Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1997-08-13BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 13, 1997 PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Jenkins, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Gray, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel, Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to the agenda. Deletions: West Buffalo Street Parking Lot 1. Request for Expungement of Trash Violation - 105 N. Quarry Street. Supt. Gray noted that this request for expungement is being reviewed by the board at the request of the property owner. He explained that the department followed procedures and that the tenant put the recycling out on the wrong day. the board's consensus was that the bill should be paid since procedures were followed and adequate notification of the new system was made. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting denying the request for expungement. 2. Capital Project for Transit Consolidation Work. Nancy Oltz, Transit Manager, was present to address the board. Ms. Oltz explained to the board that this request is for 1997 budget. Mayor Cohen noted that the city is obligated to spend this money according to the consolidation agreement. The request is for $12,000, which is one -third of the amount. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting requesting B &A to approve of funding. ReQu st to e DeWitt Park - Eirst Church of Christ Scientist. Jacci Farlow, member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, was present to address the board. Supt. Cray explained to the board that he had denied Ms. Farlow's request for use of DeWitt Park because the activity is not allowed, according to the rules of the park. He noted that the event will include a microphone for the speaker to be heard. He explained that the rules specifically prohibit the use of amplified sound because the intended use of the park is for quiet, contemplative events. Ms. Farlow told the board that this was not intended to be a loud event, it is part of a lecture series and it was felt that DeWitt Park would be ideal because of its location. Mayor Cohen told the board that this sounded like a reasonable request and that exceptions have been made in the past, for example, Ithaca Festival and the Veteran's Day Parade. Supt. Gray noted this event is not on the same community Level as those events. He added that the board's policy does not allow for amplified sound and that because the park is not city owned, the board needs to abide by the initial agreement with the church, He also indicated that he suggested Ms. Farlow use an alternate park for the event, such as Washington Park. Mayor Cohen stated he saw no reason to deny the request and that it would be made clear that it would not be setting a precedent. He added that the event will be held on a Saturday afternoon and requested that the speaker be facing away from the residential area in order to minimize the effect on the residents. The board agreed to vote on a resolution approving the request. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 13, 1997 4 Parking Garage Rates and Rules. Lynne-'Yost, Assistant Civil Engineer, was present to discuss the new parking equipment. Ms. Yost explained that some of the equipment is installed and that the system should be in use by early next week. She noted that there were a few items which the board needed to review. Supt. Gray told the board that three of the items of concern required that a decision be made. He indicated that a 10 minute complimentary period, which allows a customer to park an additional 10 minutes, is probably already done by staff. It was indicated that the time could be reduced or increased if the board wished to do so. The board decided that a 10 minute complimentary period would be user friendly and therefore, acceptable. The next concern is whether the first two hours of parking could be broken down into half hour increments, for example customers would pay half the rate for only one half an hour. The board decided this was not ideal since it would draw parkers away from meters and that the garage is intended for longer term usage. The final concern is whether there should be a limit on the number of one hour parking stickers that can be used at one time. It was noted that there has not been a limitation and stickers will not be used with the new system. It was decided that this issue was not a major concern. Supt. Gray told the board that a related parking item was brought up by a merchant complaining that there is a lack of short term usage in the Dryden Road Parking Garage. He explained that the number of permits has risen and that rates should be increased in order to decrease the number of permits purchased, therefore increasing short term parking. The current rate is $75 for a day permit and $75 for a night permit. The board agreed that the number of permits should be decreased and that a higher rate should be charged in order to do so. A resolution with a recommended rate will be presented to the board at their next meeting. 5. Formation of Natural Areas Committee - Merger with Six Mile Creek. Supt. Gray explained to the board that the city has decided to form a Natural Areas Committee, which would parallel the Town's committee. Dan Hoffman and Doug Foster were present to address the board concerning the proposed committee. It was noted that areas like Ithaca Falls requires oversight and that such a committee would be appropriate to oversee all natural areas. Discussion followed concerning the guidelines of Six Mile Creek and that the committee requests notification of work to be performed by the department in the gorge. Supt. Gray pointed out that the watershed was developed for the water system and that the department is environmentally aware while working in the area. A resolution will be presented to the board for approval of the Natural Areas Committee. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 13, 1997 5. capita_ I PrQiect for Traffi+c Calmina Improvements at R IVlartiin 01 hoo_l Mayor Cohen noted that the Capital Project was proposed for 1998 but Commissioner Ehrhardt requested that it be brought forward as soon as possible. Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that there have been numerous meetings with parents, administration and city staff to develop traffic calming measures for the area of the school. Comm. Seligmann questioned the effectiveness of the crossing guards and why having them didn't solve the problems? He added that the board should not approve $23,000 in improvements if it will not solve any problems. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that the blinking lights which were installed are not solving the problems. Comm. Seligmann pointed out that enforcement salved the problems at South Hill School and could do the same at BJ Martin. Comm. Vargas noted that with the Route 96 project, traffic patterns have changed and the problems are also changing. Supt. Gray explained that improvements have been made in the area, results are not seen and more demands are being made to make improvements. He noted that he was aware of demands on the police department, but enforcement is the issue. Comm. Seligmann questioned what the real problem is and that if speed is the problem, enforcement should be increased. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that since people are not obeying the speed laws, it should be treated as a DPW Issue and physical impediments need to be installed. 13, TRAFFIC HIGHWAYS STREETS, SIDEWALKS PARKING, CREEKS_AND B ID TEM . A. Board of Public 'Works Support of Proposed Capital Project. By Mayor Cohen; Seconded by Commissioner Vargas WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has submitted a proposed Capital Project to implement traffic calming measures in the area of the Beverly J. Martin, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received many requests over the past several years to improve safety; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recognizes the current traffic problems and safety concerns near the Beverly J. Martin School, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board supports the proposed Capital Project for $23,142 which includes installation of new traffic signals and traffic calming measures, and be it further Page - 3 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 13, 1997 RESOLVED, That the board strongly encourages the Budget and Administration Committee to accept the proposed Capital Project to implement the proposed changes. Discussion followed concerning the cost. Asst. Supt. Ferrel was concerned that the work will cast more. It was decided that if additional funding is required, a request to increase the Capital Project can be made. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows The meeting adjourned at 6-CC p.m. Carried Unanimously (5 -0) Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 4