HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-12-08BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 8, 1999
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen,
Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni.
Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting.
Additions: Discussion of Possible Transfer of Artwork on Route 96 Bridge
Deletions: Input from Attorney's Office on Extension of park land and Roller Sports Park.
1. Request for Water and Sewer Bill Expungement 131 Haller Boulevard
Supt. Gray explained that Mr. Stavropoulos built his home with living space in the basement that
is lower than the sewer lines. This created several options for the homeowner including the use of
a sewer pump, which Mr. Stavropoulos did not want to use. He added that he has reviewed the
bill with Asst. Supt. Fabbroni and feels comfortable with the bill based on the work performed.
Mike Hovanec, the builder hired by Mr. Stavropoulos, indicated that he did not receive a written
estimate from the city, which is standard practice. He indicated that the crews stated they
believed the work would cost double the usual installation. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni explained that
the work was underway when the Mr. Hovanec's foreman changed the point of entry into the
home. He noted that the crews dug five feet deep at the manhole and by the time they reached the
home, they were at eight feet. He added that the city has not given out estimates in over 20 years.
Discussion followed concerning the city's policy, options that the homeowner had for installing
the service and possible reduction in the bill. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the board review
the information they were provided and continue with this item at a later meeting.
2. Request for Waiver of Requirement of Independent Service to a Second Dwelling
Supt. Gray explained that the owner of the property wants to turn the garage into an apartment
and is requesting that the service for the existing home be used. The City Code requires separate
services for each dwelling. He noted that the board has the authority to allow the request. Supt.
Gray told the board that he has been made aware that the owner is currently out of the country
and will not return until the end of January. The consensus of the board was to hold off on this
item until February when the owner could attend the meeting.
3. TCAT input for South of the Creek Traffic Calming
Supt. Gray distributed the proposed bus route to serve Titus Towers. He noted that it was
TCAT's intention to change the routes prior to the proposal of traffic calming in the
neighborhood.
3B. Design of Traffic Calming for South of the Creek
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that Traffic Engineer, Dan Cole, has provided them with two designs, one
diverter being passable while the other is not. Mayor Cohen noted that he spoke with the Fire
Chief who indicated that non - passable diverters are acceptable. Alderperson Hershey suggested
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
December 8, 1999
that a more temporary design be put in place prior to gravel and railroad tie diverters. This would
allow staff to review traffic flows. Discussion continued on temporary diverters. It was
suggested that jersey barriers be obtained for situations like this and other future uses. Comm.
Ehrhardt noted that traffic calming should be implemented with the diverters to make the changes
affective. Discussion continued regarding how the traffic pattern would relate to the GEIS and
how some funding may be available to execute these changes. This item will be forwarded to
Planning and Development for inclusion with the GEIS. Comm. Ehrhardt will present a
resolution for a vote at the next regular meeting.
4. Discussion of Possible Resolution to Re uire Helmets and Pads at Roller Sports Park.
Comm. Ehrhardt suggested passing a resolution urging Common Council to pass a resolution that
would require users of the Roller Sports Park to wear helmets and safety pads. Mayor Cohen
told the board that the design sub - committee as well as the Attorney's Office has looked at this
item and the appropriate signage has been installed. He added that the City is trying to find a way
to subsidize a give -away program so users will have safety equipment. Supt. Gray told the board
that he believes that if the City requires use of safety equipment, the area would have to be fenced
and attended in order to enforce the use. Mayor Cohen suggested that additional consideration be
given to this item.
5. Discussion of Possible Resolution to Extend Titus Triangle Park.
Mayor Cohen noted that Supt. Gray is concerned about `de- parking' the area in the future if the
park is extended. He noted that it is possible, although another area would need to be substituted
for it. Discussion followed on what possible uses for the area would be in the immediate and
distant future. It was agreed that a resolution would be presented at the next regular meeting to
allow for the expansion of the park to include the abandoned street and creek bank.
6. Discussion of Possible Resolution to Re uire Stamped Crosswalks when Streets are
Resurfaced.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained that he added this item to the agenda since current striping of
crosswalks is not effective because the paint does not last. Comm. Leonardo questioned what the
cost for this work would be. Comm. Gutenberger suggested that more time be given to the
stamped walk in Collegetown before making this type of a decision. Asst. Supt. Ferrel explained
that the City does not have the type of equipment to do the work and therefore, must hire it out.
He noted that it should last for years and that traffic wear will be a factor. The consensus of the
board was to hold off on a decision until a later date.
I Discussion of Possible Transfer of Artwork on Route 96 Bridge.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained to the board that he has received complaints concerning the artwork
installed on the Route 96 bridge and believes it may be better suited for another space within the
City. Supt. Gray noted that the artwork is a product of a process and that more information and
input should be received from the people who were involved. The consensus was to contact the
Planning Department to identify the artwork committee of the board's intention.
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(W Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
December 8, 1999
8. Staff Reports
Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the following items:
Crews started leaf pick up last month and are continuing.
The Solid Waste crews will be reduced in 2000, which will have an impact on yard waste
collection.
Crews have reset curbing on Dryden Road and will contract the brick work for the tree
lawn area.
Conduit for City Hall generator is underway.
Ditch and culvert cleaning on West Hill is underway.
Ferris Place has been blocked off as directed by the board.
Golf course has closed for the season; revenue seems to exceed expenditures.
Swans have been moved from Stewart Park to the Seacord property for the winter.
Two employees will be retiring by the end of the month, and one office clerk position is
now open due to an arbitration decision.
Engineering projects include first floor renovation design which is underway and should be
out to bid soon.
East Clinton Street Bridge scouring is underway. Sheet pile driving is complete.
Inspection on the Stewart Avenue Bridge over Cascadilla Creek revealed more
deterioration than what was expected.
Cleveland Avenue work is completed.
Design for a water line to be installed on the Linn Street Bridge is underway.
Supt. Gray reported to the board that he, along with 70 other members of the city, county, Town
of Ithaca and Cornell, attended a one -week Emergency Management Training in
Maryland. He indicated that it was a valuable learning experience.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary