Avenues as they are (odd /even parking on both
sides of the road) and that if the odd /even regulation is not changed city wide by
November 1, 1996, the board will reconsider the initial request.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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