HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-11-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 6, 1996
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Mayor
Cohen (arrived at 5:00 pm), Alderperson Mackesey, Supt. Gray, Assistant
Superintendent Ferrel.
Commissioner Reeves Chaired the meeting.
Additions: Introduction of Martha Armstrong
1. Introduction of Martha Armstrong.
Paul Stevenson introduced the board to Martha Armstrong. She will be working with
Mr. Stevenson as a Community Development Planner.
2. Holiday Meeting Schedule.
The board reviewed the proposed meeting schedule for the holidays. The board will
vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting.
3. South Hill Terrace - Proposed One -Way. It
Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that a request was received to change the 100
block of South Hill Terrace to one -way. He noted that a meeting with the residents was
held and input has been reviewed. He explained the benefits of a one -way street
would be reduced volumes and increased safety. Residents against the change noted
that speed would increase and there would be a loss of access to the area. Traffic
Systems Engineer Dan Cole told the board that he has received data and feels that a
one -way section would improve safety. Resident Bill Kaupe told the board that the
current "No Thru Traffic" signs are not enforceable and often ignored. Several other
residents spoke in favor of the change because of safety reasons. Discussion included
access during the winter and speed on the street. Alderperson Mackesey questioned if
the residents of surrounding streets had been notified of the proposal. Discussion
followed concerning whether neighboring streets needed notification. Comm. Reeves
noted that a trial period can be issued from the Traffic Systems Engineer and the Chief
of Police. The board agreed to vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting to
approve the change to one -way in the 100 block of South Hill Terrace.
4. Request to Purchase Existinq Street ROW.
Herman Seiverding, Deputy Director of Planning, was present to address the board.
He explained that the city has received a proposal to purchase land at Old
Taughannock Blvd. in order to allow a developer to meet parking requirements for a
restaurant. Discussion followed concerning whether the land is surplus and whether it
is needed for utility reasons. It was noted that the city may want to look at the area and
decided how the area would be developed. A resolution will be presented to the board
for approval at the next regular meeting.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 6, 1996
5A. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - Wilcox Press, 425 East State Street.
Jim Miller, attorney for Wilcox Press, was present to address the board. Mr. Miller
explained to the board that he believes that in the early 1950's houses that had access
to the sidewalk were removed. That land was then purchased by Wilcox Press. Asst.
Supt. Ferrel noted that former employees indicated that the city maintained the
sidewalk during the winter months without charging Wilcox Press. Supt. Gray noted
that Assistant City Attorney Kennedy's memo indicates that previous actions taken by
the city to maintain the property does not require the city to continue maintenance. He
added that if Wilcox Press wants to, they may take measures to acquire access to the
sidewalk. The board will vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting.
5B. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - 212 West Spencer Street.
Comm. Reeves told the board that Mr. Carver, owner of the property has asked that the
board postpone their discussion and that they look at the sidewalk on his property. He
believes that neighboring sidewalks are in as bad, if not worse, condition than the
sidewalk that was replaced. The board agreed that the item should be acted on at the
next regular meeting. Supt. Gray explained to the board that the walk was not in the
target area and that it was probably received as a complaint and therefore, acted upon.
Discussion followed concerning the possibility of abandoning the sidewalks and the
retaining wall on West Spencer Street. The board agreed to vote on a resolution and
to include the neighboring sidewalks that Mr. Carver referred to, on next year's
sidewalk program.
5C. Sidewalk Assessment Appeals - 405 South Albany Street.
Mayor Cohen indicated that Lynne Yost, Assistant Civil Engineer, has recommended
that the expense for the driveway apron be expunged. The replacement of the apron
was not indicated on the original notice to the homeowner. The board agreed to vote
on a resolution at the next regular meeting.
6. 1997 Budget Discussion.
The board discussed the Mayor's budget proposal for 1997.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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