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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2004-08-11BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. August 11, 2004 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) -Tsegaye, Jenkins, Dotson, Schlather, Romanoff OTHERS PRESENT: City Controller - Thayer Superintendent of Public Works - Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel Information Management Specialist - Myers EXCUSED: Commissioner Chapman CC Liaison Coles PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the July 14, 2004 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 14, 2004 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Commissioner Dotson requested that Item 22B - Review of Pedestrian Rights and Duties be postponed until a later date. No Board member objected. Commissioner Romanoff requested that Item 19A – Bernie Milton Pavilion Plaque be added to the agenda. No Board member objected. Assistant Superintendent for Streets & Facilities Ferrel requested that discussion on the width of West Court Street be added to the agenda. The Board made the decision to add this as Item 22B. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Jessica Lind, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the construction taking place on South Cayuga Street/Spencer Road and the impact that detours have on traffic in that neighborhood. Robert & Dayna Schreckengost, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the West Court Street construction work taking place and proposed traffic calming measures. Gino Bush, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding the Bernie Milton Pavilion Plaque and the renaming of Green Street to Martin Luther King Blvd. He requested an update on both items from the Board. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Dotson responded to comments about West Court Street and explained that she was responsible for taking this item to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council for feedback, and has not had an opportunity to do that yet. She further responded to August 11, 2004 2 the concern raised about the Martin Luther King Blvd renaming and will be in touch with Mr. Bush regarding setting up a meeting to discuss this item. Commissioner Romanoff responded to the concern raised about the Bernie Milton Pavilion Plaque. She shared a copy of the latest text for the plaque with the Board and Mr. Bush. She explained that she had been waiting for the City Historian to get back from vacation in order to proceed. The City Historian has met with Mrs. Milton regarding the text and has been given her approval. She further stated that she will make sure that the City Historian also contacts Mr. Milton’s daughter, Faith Milton, regarding the text. Mayor Peterson responded to the concern raised about the construction/detours in the South Cayuga Street/Spencer Street area. Assistant Superintendent for Streets & Facilities Ferrel responded to the concern raised about the South Cayuga Street/Spencer Street construction/detour and stated that NYSEG communicates with Streets & Facilities about their work on a daily basis, and then his office issues construction notices to the media and city staff. B. West Court Street Construction Project – Discussion Assistant Superintendent of Streets & Facilities Ferrel reported to the Board that the City would start construction work next week, beginning with Meadow Street. He stated that he would need to know the curb line so that excavation can start within a week. The existing width follows the State’s existing right-of-way area which would be just behind the parking lot entrances for both the dry cleaning business on the south side, and Cornell Federal Credit Union on the north side. The City is looking at tapering the curb line from approximately 25’ back from the intersection to two (2) feet narrower which would be carried through to Park Street this year, and to Plain Street the following year. A decision needs to be made on the width of the street for the 500 and 600 blocks of West Court Street. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding reconstruction of the street and the width that would be best for the City as well as the need for an overall plan for work on city streets that meets the needs of the residents, and provides traffic calming measures as well. Commissioner Dotson explained that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee has a variety of opinions on this issue. In general, there is more support for not widening the street. Mayor Peterson stated that one of her concerns is that this discussion was not on the posted agenda and if there are people that have different concerns within the neighborhood they have not had the opportunity to express them. Commissioner Schlather stated that he is in favor of giving the Board Power to Act on this issue at the next COW meeting. He expressed concern that the Board has not heard from the City Attorney’s office regarding liability concerns on narrowing the street that is used as a bicycle thoroughfare. Commissioner Romanoff stated that she would like to see the Board take a look at an overall plan for City streets, based on mathematics, vehicle use, and turning radius. She would like to see some direction on policy set. Commissioner Dotson stated that she would see that the Board is given a copy of the Bike Plan in their packets for next week’s meeting for their information because there is a lot of useful information in it on how bicycle use can be addressed on city streets. The background information in the plan will be helpful. Power to Act – Resolution By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye August 11, 2004 3 RESOLVED, That the Board grant itself Power to Act at its Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, 2004 on the reconstruction of West Court Street, and be it further RESOLVED, That ample notice be given to the public with respect to this particular discussion and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Attorney be consulted with respect to the liability issues given the competing uses as set forth in various city plans for this thoroughfare and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board be provided with a large map that shows the two blocks in question as well as Meadow Street where it needs to be reconstructed so that the Board and the audience can see the blocks and what is being discussed. Carried Unanimously 15. PARKING AND TRAFFIC A. Request for Reimbursement of Towing Fees - Resolution By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather WHEREAS, Nancy Bereano, 305 Auburn Street left town on Thursday, April 8, 2004, and when she returned on Monday, April 12, 2004, she found that her vehicle had been towed, and WHEREAS, Ms. Bereano is requesting that she be reimbursed for the $91 fine and towing charge because she felt that Friday, April 9, 2004, being “Good Friday”, was a holiday and that the city would not be doing any street work, and WHEREAS, Streets and Facilities crews placed “No Parking” signs on Auburn Street on Sunday, April 11, 2004 for cleaning on Monday, April 12, 2004, therefore providing the required 24 hours notice; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby denies Ms. Bereano of 305 Auburn Street reimbursement of $91 for a parking fine and towing, and be it further RESOLVED, That staff provided adequate notice as required by City Code, and reasonable operating practice. Ayes (4) Schlather, Tsegaye, Dotson, Romanoff Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Jenkins Carried REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Commissioner Romanoff explained the process by which the text was obtained for the Bernie Milton plaque and that the City Historian had been working with the family for their approval of the text and they have approved the following wording noted below. Discussion followed on the floor regarding setting policy for text on plaques, as well as the size, and weight of plaques. 19A. Bernie Milton Pavilion Plaque – Resolution By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopt the recommendation of the City Historian for the wording of the Bernie Milton Plaque subject to the following revisions and conditions: 1. That the preparatory language read: In memory of Bernard “Bernie” Milton (1942- 2002) 2. That the City Historian contact Faith Milton and get her input into this plaque both in content and inscription. August 11, 2004 4 3. Barring any large concerns raised by Ms. Milton or the City Historian and the word “large” is within the judgment of Commissioner Romanoff, that the matter then be tendered for execution. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the cost of the plaque and where funding would come from. The cost of the plaque would be $1,000.00. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously The Plaque will read as follows: In memory of Bernard “Bernie” Milton (1942-2002) Beloved family man, radio show host, and popular musician whose activities gave pleasure and joy to generations in Ithaca and the wider community. With his generous spirit and wonderful music he brought people together to share love, hope, peace, and happiness. As he always said, “It’s 60-40!” UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. Request for New Metered Parking Area Superintendent Gray presented a map of the city showing current metered parking in the city and proposed new areas of metered parking. The Board reviewed the map and discussed placement of new meters. The Board stated that they appreciated being able to review the map together as a group. The Board requested that they be provided with the cost of new meters versus proposed new revenue. The Mayor and Superintendent Gray suggested that Community Service Officer(s) be invited to the meeting when this item will be discussed again. REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent Gray reported to the Board on the following matters: 1) West Spencer Street/S. Cayuga Street testing for contamination near Emerson. So far, the sensors have not found anything. Testing will be done by Emerson in all homes in that area as well. 2) South Meadow Street/Elmira Road traffic pattern flow was changed today. 3) Green Street Garage repair work is being done on two different weekends. 4) The department is working on two different IURA projects at GIAC and Southside Community Center. 5) His department is working on budget preparation. Commissioner Schlather reminded Superintendent Gray that the Board had talked about reviewing parking rates and incorporating any increases into the 2005 budget. Mayor Peterson stated that a sub-committee has been formed that includes the Superintendent of Public Works, Controller and City Chamberlain. Commissioner Schlather volunteered to serve on the committee if needed because he feels very strongly that this review needs to take place. Commissioner Dotson also volunteered to serve on the committee. Assistant Superintendent Ferrel reported to the Board on the following matters: 1) Seasonal Work – mowing crews have been busy due to all of the rain this summer. Some of the seasonal crew members will be leaving for school soon. 2) Paving program has been progressing well with a few weather delays. The 100, 200 and 300 blocks of College Avenue have been paved. August 11, 2004 5 Assistant Superintendent Ferrel then responded to questions and concerns from the Board on various items. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION: Commissioner Tsegaye announced for the Board that the New York State Golf Association has given the City Golf course a very high rating on its challenge, maintenance, and course design. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Information Management Specialist Mayor