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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-11-03BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 3, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. Additions: Update on Franklin Street Traffic Calming. There were deletions from the agenda. 1. Update on Pedestrian Bridge Over Route 13 at Buttermilk Falls Supt. Gray noted that a consultant has been hired to construct a model which will be presented to the board at a future meeting. 2. Request for Handicap Parking Space on Pleasant Street Supt. Gray explained that a request has been received for a space on Pleasant Street. He pointed out that the property contains a driveway with a two car garage and that normally these requests are denied. Comm. Ehrhardt asked staff to present criteria and guidelines at the next COW meeting for the board to adopt. 3. Update on "No Parking" Signs on Columbia Street Supt. Gray told the board that the parking on Columbia near Hudson has been changed in accordance to their resolution on September 8, 1999. The Committee of the Whole Meeting Adjourned for a Special Voting Meeting. Award of Bid for Scour Repairs at East Clinton Street Bridge By: Mayor Cohen, seconded by Commissioner Korherr. WHEREAS, bids were received on October 26, 1999 for scour repair at the East Clinton Street Bridge, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the board award the contract to the low bidder; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for the scour repairs at the East Clinton Street Bridge to Economy Paving Co., 34 Franklin Street, Cortland, New York 13045 for their low base bid of $64,800, and be it further RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Economy Paving Co. Carried Unanimously The special meeting adjourned and the Committee of the Whole meeting resumed. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole November 3, 1999 4. Design of Diverters for Wood and South Street and Design of Traffic Calming for South Albany and South Titus (Per BPW Resolution of 9/29/99) Comm. Ehrhardt noted that Park Street will not be a one -way street as originally planned. He suggested that a half closure of the street at Albany Street be designed. This was one of the traffic calming measures mentioned during the recent Traffic Calming Client Committee meetings. Comm. Gutenberger questioned if input from the Fire and Police departments had been received and what type of material would be used to construct the diverters? Supt. Gray told the board that he would expect the design to include timbers or railroad ties and gravel. Mayor Cohen reported that Chief Wilbur did not have concerns with the proposals. John Beach of BPAC questioned if the board would be doing some public service announcements to alert the public? Discussion followed concerning alerting the public and suggesting alternate routes. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the heavy traffic on Albany can be calmed by narrowing the street. Comm. Korherr suggested that the board may want to set priorities before doing some of the work, including modifications to the intersection at Meadow and Old Elmira Road. Discussion included widening of the bridge on Route 13 over Six Mile Creek. The board's consensus was that if traffic is forced onto Route 13, NYSDOT will be forced to make changes to the bridge. Alderperson Hershey warned the board that causing a bottleneck would only defeat the purpose of changes on Albany Street. In addition, the plan may be transparent and the state may tell the city to undo the changes that created the problems on Route 13. Comm. Korherr added that because of the state's process, we may have to live with a bottlenecked arterial for a long time. Mayor Cohen recommended that a written proposal be undertaken in order for the state to add the project to the TIP. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the design process move forward to include consultant, Steve Ferranti's suggestions. 5. Repair of Fence and Gate at Auburn Street Park. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that the gate is scheduled for repair. Alderperson Hershey questioned the state of the playground and asked for an evaluation. Asst. Supt. Ferrel noted that he believed there were plans for replacement but that he'd have to confirm that. 6. Update on Franklin Street Traffic Calming Comm. Korherr questioned what the status of Franklin Street traffic calming was? Supt. Gray told the board that he would have a map and a resolution available at the next regular meeting. Alderperson Hershey suggested that Alderperson Taylor and the three day care facilities be notified of the meeting. 7. Discussion of Recommendation to Council on Pro nosed Bike Routes. Comm. Ehrhardt reminded the board that he asked for each member to provide their opinion of the proposal and input from the public hearing held on September 29, 1999. Discussion involved the notes from Comm. Korherr and Gutenberger. Their ideas were similar in that they believe designated routes are not necessary and are costly. Both indicated that educating bike riders is an important step. Comm. Korherr noted that there seemed to very few dedicated commuter Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole November 3, 1999 bicyclists compared to the leisure cyclists. He added that he believed a tremendous amount of time and money has been spent on a project being pushed by a vocal minority. John Beach of the BPAC noted that Tompkins County does not have a Traffic Safety Board which disqualifies the county for state funding that would provide education and signage. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he is the minority on the board and that he feels that the money earmarked for the project, should be spent on making bike lanes. He noted that a bike plan was adopted and that riding in the street without a designated lane is dangerous. Mayor Cohen noted that he agreed with the majority of the board and that he would not support removal of parking on Cayuga Street. Alderperson Hershey noted that there are other things that the money could be used for to improve the atmosphere for bike riders. He added that the Common Council adopted the spirit of the bicycle plan and that he did not think they would approve the board's proposed plan. He then suggested that a board member, who is not in favor of the plan, be present during the presentation to Council. 8. Staff Reports Supt. Gray told the board that fall tree planting is underway. - crews have begun to winterize, including removal of leaves from catch basins. - City Hall, first floor design is underway and should be out to bid soon. - Skate Park is complete and open. - GIAC step reconstruction design is underway. - Sidewalk contract is complete. - Brick Sidewalk in collegetown is in need of repair, which should be done soon. - 300 block of State Street brick work should be completed by the end of the week. - Lake Source Cooling project is being closed out. - Stabilization of East Clinton Street Bridge should be complete soon. - City is negotiating the sale of Carpenter Business Park. - Consultant for bridges on Giles and Linn Street have updated the schedules and should be underway early next year, - New Engineering Technician, Jeff Schenck was recently hired to fill vacancy. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3