HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-02-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. February 17, 1998
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (6) - Ehrhardt, Vargas, Gutenberger, Jenkins,
Leonardo, Smith
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Marcham
Alderperson Vaughan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 1998 Board of Public
Works Meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 1998 Board of Public
Works meeting was postponed until the March meeting.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business
Commissioner Ehrhardt requested the addition of Item 19.C – IPD
Mounted Patrol – Discussion.
No Board member objected.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Holcomb reported on the resignation of the Deputy
City Clerk, and noted that the distribution of Board minutes
will be delayed until the Clerk’s Office acquires an additional
staff member.
TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING, CREEKS AND
BRIDGES ITEMS:
Right on Red Signage at Dryden Road and College Avenue
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Vargas
WHEREAS, the intersection of Dryden Road and College Avenue is
used by a large number of pedestrians many hours of the day and
warrants restriction of the usual Right Turn on Red privilege,
and
WHEREAS, the existing “No Turn on Red” signs at this
intersection are not presently placed for optimal visibility to
drivers, and
WHEREAS, the most effective placement of the “No Turn on Red”
sign is for it to be suspended from the traffic signal, where
presently is hung a sign directing drivers to the Dryden Road
Parking Garage; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Department
of Public Works to remove the sign presently hanging from the
February 17, 1998
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traffic signal at this intersection and to replace it with “No
Turn on Red” signs, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Department of Public Works to utilize whatever materials and
configuration for the “No Turn on Red” signs which allow for it
to be hung from the traffic signal in a manner clearly visible
to drivers and within the specifications for weight and wind-
load for the signal pole in question, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Department of Public Works to maintain alternate signage
directing drivers to the Dryden Road Parking Garage, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Department
of Public Works to paint the crosswalks at this intersection in
1998 with diagonal striping to maximize visibility to both
pedestrians and drivers.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the painting of
crosswalk vs. bricking crosswalks or painting stop bars. The
purpose of crosswalks is meant to back cars away from the
intersection and funnel pedestrians into one walkway.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Smith
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as
follows:
“RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Department
of Public Works to install brick crosswalks and provide stop
bars at this intersection in 1998 to maximize visibility to both
pedestrians and drivers.”
Carried Unanimously
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the “No Turn
on Red” sign installation in relation to the wind load of the
poles.
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Reduced Monthly Permit at Dryden Road Parking Garage
By Commissioner Ehrhardt: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, Cindy Wasleff has requested a discount parking permit
for use of the Dryden Road Parking Garage for 60 hours per
month, and
WHEREAS, granting such a request would constitute an exception
to the existing pricing structure and the Board of Public Works
believes that it is unwise to set a precedent for making such
exceptions; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request for
a special discount parking permit for limited use of the Dryden
Road Parking Garage.
Mayor Cohen recused himself from the vote due to his working
relationship with the person making the request.
February 17, 1998
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A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Ehrhardt, Jenkins, Smith, Leonardo, Vargas
Gutenberger
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Cohen
Carried
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray reported on the following matters:
Stewart Avenue Landslide – the landslide project is nearly
complete.
Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported on the following
matters:
Highways: Stone Quarry Road sink hole repairs; Traffic Island
Installation at Stewart Avenue and Campus Road; Adams Street
Footbridge deck temporary repairs; Pothole patching
Parks & Forestry: tree trimming/removal; Stabilization of
Red Oak tree in City cemetery; Spring tree planting order
has been placed; Structural Soil Video has been produced
Electricians: Frosh Alley lighting preparations
Transit: Transit Consolidation issues are being discussed; A
route and fare change survey is being conducted; the signage
project is underway
Other items: Cold Storage building is under construction;
Parking Equipment problem solving
Discussion followed on the temporary traffic island installation
At Stewart Ave & Campus Road. This project should be reviewed
by the Board before it is made permanent. Items to be reviewed
include the possibility of acquiring funding from Cornell
University for pedestrian crosswalk and beautification purposes.
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer Fabbroni reported on
the following matters:
Stewart Avenue landslide – sewer replacement
Water main installation in VIP/Cellular One Plaza
Construction season preparation
Water system improvements near Ithaca High School
Sewer replacement – Falls Street, York Street area
Sewer Plant improvements – 5th pump has been hooked up
Safety Awards – received from the NYS Water & Environment
Assoc.; Jose Lozano received a National Award for research from
the Water & Environment Assoc.
Pump Stations – equipment is out to bid
Remote monitoring equipment for Wood Street, Elmira Road and
Cherry Street pump stations; Stewart Park and Cass Park Pump
Stations are scheduled for remote monitoring soon
Water Treatment Plant – Policy negotiations – preliminary design
is due in May
Route 96 project paperwork preparation
Moving from Greenhouse shop
Lake Source Cooling project time table
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REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Commissioner Ehrhardt reported on the following matters:
The Traffic sub-committee is considering significant traffic
changes at the intersection of East Spencer/Turner/Prospect.
The Bicycle Advisory Committee needs to be advised of proposal
to solicit input. The Fire Department has responded to the
proposed changes.
The SJS will be meeting in May, June, August, October, December.
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Alderperson Patricia Vaughan, Common Council Liaison to the Six
Mile Creek Committee, reported on the following actions of the
Six Mile Creek Committee:
The Committee unanimously passed a Resolution requesting that
they be informed in the City’s deliberations regarding the
upgrade and/or consolidation of the water supply system in a
timely fashion. They further requested the opportunity to
participate in the consideration of specific proposed actions
that could have a direct effect on the character of the Six Mile
Creek natural area including, but not limited to, repair or
upgrade of the raw water pipe line and related access needs,
construction of pre-sedimentation basins in the upper reservoir,
expansion or modification of the lagoon area, and
decommissioning of existing facilities in the event that Six
Mile Creek is abandoned as an active water source, with the goal
of developing a cooperative approach that minimizes any possible
negative impact. The resolution further urges Common Council
to make a strong, unequivocal commitment that even if the City
ceases to use Six Mile Creek as an active water source, there
will be no diminishment in the level of protection now awarded
the natural area, and no sale or conveyance of the land, now
owned by the City in the natural area for purposes that could
include development or reduced public access.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Water System
Working Group, and the future protection of the Six Mile Creek
watershed.
Natural Areas Commission Ordinance:
The Six Mile Creek Committee endorsed the Natural Areas
Commission Ordinance with the following amendments:
“Addition of human made elements shall be as minimal as
possible, shall primarily be in the form of hiking trails,
educational aides, and measures for public safety.”
Under the Six Mile Creek Nature area:
“Measures necessary to maintain the water supply system.”
The Six Mile Creek Committee has also asked that the wording
regarding Committee consultation be amended to read as follows:
“Except for necessary emergency repairs, no permanent changes
shall be made in the natural areas without prior approval from
the Board of Public Works or the Common Council, acting after
soliciting the advice of the Natural Areas Commission.”
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the Six
Mile Creek area being primarily the City’s main water source,
and secondarily, a natural area. Superintendent Gray was
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directed to forward his comments to the Buildings, Properties,
Transit, Parks, Water, Sewer & Solid Waste sub-committee which
will report back to the Board of Public Works at the next
Committee of the Whole meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
1999 Program Budget:
The Department of Public Works’ Program Analysis Committee
presentations will be held on June 8, July 13, and July 27,
1998. Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel
will present this information to the Board of Public Works in
May.
Sidewalk Program
Common Council members and members of the public are requesting
sidewalk installations in the following locations:
Cornell Street between East State Street and Belle Sherman
School
Meadow Street to West Clinton
Spencer Road/Elmira Road – downhill side of Spencer Road
Old Elmira Road from Baker Park to Ithaca Shopping Plaza.
Further discussion on these sites will occur during the creation
of the 1999 sidewalk program.
Ithaca Police Department Mounted Patrol:
Commissioner Ehrhardt led the Board in discussion regarding the
Ithaca Police Department’s proposed horse patrol. Commissioner
Ehrhardt voiced the following concerns:
Who will clean-up after the horses, and to what degree?
Comments have been made regarding using fresh horse manure as
fertilizer for the downtown planters;
Use of horses on the Commons / conflicts of current uses on the
Commons;
Use of CDBG funds for horse patrol;
Increased liability risk for the City;
Police Chief Basile responded that the mounted patrol would
consist of two horses that would be active a few days a week and
on special events. Chief Basile explained that the horse manure
does not pose a health hazard, and in fact will simply dry up
and blow away. Horse waste on the Commons would be cleaned up
immediately. Horse waste in pedestrian areas, etc. will be
cleaned by the Community Police Officers. Cleaning materials
would be stored strategically with store owners for quick
retrieval. The City’s insurance carrier will not require an
increase in insurance coverage in conjunction with the use of
horse patrols. The horses are docile animals will be tested and
trained specifically for mounted patrol duties.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb Alan J. Cohen
City Clerk Mayor