HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-05-19BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
May 19, 1999
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Leonardo,
Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant
Superintendent Fabbroni.
Mayor Cohen chaired the meeting.
Additions: Lake Source Cooling Concerns
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Lake Source Cooling Project Concerns
Judith Allen and Ben Nichols were present to address the board. Ms. Allen noted that
on May 18th, she woke up to find that there was no water at her residence, nor at her
neighbors. She proceeded to make phone calls and was told by Water and Sewer that
the city was not handling the situation and that the LSC contractor had shut off the
IL water. Mr. Nichols noted that the high school did not have water as well but was later
identified as their problem. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained that the water was to be
shut off for 15 minutes but complications resulted in several hours. He added that the
receptionist at the water department should have been able to give a more informed
answer since there are city crews on site at all times. Discussion followed concerning
communication improvements between the contractor and the city.
?. Update on Commons Design
Joe Daley was present to report on the Commons Design Committee. He reminded the
board that the report outlining proposed changes had been previously distributed. He
added that it was not the committee's intention to fund a new project but rather
complete the changes as maintenance work from the existing DPW budget. Mr. Daley
proceeded to tell the board that the changes were based on safety and advertising.
The committee's goal was to make the Commons friendlier and a more flexible space.
He added that there is a perception that safety is a problem. Comm. Ehrhardt told Mr.
Daley that he didn't feel the city should be blamed for the businesses marketing
problems. Mr. Daley stated that he disagreed since public space impacts on the taxes
and that private and public entities should take initiative to make improvements.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that infrastructure and safety issues did not prevent the large
number of people to attend the recent Angelheart sale. Discussion followed concerning
cleanliness of the Commons and the upcoming Ithaca Festival. It was requested that
some power washing take place to improve the appearance. This item will continue at
a future meeting.
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 19, 1999
3. Update on Cleveland Avenue
Tom West, Civil Engineer and Mary Zebell, Landscape Architect for IURA, were
present to address the board concerning the proposed changes to Cleveland Avenue.
Discussion followed concerning four proposals which help define the residential area
from the commercial area. Alderperson Hershey reviewed the background of this
situation. He explained that a local developer threatened to buy houses in the area
and take them down to expand the commercial area. An agreement was settled on
between the city and the developer to extend the commercial zone in order to save the
homes. Lynne Jacquier of 220 Cleveland Avenue spoke to the board. She noted that
she supports the installation of a traffic barrier. In addition, she told the board that it is
not fair that one individual with money can force a neighborhood to change. Dave
Elliott, another resident of Cleveland Avenue, also spoke in favor of the installation of a
traffic barrier. Evans W. Bailey of 211 Cleveland Avenue spoke against moving the
zoning area. He added that it is a family oriented area and making a zoning change
would drive residents out of the area. Linda Thornhill of 112 Cleveland Avenue spoke
to the board in favor of traffic calming. She added that she is appalled and disgusted
that a developer can threaten the city and have zoning changed as a result of it. Lucy
Hassinger stated that she is probably the newest member of the neighborhood and how
she's noticed it is very community oriented. She added that it is surrounded by Routes
13, 79 and Clinton Street which are all high volume traffic. Comm. Ehrhardt noted a
resolution passed by the board which approved of a traffic barrier based on the building
by the developer. He questioned if the board wanted to continue since there is no
longer an agreement with the developer and the city? The consensus of the board was
to continue since traffic calming was requested prior to the developer's plans. Supt.
Gray noted that the board should receive input from the fire and police departments.
Alderperson Samms also spoke on behalf of the neighborhood. This item will return to
a future meeting.
4. Update on Giles Street Bridge
Dan Hoffman, resident of Giles Street, was present to address the board. He stated
that he would like to see pedestrian access maintained during the bridge reconstruction
but understood that the cost did not allow for it. He added that he hoped that the work
would not impact the natural areas. It was noted that the contract will take measures to
insure netting is put up to avoid debris being dropped in the creek. Discussion followed
on the lane widths and design of the bridge.
Page - 2
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
May 19, 1999
5. Property Concerns at 608 East Seneca Street
Richard Holgate, owner of 608 East Seneca Street was present to protest a trash
violation he received. He explained to the board that he is not upset with the fine but
rather the fact that he tries to follow regulations while his neighbors have had trash and
a couch outside of their house for several weeks. It was explained that his complaint
about his neighbor could only be handled by the Building Department. This item will be
forwarded to the Code Enforcement Officer.
The second item for discussion was the previous resolution the board passed
concerning Mr. Holgate's sidewalk. Mr. Holgate repaired the sidewalk without a permit
and the sidewalk does not meet the criteria adopted by the city. Mr. Holgate had been
told that he would have to sign an indemnification or otherwise, the sidewalk would
have to be torn out and replaced. Mr. Holgate agreed to sign the indemnification at the
meeting.
6. Staff Report
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported on the status of Lake Source Cooling. He noted that the
Cr recent problem of water being turned off for an extensive period will be addressed.
The meeting adjourned at 6 :30 p.m.
Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
Page - 3