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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2002-10-09BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. October 9, 2002 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Commissioners (6) - Beach, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Dotson OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk – Korherr Deputy City Controller - Thayer Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Hershey PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the August 28, 2002 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 28, 2002 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. A vote on the minutes resulted as follows: Ayes (5) Gutenberger, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Beach, Jenkins Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Dotson Carried COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Alderperson Dan Cogan addressed the Board on the issue of abandoned shopping carts. He stated that there are approximately 200 shopping carts at collection points around the City that are causing a litter problem. He suggests that DPW staff return the current accumulation to the owners, foregoing the $5 current fee. In addition, he distributed, as a possible solution, information to the Board from a cart- locking system vendor. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Beach agreed that the code language should be enforced after this comprehensive clean up occurs. Commissioner Tsegaye requested that the supermarket managers be included in discussion. Mayor Cohen requested that Assistant Superintendent Ferrel manage the disposal or return of the current stockpile. Commissioner Leonardo asked that the item be added to a future agenda. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK: Final Approval of Mast Arm Design on Buffalo Street By Commissioner Leonardo: Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is undertaking a multi year program to upgrade traffic signal equipment in the downtown core, and WHEREAS, consultants and staff have recommended mast arm installations which resulted in significant discussions with neighborhood groups, especially the Washington Park neighborhood association, and WHEREAS, a recommendation for mast arm installation on Buffalo Street from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee (also after substantial discussion) has been adopted by the State making this a project requirement; now, therefore be it Board of Public Works – October 9, 2002 - Page 2 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the design for the traffic signal mast arm for the intersections on Buffalo Street. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye RESOLVED, That the following resolution replace the existing language: “RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby approves the black, fluted design without decorative corner bracing for three traffic signal mast arm installations for the intersections on Buffalo and Court Streets. Carried Unanimously Main Motion as Amended A vote on the main motion resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC Seneca Street Garage Renovations, Phase II By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca started renovation work in the Seneca Street Garage with the 2000 Phase I work, and WHEREAS, coordination of the Phase II work (which includes repair/replacement/renovation of east and west stair towers of structural repairs) with several major downtown development projects has caused the Mayor to include the first half of the Phase II work in the 2003 proposed budget, and WHEREAS, coordination of the Seneca Street Garage renovation work with other anticipated downtown projects requires the work to occur in the first half of the year 2003 to minimize physical conflicts and loss of parking, and WHEREAS, staff has recommended that design and bidding of the project be undertaken in 2002; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into a contract with Sear Brown for design and bid support services in order to complete that work in 2002, and be it further RESOLVED, That the cost of this work estimated at $88,400 for engineering services on the first half of Phase II work, will be charged to Capital Project 372 established for Seneca Street Garage Renovations. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Commissioner Dotson requested a list of Capital Projects for BPAC to review and develop comments. She added that members of the DAC and BPAC have expressed concerns that shrubs are blocking sidewalks making them impassable. Mayor Cohen stated that the Building Department staff provide enforcement. Commissioner Dotson suggested that BPAC members and citizen pruners send messages to the homeowners and landlords that are not compliant. Mayor Cohen stated that the Building Department employs a staff person that is responsible for exterior property maintenance, but interested members of other committees could compile a list of properties affected that would speed up the process. Commissioner Gutenberger requested that information supporting or contradicting the correlation between sales tax benefits and free parking be forwarded to the Board. Mayor Cohen stated that the City has approved a memorandum of understanding with the Ithaca Downtown Partnership that sets the parking fees. Controller Thayer noted that budget projections, not actual sales tax data, Board of Public Works – October 9, 2002 - Page 3 could be shared with the public. Commissioner Leonardo stated that the Board approves changes in the parking rates. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: Staffs are in the process of completing construction projects and the fair weather is accommodating. The Woodcrest Avenue area streets are being patched. The National Arborists Convention is being held. Sign work at crosswalks and replacements throughout the City are occurring. The garage is preparing for the snow season. Retirements of staff have reduced the ability to complete projects. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS: Report of 2003 Proposed Budget Mayor Cohen read aloud the budget message that he presented at the October 2, 2002 Common Council meeting. Commissioner Jenkins expressed her concern over the impact that the budget would have on senior citizens. Mayor Cohen stated that he would have an intern evaluate the effect. He added that Capital Project requests for 2003 are being returned to departments for re- submission for 2004. A discussion on the City’s ability to coordinate traffic issues without a Traffic Systems Engineer followed. Mayor Cohen stated that outside consultants would have to be contracted and that the majority of the traffic initiatives relating to new and current construction have been completed. Mayor Cohen directed the Board to document their recommendations and forward them to Common Council for their review. Commissioner Beach asked whether there was any opportunity for services and positions to be reinstated for 2004. A discussion of the effects of an increased sales tax percentage followed. Commissioner Leonardo requested that both Assistant Superintendents compile a list of staff cuts and the effect that the cuts will have on the City. The Board could then use that list to build their recommendations. Commissioner Leonardo suggested a revenue-generating concept of selling advertisements that could be placed on the back of parking meters. Commissioner Beach suggested that fraternities and sororities be approached to “adopt a park” that would provide volunteer maintenance to the City. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Robin L. Korherr Alan J. Cohen Deputy City Clerk Mayor