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
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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
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