HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-04-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
cr COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 9, 1997
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Seligmann, Vargas,
Alderperson Gray, Mayor Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents
Fabbroni and Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
1. Discussion to Restore Two -way Traffic on Spencer Road.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that in 1992, the 400 block of Spencer Road was
converted into a one -way street. Since that time, there have been numerous
complaints as well as praise for the change. He noted that in September of 1996, there
was a neighborhood meeting at which input was received. There were four points
which were established as priority 1) restore two way traffic, 2) reduce through traffic,
3) improve the turn on to North Quarry Road, and 4) reduce speed. Traffic Engineer
Dan Cole was present and noted that he had reviewed the list of concerns. He told the
board that he has researched the possibility of speed humps. He has obtained
specifications for humps from another municipality, he estimates that $2,000 - $2,700
would be the cost for installation of each hump. According to their standards, 14 would
be required. He added that the total cost for 14, including signage, would be about
$30,000. Another issue that he reviewed was the possibility of closing the through
driveways from Spencer Road to Elmira Road. There are a number of these driveways,
all on private property. The city does not have the right to close these driveways. He
reviewed the possibility of painting an edge line and enforcement. Mayor Cohen
questioned the removal or re- timing of the light at Spencer and Elmira Road. Mr. Cole
indicated that removal would not be likely since it is a public safety issue. It was noted
that traffic calming on the street would be a city experiment and that other
neighborhoods cannot expect the same traffic calming devices. These devices would
be determined based on the city's traffic circulation plan which is to be developed. This
item will return to a future COW meeting as it proceeds.
2. Review of Ithaca Festival Contract.
Laurel Guy of the Ithaca Festival, was present to address the board. She reviewed the
contract with the board indicating changes. It was noted that additional port-a johns
should be obtained since the bathrooms in the Cascadilla Boat House are not
available. In addition, Ms. Guy requested that additional trash cans be made available.
The use of the buses was discussed and noted that they pay for themselves. A
resolution will be presented at the next voting meeting to approve the contract.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
April 9, 1997
3. Community Development Status Report
Martha Armstrong was present to address the board. She noted that the curbing at the
West Buffalo Parking Lot was complete and should be opened to the residents soon.
She noted that the bids for the Southside Community Center are to be opened in early
June. She questioned if the board could give itself power to act on June 11 th to award
the bid. Discussion followed concerning lighting. This item will continue as projects
progress.
4. BID Issues.
Comm. Smith was not available to review the proposals from the BID. Jean Deming,
Commons Coordinator, was present and explained to the board that she is aware that
the BID is requesting outdoor dining in the main pavilion on the commons. She added
that it is the BID's intention to have Center Ithaca supply tables and chairs. She noted
that when events are scheduled at the pavilion, the tables and chairs will be removed.
Discussion followed concerning maintenance and trash removal. It was noted that B&A
is in favor of granting this request and not charging for the space. This brought up the
issue of fairness. The board requested that the BID address the issues of cleaning the
area, department costs, fairness and access of the pavilion. The consensus was that
the board was not prepared to vote on a resolution, but if the information being
requested is provided for the next regular meeting, the item could be reviewed.
Route 10 Shuttle to Cornell from Downtown.
Supt. Gray explained that he understands that the BID is requesting that the city allow
them to use the current one hour parking sticker. The sticker would be distributed to
riders so that they would receive a free return trip. He added that the shuttle cost is 25
cent, the same as the current sticker cost. He noted that he hopes the sticker cost will
increase and that the shuttle cost is expected to increase as well. No board member
objected. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting.
5. South Hill Terrace Permanent One -Way.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that the temporary one -way on South Hill Terrace has
to be made permanent or removed. Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole noted that he
received input from residents as well as the police department. He added that he
received only one complaint while the rest of the residents favored the change. The
board will vote on a resolution to make South Hill Terrace permanently one -way.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
April 9, 1997
6. Renewal of McPherson Lease.
Herman Sieverding addressed the board concerning a request he received from
McPherson Sailing. Don McPherson is proposing a long term lease on the property in
order to install lighting and electrical outlets. The estimated cost for these
improvements is $6,000, in order for Mr. McPherson to break even on the cost, he
needs a seven year lease. This item will return to the board once the City Attorney has
reviewed it with Mr. Sieverding and Mr. McPherson.
7. 1997 DPW Work Schedule.
Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he felt the time lines submitted by staff is a useful
tool, although he feels it is too extensive for the board to review. He added that he
feels that reviewing scheduled routine maintenance is micro - managing the department.
It was noted that review of the department work schedule should be done in the fall
since it is now too late in the year to make changes. The board agreed that they would
like to see a five year schedule for major work and projects in November of each year.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni pointed out that included with the scheduled projects, water and
sewer has a lot of emergency work throughout the year. The board agreed to accept
the current work schedule and that a long term, overview would be presented in the fall.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Immediately following the meeting, the board was presented with an overview of the
Bicycle Plan which is being considered for approval by the Planning Board.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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