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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-08-18BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 18, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. Additions to the agenda: Power to Act on Request for Parking Changes on South Geneva Street Odd/Even Parking Discussion Power to Act on Request to Close Dryden Road at Eddy Street There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Power to Act on Request for Parking Changes on South Geneva Street Comm. Ehrhardt gave an overview on the history of this item. Comm. Ehrhardt recommended that the resolution as presented be amended. Change in Parking Regulations for 200 Block of South Geneva Street. WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received requests for parking changes to the 200 Block of South Geneva Street; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby changes the parking in the 200 block of South Geneva Street to 2 hour parking from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Discussion followed. AMENDING RESOLUTION By Comm. Ehrhardt, seconded by Comm. Gutenberger. RESOLVED, That the following resolved clause be included: "RESOLVED, That the unrestricted 24 hour parking space between 228 South Geneva Street and the corner with Clinton Street, put in place by the Board of Public Works with their resolution dated June 9, 1999, be retained." Discussion followed. Comm. Korherr noted that he would not vote for the amendment since he felt it was not a consistent regulation. He added that the board should take the recommendation from staff since they are the professionals. Comm. Leonardo agreed stating that other property owners also want a 24 hour space and that it is not possible. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that he felt that this situation deserved an exception and that the board has taken appropriate action on the issue. A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 18, 1999 Ayes: (5) Cohen, Jenkins, Ehrhardt, Vargas, and Gutenberger Nays: (2) Korherr, Leonardo Carried Main Motion as Amended. A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows: Ayes: (5) Cohen, Jenkins, Ehrhardt, Vargas, and Gutenberger Nays: (2) Korherr, Leonardo Carried 2. Request for "Na Parkin " SiL., is - 200 Block of Columbia Street. Peter and Carol Seligmann were present to request the installation of "No Parking" signs near their daughter's driveway in the 200 block of Columbia Street. Comm. Ehrhardt read the Traffic System's Engineer recommendation along with an excerpt from the City Code. It noted that installation of these types of signs are allowable at a cost of $50. Discussion followed concerning whether previous requests for these signs were required to pay. The board will vote on a resolution presented at their next meeting. 3. Presentation of "Master Plan and Tree invento Re ort ". Andy Hillman, City Forester, was present to address the board. He noted that the Shade Tree Advisory Committee had worked on this document and now needs approval from the board. He explained that their goal is to maintain a diversified forest within the city. He added that if this is not accomplished, diseases such as Dutch Elm disease could wipe out most of the trees in one area. He noted that he is trying to have no more than 5% of any one species. Mr. Hillman indicated that the committee has surveyed the entire city for possible planting areas in order to fully stock the city. He explained that sometimes removal of trees are necessary due to safety or the health of the tree. He told the board that quite often homeowners experience problems with roots in their sewer lines. When this is the case, it is almost always the cause of a broken sewer line. Mayor Cohen questioned if the tree ordinance is followed by the city crews. Mr. Hillman indicated that the city is the biggest violator. He explained that acquiring a permit was mainly for information purposes so that if in the future a problem occurs with the tree they may be able to link it back to work done near it. This may result in the removal of the tree. The board will vote to approve this report at its next regular meeting. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 18, 1999 4. Odd/Even Parking Discussion Officer Dan Slattery was present from the Ithaca Police Department. Officer Slattery told the board that there seems to be problems with this regulation. He stated that he understands it is in place for street cleaning but that cleaning doesn't seem to happen regularly. Mayor Cohen told Officer Slattery that a sub - committee has been working on this item and that a proposal should be brought forward soon. It was noted that the committee should meet with Officer Slattery prior to giving their recommendation. 5. Power to Act on Request to Close Dryden Road at Eddy Street It was noted that the Collegetown Merchant Association is planning to hold a freshman get together to introduce them to the Collegetown area. They plan to block off a portion of Dryden Road for a musical event. Discussion followed on the possibilities of granting this request. Request for Street Closure at Eddy and Dryden Road. By Mayor Cohen, Seconded by: Leonardo WHEREAS, the Collegetown business community has requested that the City close portions of Eddy Street and Dryden Road to traffic in order to accommodate a Cornell Freshman Orientation Event on August 25, 1999; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works received the request less than two weeks ago and does not have sufficient time to coordinate with the police department and fire department to close the streets as requested and still provide for public safety; and WHEREAS the Board of Public Works supports in concept the event which the Collegetown business community wants to initiate; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request to close any portion of any public street in Collegetown on August 25, 1999; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the use of Dryden Park for this event; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works will work with the Collegetown business community to organize such events in the future, including possible street closings, when requests to do so are made early enough to plan for public safety, at least sixty days in advance of the event. A vote resulted as follows: Page - 3 Carried Unanimously (5 -0) Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 18, 1999 6. Miscellaneous Discussion. Comm. Ehrhardt reviewed items for upcoming agendas. Discussion followed concerning a recent board decision. The board had reviewed a request to retain a second curb cut at Chabad House on Lake Street. The curb cut was to be removed in conjunction with the rebuilding of the street during Lake Source Cooling. The board agreed to let staff make the determination to remove the second curb cut. Common Council subsequently made a decision to have the second curb cut installed despite staff recommendation not to. The curb cut does not meet specifications and is therefore a liability to the city. Comm. Leonardo expressed his displeasure with Council's overruling action. Alderperson Hershey distributed the resolution passed by Council. He stated that the decision was not overruling the board but that a decision needed to be made in a timely manner so Council took action. Based on the information provided to Council it did not appear that any prior accidents were caused by the curb cut. Comm. Leonardo reiterated that staff was directed to make the decision. Comm. Gutenberger noted her concern on the legality of the installation and felt that the City Attorney should be consulted. She added that the city's decision may result in a liability for the Superintendent /City Engineer. Mayor Cohen noted that the city does not have to comply with the MUTCD if they are able to establish a defensible rationale with compelling evidence. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Page - 4 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary