Loading...
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