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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