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