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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