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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 Page - 1 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. Page - 2 (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. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary