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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. Lin 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. Page - 2 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 Page - 3