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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-11-17BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 17, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Request for Trash Violation Bill Expungements 507 East State Street Neal Howard, owner of 507 East State Street, was present to address the board concerning a trash violation received at his property. He indicated that the tenant moved on August I` and the violation was received on August 3rd. The bill was received on the 28`h of the month which he feels is not a timely manner. He noted that the city has a law to return the security deposit within 30 days and feels that the bill should have been received so he could have held the money from the tenant's deposit. Supt. Gray told the board that there is proof the material came from the property and that someone must have put it out. He added that according to the code, the department is required to bill for material left at the curb. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained the billing process and that it may take a week or two to generate a bill. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he believed a billing generated within 30 days is fairly quick and that possibly the law for returning the deposit should be changed to 45 days. The board decided to take up the next item to be considered in conjunction with the decision of this case. 2. Request for Trash Violation Bill Ex ungements 123 Cascadilla Avenue Steve Friedmutter, owner of 123 Cascadilla Avenue, was present and agreed with Mr. Howard concerning the city's billing and deposit return. He added that in his case, the bill was mailed to the former owner and he did not receive the bill in a timely manner. Supt. Gray explained that the billing is done according to the tax rolls received from the County Assessment Office. Mayor Cohen suggested that possibly the landlords could call to find out if there are any violations that have been incurred. A resolution will be presented to the board at their next regular meeting to deny both requests to expunge the trash violations. 3. Request for Expungement of Water and Sewer Bill 617 Cascadilla Street Nick Stavropoulos, owner of 617 Cascadilla Street, was present to address the board. Supt. Gray explained that he believed that this property was a rental where the outside meter read different from the inside and when the meter was read, the excess amount was found. It was noted that the inside meter was changed in 1990 just prior to when Mr. Stavropoulos purchased the property. Discussion followed on how to determine whether the water was used while Mr. Stavropoulos owned the property and how to detect discrepancies in the future. Supt. Gray noted that it is very time intensive to schedule annual meter readings for all properties but that property owners can request the meter to be read. In addition, if a property owner feels the meter is malfunctioning, it will be removed and calibrated at the owners expense, unless it is found to be faulty. The consensus of the board was to pass a resolution at the next regular meeting on December 15, 1999. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole November 17, 1999 4. Discussion of Guidelines for On- Street Handicap Parkin g_ft uests. Supt. Gray distributed guidelines that the department has followed when considering requests for on- street handicap parking. He indicated that these requests are usually denied. The board reviewed the handout and generally agreed with it. Anna Percey, of 317 South Aurora Street, was present to address the board concerning her request for on- street handicap parking. Supt. Gray pointed out that there is off-street parking available to her. Ms. Percey stated that her landlord will not allow her to park in that area. Discussion followed on Ms. Percey's lease, landlord responsibilities and state requirements. It was suggested that the Fingerlakes Independence Center be contacted in order to assist Ms. Percey in obtaining access to off - street parking. The board will vote on a resolution approving the guidelines for on- street handicap parking and a resolution concerning Ms. Percey's request. 5. Discussion of Titus Triangle - Parks Commission Resolution Comm. Ehrhardt explained that the Parks Commission is looking to expand Titus Triangle Park to the creek by tearing up the abandoned street. He noted that Supt. Gray is concerned that the street may be needed in the future. If the land is made into a park, it will be very difficult to reclaim as a street. Discussion followed regarding possible future plans and neighborhood impacts if the road is not tore up. Comm. Gutenberger suggested that the board receive input from the City Attorney concerning park status. The consensus of the board was to continue the discussion at the next COW meeting along with the City Attorney. 6. Resolution for Traffic Calming for Franklin Short Auburn and Jay Street area. Alderperson Hershey told the board that he felt that neighboring residents should be notified of the proposed changes. He then recommended that the board not take action on this until he spoke to the neighborhood again. He added that he believed the main source of the problem was the detour from Lake Source Cooling. He suggested that possibly with police enforcement, the situation can be remedied. Supt. Gray told the board that staffs initial response was that there is low volume and no speeding on the street. The board had power to act and voted on the resolution provided. Traffic Calming for Franklin Street. Moved by: Comm. Gutenberger, Seconded by Comm. Jenkins WHEREAS, staff reviewed the request for changes to traffic in the 100 block of Franklin Street to address speeding and excessive cut - through traffic, and WHEREAS, staff recorded traffic speed range from 24 to 27 mph, average daily traffic is 345 vehicles per day, with no known accident problem, and WHEREAS, there are three day care facilities on Franklin Street, most of the traffic volumes appear to be generated by the residents of the neighborhood and parents dropping children off at the day cares, and Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole November 17, 1999 WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works reviewed stars recommendation for no changes as well as the anecdotal input of the neighborhood, and WHEREAS, the Board sees this as an opportunity to experiment with some neighborhood traffic calming which deals with low volume internal traffic; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to install a traffic diverter on Auburn Street between its intersections with Franklin Street and Jay Street in order to break down interval traffic flows, and be it further RESOLVED, That the installed barrier shall provide spaces of four to five feet at either curb to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, strollers and drainage, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board would like updated traffic speeds and traffic counts when the weather allows in Spring 2000. Comm. Ehrhardt moved to Table this item until Alderperson Hershey is able to receive input from the neighborhood. Seconded by Comm. Gutenberger. A vote to table the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 7. Staff Reports Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the following: - Winterizing of snow removal equipment has begun - Leaf pickup has continued - Work is continuing on the driveway to the new fill site in Newfield - Parks and Forestry crews have done tree plantings in the Lake Source Cooling project area - Beavers in Stewart Park have destroyed some trees which were rooted in for planting - Electricians continue work on lighting in the 300 block of West State Street - Ithaca Downtown Partnership has purchased more holiday lighting for installation - Crews have been using the tub grinder in Southwest Park on accumulated yard waste - Landscaping is underway at the Roller Sports Park - Request have been received for additional trash barrels on West State Street; the board approved placement of three barrels in 1995 - Auburn Street Park fence and gate have been checked and a new gate has been installed. Page - 3 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole November 17, 1999 Discussion followed on several items which Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on. Comm. Jenkins questioned what the city's liability is at the Roller Park. The board decided that they'd like input from the City Attorney on the issue at their next COW meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Page - 4 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary