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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. Page - 2 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 Page - 3