HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2001-01-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. January 10, 2001
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Commissioners (4) - Beach, Leonardo, Gutenberger, Jenkins
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy Clerk – Korherr
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Ferrel
Common Council Liaison - Hershey
EXCUSED: Commissioner(s) Korherr, Vargas-Mendez
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Mayor Cohen stated that staff from the Planning Dept. will be
presenting a parking item under new business.
Parking on Inlet Island – Presentation
Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development Director
Cornish presented the Board with a viable option for
perpendicular parking along Old Taughannock Boulevard at Inlet
Island. The plan proposes 90 degree parking along the western
edge on the city right of way, creating approximately 60 parking
spaces along the west side. Planning and Economic Development
Director VanCort noted that backing out of these spaces may be
difficult at times but that Old Taughannock Boulevard is not a
heavily trafficked city street. New liability issues would not be
created by the change in parking. Mr. VanCort added that the
issue of street abandonment could be evaluated at a later date.
He further stated that the current parking needs of the
businesses would best be met with this plan and that the parking
regulations should create 24 hour parking to prevent vehicle
storage.
Commissioner Jenkins arrived at 4:50 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
Planning Director Van Cort continued the Inlet Island parking
discussion. Mayor Cohen noted that Southern inlet island parking
will also be made available and a designer is currently being
sought to evaluate the possibility of a future parking garage.
The priority of other city garages will be addressed through a
parking study. Inlet island will be included in the comprehensive
study. The southern site parking lot size would accommodate
approximately 60 vehicles.
Superintendent Gray expressed his concern over the future
liabilities that may exist with delivery vehicles and other
trucks accessing this narrow area.
Inlet Island Parking
WHEREAS, The master plan for Inlet Island calls for perpendicular
parking along Taughannock Blvd, and
WHEREAS, That plan was made part of the city’s comprehensive plan
by Common Council, and
WHEREAS, there is existing parking demand on the Northern end of
Inlet Island that is not being met with the existing facilities,
now, therefore, be it
Board of Public Works – January 10, 2001 - Page 2
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorize that
the West side of the Taughannock Blvd right of way be signed for
perpendicular parking from the southern end of M.R.I.’s property,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that any improvements, specifically including wheel
stops, demarcation parking stalls, to the edge of the right of
way will be funded by MRI Realty, once the city surveys the edge
of the property, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an
agreement with M.R.I. for the improvements that are outlined in
this resolution, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that maintenance of the aforementioned parking will be
the responsibility of M.R.I.
Commissioner Beach questioned the delay of abandoning Old
Taughannock Blvd. Superintendent Gray expressed his desire to
abandon the street since the vehicle and traffic issues would be
resolved. Commissioner Leonardo confirmed that the City would
then be the owner of abandoned property.
Power to Act
By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act at their January 17, 2001 meeting of the Committee
of the Whole to discuss parking changes relating to the large
scale version of the 1998 Inlet Island Urban Design Plan.
Carried Unanimously
Election of Vice Chair
By Commissioner Gutenberger: Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That Joseph Leonardo be appointed the Vice Chair of the
Board of Public Works for 2001.
Carried Unanimously
2001 Board of Public Works Liasons
Mayor Cohen noted the following 2001 liason appointments:
Public Art and Design Committee: Gutenberger
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Hershey
Capitol Projects Committee: Leonardo and Korherr
Commons Advisory Board: Korherr
Conservation Advisory Board: Jenkins
Parks Commission: Jenkins
Planning Board: Beach
Natural Areas Commission: Vargas-Mendez
SJS Sewer Committee: Gutenberger and Leonardo
Youth Bureau Advisory Board: Vargas-Mendez
Golf Course Committee: Gutenberger, Korherr, Leonardo
Board of Public Works Commissioners E-Mail Accounts
Commissioner Leonardo expressed his desire for a ci.ithaca.ny.us
e-mail address. Mayor Cohen will check into the option for Board
members.
Board of Public Works – January 10, 2001 - Page 3
New Business:
Asst. Superintendent Ferrel presented a drug and alcohol policy
which must be formally adopted by a governing body. The original
policy was approved by the Board of Public Works in 1996. The
revisions included in the draft update the policy to current
standards. Mayor Cohen will determine whether the city is in
compliance with federal law with Board of Public Works approval
only. Mayor Cohen stated that this policy will be added to the
Committee of the Whole agenda for February 7, 2001. A copy will
be sent to CSEA Representative Joe Maratea with the option for
him to address the Board at that time.
Superintendent of Public Works Gray presented the Board with a
spreadsheet outlining a bid for the Linn Street bridge
replacement. The low bid was $ 70,000 higher than the amount
budgeted for the bridge replacement. Due to the urgent need for
project completion, the Board agreed that the overage should be
absorbed with other project funds and the net difference could be
taken to the B&A Committee at a later date for additional funds
if needed.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen
Deputy City Clerk Mayor