HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-04-06BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. April 6, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Dotson, Chapman, Schlather
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Information Management Specialist - Myers
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Romanoff
Background Reminder – City Land and Treman Marine Park
- Recently articles have appeared about dog parks or other uses near
the lake
- Two maps are available from a 1993 State Park report as to land
boundary and land uses
John Bernstein and Ken Zesersen, Tompkins County Dog Owners Group
Representatives, addressed the Board on the possible use of City Land at Treman
Marine Park for a leashed dog park. They explained that boaters would be returning to
the marina in three weeks and to avoid past problems the Tompkins County Dog
Owners Group proposes that a fenced area be established around the picnic area. The
fence would be paid for and installed by the Dog Owner’s Group, and they would work
with the City and State Parks to move/remove the fence for mowing purposes and
replace it. They also would like to see signs installed that instruct dog owners that dogs
need to be leashed at all times.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Mr. Bernstein and Mr. Zesersen
answering questions from Board members on their proposal. Further discussion
followed on who has authority over this area of the park. The TC Dog Group is also
meeting with a task force that the Mayor has formed to look for a permanent solution to
this problem, but in the meantime this might be a temporary stopgap measure.
Collegetown Parking Garage
- Request to reinstitute discounted parking for retail customers – Staff
stopped selling them because the printed matter did not match existing
conditions. They were sold at about a 35% discount and were used by
merchants to provide “free parking”
Robert Abele and Chuck Cooley addressed the Board regarding the new Collegetown
parking rates, and presented figures representing parking revenue/hours for the first
three months of 2005. They further requested that the Board consider reinstating the
discount parking passes for Collegetown.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding how some of the figures presented might not
accurately reflect the total revenue or parking hours; for example monthly parking
permits might be mixed in with hourly permits. Further discussion followed on the
current staffing shortage at the garage and how that affects revenue, and the possibility
of purchasing fully automated equipment that would not require staffing. The cost of
this new equipment is substantial. The Board encouraged the City not to replace
equipment with the same type of equipment.
Mayor Peterson left the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Public Works - April 6, 2005
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Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the discount coupon passes for
Collegetown merchants to purchase and give to customers.
DAC Liaison Roberts left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Superintendent Gray stated that he would try to negotiate a Memorandum of
Understanding regarding costs and distribution and will come back to the Board with a
draft MOU. Commissioner Schlather volunteered to be part of any group that might be
needed to come up with something for the Board to vote on at their May meeting.
Commissioner Schlather stated that he would also like to be involved in the group that
looks at software packages for the parking garages.
Request from Tuesday Farmer’s Market
- Would like to extend closing from 1 pm to 2 pm, and clean up time
from 2 pm to 3 pm
- Will need to update charge back schedule for meter rate change and
new hours
Superintendent Gray stated that this request is something that he can handle
administratively if the Board agrees. He reported that he has not received any
complaints about the market since it has been there, which is over ten years. The Board
agreed as long as the Market is charged the meter rate with no discount.
Possible Traffic Impacts due to Proposed Changes
- Several newspaper articles caused speculation about impacts (short or
long term) as a result of traffic changes, which could combine with our
own projects and change traffic patterns.
o Triphammer (at Route 13), two year reconstruction in Town
o ICSD Redistricting, changes to bus and parent traffic patterns
o Forest Home Traffic Calming
o Coddington Road Reconstruction in Town
- Are there others we should be thinking about? Interaction with City
Projects
Commissioner Schlather stated that many urban school districts do not provide busing
for high school students, that the students use public transportation. The Ithaca City
School District should encourage the use of public transportation, as it would educate
young people at an early age about the use of public transportation and its benefits.
The City could provide passes or discount passes for students.
Alderperson Mackesey addressed the Board to inform them that she is on the TCAT
Board and they are working with the school district to get them to use the public
transportation system.
Traffic Signals:
Superintendent Gray stated that there has been a lot of concern about how the new
traffic signals are operating. It appears that some signals are not set up to operate the
way they were designed. He stated that concerns vary from intersection to intersection,
and that the construction documents will be reviewed. He asked the Board to let him
know what questions or concerns they had as he will be contacting the contractor to
request changes. He further stated that he is working on getting the textured ramps
installed.
Commissioner Chapman stated that the Disability Advisory Council requested a
resolution and installation of traffic signals so that they are in compliance with ADA
guidelines. Superintendent Gray stated that the ADA guidelines need to be reviewed.
Board of Public Works - April 6, 2005
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Coming Agenda Items
- April 13, 2005
Thank You for Service, Gossa Tsegaye
Request for Reimbursement of Fall Creek High Water Costs
- April 20, 2005
West End Parking Update, meeting being scheduled by the
Planning Department with owners
Parking Revenue Review, summary of data for first quarter with
new rates
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Information Management Specialist Mayor