HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2004-09-15BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 15, 2004
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Dotson, Romanoff, Schlather, Tsegaye, Mayor Peterson,
Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni and Ferrel.
The meeting convened at 4:50 p.m.
Vice Chair Tsegaye chaired the meeting.
____________________________________________________________________
1. IPD Request for “24 Hour Parking” Signs.
Supt. Gray explained to the board that several years ago, a public parking lot was
installed by the city on Cliff Street. Since that time vehicles have been left for long
durations. He noted that the Ithaca Police Department has requested that “24 Hour
Parking” signs be installed in order to allow them to ticket violators. The consensus of
the board was that this issue could be handled administratively.
2. Continued Discussion of Pedestrian and Bicycle Issues.
Greg Firman, Ithaca Police Officer and Lois Chaplin, CU Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Specialist were present to discuss pedestrian and bicycle safety issues with the board.
The board asked several questions including whether bicycles are allowed on the
sidewalk, what is the definition of a crosswalk, and how are crosswalks to be
delineated? Officer Firman told the board that anyone over the age of 14 is not allowed
on the sidewalk with a bicycle. He then informed them that anywhere there is an
intersection of two streets a crosswalk exists. He indicated that crosswalks do not have
to be marked out. Traffic Systems Engineer Dan Cole told the board that the city does
try to keep crosswalk markings uniform although they are not located at every
intersection. Ms. Chaplain described the recent changes to the laws concerning
pedestrians. She noted that vehicles are now supposed to stop regardless of where a
pedestrian is in an intersection. Previously, the pedestrian only needed to be in the
same lane as that of the vehicle. Discussion followed concerning the need for public
education concerning bicycle and pedestrian safety. Both Officer Firman and Ms.
Chapman told the board of different programs that exist within the city and state.
3. Request to Speak to the Board - Cecil A. Malone Drive Sidewalks.
Ted Grant, owner of 150-154 Cecil A. Malone Drive addressed the board concerning
the call for sidewalk installation on that street. Mr. Grant explained that he would be
willing to pay for the sidewalks in front of the Eagles building if the board retracted the
resolution to require sidewalk installation on Cecil A. Malone Drive. He added that if
sidewalks were installed on his side of the street, pedestrians would only need to cross
the street in order to cross the channel on the new pedestrian bridge. Discussion
followed concerning the need for sidewalks, the city’s plan to have sidewalks along
every street and scheduling of the installation. Mr. Grant noted that he is concerned
that he will need to pay for relocation of the utilities that are located in the area of where
a sidewalk should be installed. Comm. Dotson indicated that this issue could be
worked out when the design for the sidewalk is completed.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 15, 2004
4. Request for All-way Stop at Center and Plain Streets.
Valerie Pavan and Paul Friend, presented a petition to the board requesting the
installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Center and Plain Streets. Mr. Friend
told the board that Traffic Engineer Cole informed him that the intersection was
designed with four yield signs, which have been determined as illegal. He noted that
motorists are confused with the traffic pattern and that he has witnessed several near
accidents. He added that he feels the traffic circle would be effective with a four way
stop. Supt. Gray reminded the board that a consult for the Planning and Development
Department designed the circle. He explained that the New York State does not allow
the four yield signs. Traffic Systems Engineer Cole explained that in order for yield
signs to be legal, lane divisions are needed at each approach to the circle. Supt. Gray
told the board that this traffic calming devise is just one within a proposed system. He
suggested not to modify the design but rather to live with it for a while until more of the
system is complete. Discussion followed concerning installation of the dividers (or
splitters) referred to by Mr. Cole. The consensus was to look into installing the splitters
if space allows.
5. Southside Community Center.
Jeff Klause was present to address the board concerning proposed acoustic
renovations to the gym at Southside Community Center. He explained that there is a
$6,000 grant for improvements. He gave an explanation of how sound works and is
affected by the current design of the gym. He provided information as to what the
proposed changes are. Discussion followed concerning the appearance and affects on
the room. The board will vote on a resolution to approve of the proposed changes to
improve the acoustics in the gym.
6. Award of Bid for Cecil A. Malone Bridge Stage 2 Construction.
By Comm. Schlather, Seconded by: Romanoff
WHEREAS, bids were received on September 14, 2004 for the Cecil A. Malone Drive
Pedestrian Bridge Stage 2 Construction, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the board award the bid
to the low bidder; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid for Cecil A. Malone
Drive Pedestrian Bridge Stage 2 Construction to Paolangeli Contractors, 226 Cecil A.
Malone Drive, Suite 1, Ithaca, New York 14850 for their low bid of $35,825.00, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the board authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to enter into
an agreement with Paolgangeli Contractors under the usual terms and conditions.
Supt. Gray noted that neither this bid nor the previous bid to supply the bridge deck
include setting of the bridge. He indicated that staff is working out this problem.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 15, 2004
A vote resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Notes by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary