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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-04-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 7, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Mayor Cohen chaired the meeting. Additions: Parking in Collegetown Staff Report There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Keguest for Waiver of Pavilion Fee at Stewart Park Sgt. Williams from the Ithaca Police Department addressed the board on this issue. He is requesting that the pavilion fee be waived for the annual Pud's Run as well as restrict vehicular use during the race. Supt. Gray noted that the fee has not been waived in the past and that the park is a public area. Comm. Korherr noted that if this request is granted, it will "open the flood gates" for not for profit organizations to make the same request. Comm. Gutenberger and Leonardo agreed. Discussion followed concerning whether the organization was city funded and since it is not, they should be required to pay. Discussion also included the restriction of traffic within the park. Sgt. Williams noted that the traffic will only be restricted during the time of the race. It was noted that other organizations using the park for races do not have exclusive use of the park. Investigator Mike Gray was also present and noted that he felt the city should grant the request to memorialize the fallen officer. Comm. Vargas noted that although it may be a worthy cause, other worthy causes have had their requests for waiver turned down based on the board's policy. The board agreed to vote on two resolutions at the next meeting addressing both requests. 2. Request for State Street Bricks This item has been forwarded to the board by the ILPC which has approved of the usage of the State Street Bricks. The St. James A.M.E. Zion Church is requesting that the board waive the fee of obtaining 1,750 bricks. The bricks will be used at a memorial for 27 African - American soldiers from Ithaca who fought in the Civil War. Supt. Gray noted that there have been instances for waivers in the past and that the supply of bricks is substantial. The board agreed to vote on a resolution to grant the waiver for obtaining State Street bricks. 3. Reconstruction of Elm Street Tom West, Civil Engineer, was present to discuss the proposed reconstruction of the 400 block of Elm Street. He noted that the work is on the DPW work program for 1999. Mr. West briefly reviewed the five alternate proposals while recommending the first proposal to be adopted. The recommended proposal includes an uphill lane of 14 feet Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole April 7, 1999 with a three foot stabilized shoulder and a down hill lane of 11 feet with a six foot stabilized shoulder. He noted that the pavement width will allow for a bike lane. Pat McClary of 414 Elm Street was present to express her opposition to the widening of the street from its current width of 22 feet. She stated that she believes with a wider road, speed will increase. She also noted that she rarely sees bicyclists on that street. Jim Dormady, resident of 403 Elm Street was also present and agreed with Ms. McClary. He added that he would like to see "Deer Crossing" signs installed as well. He explained that there have been numerous accidents involving deer. Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole was asked to look into the installation of such a sign. The board agreed to vote on a resolution at the next regular board meeting to approve of the proposed design. 3. Update on Albany /Spencer /Elmira Intersection Discussion centered on traffic impacts from the upcoming Southwest Area Development Plan. Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, noted that all the alternatives presented to the board reduce capacity and suggested that the consultant from the development plan be allowed to review the proposed designs. The consensus of the board was to forward all proposals to the consultant for input. This item will continue at a future meeting. 4. Update on Truck Route Signs Dan Cole, Traffic Systems Engineer, informed the board that signs have been ordered and some are in place. 5. Parking In Collegetown Comm. Gutenberger explained to the board that merchants are concerned with the hours of operation for the Dryden Road Parking Garage. She noted that the garage is full all day and the cars seem to leave when the attendant is off duty. She suggested that a full time attendant be in the booth. Supt. Gray and Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the garage was formerly in operation 24 hours a day and because of budgeting cuts, personnel was reduced. This item will be discussed further during the budget process. 6. Staff Report. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni updated the board on Lake Source Cooling. He noted that the Lake Street Bridge will be closed the first part of May for work under the bridge. He told the board that the contractor is undertaking a very aggressive schedule. They have hired someone to deal solely with communications and they also have a safety officer on site. Page - 2 Board of Public Works r Committee of the Whole April 7, 1999 Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported to the board on the following: Highway Crews - Street cleaning will start next week, Status of the property replacement for South West Park at Landstrom Property, Storm Sewer Work on Mitchell Street is wrapping up, Training on the new catch basin cleaner (which was partially funded by Water and Sewer) is complete and the machine is ready to be used, Crews have been working on filling pot holes with a new material which is more costly, but should stay in place longer, Crews will soon start attending work zone safety classes. Parks and Forestry Crews - Crews have started cleaning creek banks on the north side of town, Andy Hillman has submitted two grant applications, Application for Local Government Achievement award has been sent in, for the production of a video and booklet on bare root plantings., Cornell has donated 50 uncommon species that were in their test gardens. Building Systems - Removal of graffiti is an ongoing project, City Hall painting is ongoing, Ongoing work at Southside and GIAC. Sign Shop - Installation of residential parking area on Maple Grove has been completed, 2 hour parking signs went up on Taughannock Blvd. and 400 block of Tioga St. Stewart Park Carousel should be ready to assemble and test the first part of May. Recent personnel changes have allowed for some promotions. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3