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