HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1998-09-08tw BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 8, 1998
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Leonardo, Smith, Vargas, Mayor
Cohen, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel.
Commissioner Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
There were no deletions from the agenda.
Additions: Mayor's Report
1. Concession Stand at Stewart Park.
John Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, was present to address the board. He explained to
the board that in 1981, the Department of Public Works handed over the concession
stand at Stewart Park to the Youth Bureau for them to run. The concessions have been
not been bringing in revenue and the Youth Bureau would like to turn it back over to the
department. He noted that the utility bills for the operations are very high. Comm.
Ehrhardt noted that the Capital Improvement Committee reviewed a proposal for
upgrade to the utilities at the facility but no action was taken. Discussion followed
concerning alternatives to the concession stand. The consensus of the board was to
shut down the stand and to allow push carts in the park.
2. Cleveland Avenue.
Kat Clute, Jill Hrubecky and Mary Zabell representatives of Community Development
were at the meeting to discuss the latest proposal concerning Cleveland Avenue. Ms.
Clute reviewed the scope of the project stating that the neighborhood is concerned with
traffic calming and increased lighting. She noted that they are ready to move forward
with a lighting proposal for $180,000 which will include installation of 25 street lights.
Ms. Hrubecky told the board that she has established some estimates for proposed
traffic calming devices which she will provide. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he did not
understand why this project has suddenly turned into a lighting project when the initial
concern was traffic calming. It was explained that the traffic counts taken did not
warrant traffic calming and that the neighborhood perception was that traffic is
speeding. Installation of lights would increase the security of the neighborhood. Mayor
Cohen told the board that a land owner in the area has proposed the construction of a
bank which would increase traffic. Through negotiations, it has been agreed upon that
the 100 block of Cleveland Avenue be blocked off mid block. This will alleviate a great
deal of traffic problems. Discussion continued concerning the installation of gateways
to the neighborhood and the installation of a cul -de -sac in the 100 block. The
consensus of the board was to approve of the project at the next regular voting
meeting.
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
September 8, 1998
3. East Spencer Street/Turner Place Intersection
The board discussed the proposed design for the intersection at
Spencer/Turner /Prospect. It is hoped that redesigning the intersection will reduce the
traffic volume on Spencer Street. This item will be discussed further at a future
meeting.
4. "No Truck" Signs on Non -truck Routes
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the Mayor will be sending a letter to NYSDOT along with a
map indicating where the city would like to locate "No Truck" signs. The city has
previously been told by the state that they will not give permission to put up the signs
on Route 13. An update on this item will be given upon receipt of notification from the
state.
5. Mayor's Report.
Mayor Cohen noted that the carousel in Stewart Park has been purchased and donated
to the city by an anonymous donor. He told the board that the city will be receiving an
additional $150,000 for traffic mitigation. Mayor Cohen noted the recent speed limit
change on Route 13. The limit has been changed from 45 to 30 in the area of Third
Street. There was also a speed limit change on Route 79, west of the city. The 30
MPH limit was extended 2/10 of a mile. Mayor Cohen elaborated on the discussions
held between the property owner on Cleveland Avenue and the city concerning the cul-
de -sac.
6. Closure of Stewart Park.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that IPD had requested the use of Stewart Park for the Pud's
Run. He added that they were not given permission to close the park since it is a
public park. It was brought to the department's attention that IPD closed Stewart Park
for the event. Comm. Ehrhardt stated that he wants to preserve a constructive attitude
with other departments but that the Police Department must be told what they did was
wrong and that this is not expected to happen again. Mayor Cohen told the board that
he would take action on this matter.
7. Request from Johnson Boat Yard
Details of this request was not clear to the board. Mayor Cohen noted that Mr.
Cleveland is requesting a change in the configuration of the driveway and that he is
willing to pay for the change. It was understood that Asst. Supt. Fabbroni has had
discussions with Mr. Cleveland and that a report from him is needed before this item is
pursued.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
September 8, 1998
8. Dryden Road Parking Garage Permit Hours
Mayor Cohen told the board that he received a request to change the current permit
hours. He explained that some businesses have work shifts which overlap the permit
hours requiring the purchase of two permits. He suggested that the permit hours be
changed in order to overlap. Discussion included the temporary crosswalk on College
Avenue during the construction at 312 College Avenue. The board agreed that the
permits should overlap and that a resolution should be presented at the next regular
meeting.
FOLLOW UP NOTE: The current hours for the Dryden Road parking permits are 6:00
a.m. until 9:30 p.m. for day permits and 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary