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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-06-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. June 1, 2005 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Dotson, Chapman, Schlather, Romanoff 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 Intersection of South Plain/Center Street Superintendent Gray and Asst. Supt. Ferrel updated the Board on the status of restoring the four yield signs at this intersection. Yield signs as well as signs that say “Yield to Pedestrians and Vehicles” need to be ordered from the sign shop, and railroad ties need to be installed behind the crosswalks. Discussion followed on the floor with Supt. Gray and Asst. Supt. Ferrel answering questions about the work, and how New York State and the police and fire departments feel about the installation of yield signs at the intersection. TC Dog Owners Group update John Bernstein and Ken Zesersen addressed the Board to update them on their meeting with Mr. Jack Clancy, New York State Parks (NYSP) representative regarding the use of Treman Marina for a dog park. The group’s request was for the installation of a seasonal divider adjacent to the parking lot on the northside of the park. The request was denied. New York State Parks felt that the divider implies that it would be an off- leash space. The group also requested that the bag dispensers be moved to the east side of the parking lot. That request was approved, and the work done on the same day. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the delineation, maintenance, and appearance of the proposed space. Supt. Gray stated that he also had a discussion with Mr. Clancy, NYSP, and it was explained to him that the State was concerned that the dogs would need access to water, and access to State land would be required. In addition, they felt that the delineation of a space specifically for dogs implies that it would be an off-leash space, even though signage would state otherwise. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding both sides of the issue. The Mayor has created a sub-committee that has been meeting to discuss the possibility of creating a dog park, but no timeline has been established, nor have any recommendations been made at this time. Shopping Cart Problems A Board member requested that the Board consider the topic of shopping carts following a West Hill neighborhood clean up project that produced a large number of abandoned carts. The City Code has provisions on shopping carts and that information was provided to the Board for their review. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding how the City handles abandoned shopping carts and what incentives could be used to encourage stores to pick up the shopping carts from the city’s storage area. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding accessibility issues when shopping carts are left on the sidewalk and what can be done to encourage people to return carts to the stores as well. The Board agreed that a sub-committee should be set up to investigate this matter and report back to the Board with recommendations. Commissioners Board of Public Works – June 1, 2005 - Page 2 2 Schlather and Romanoff agreed to be on the sub-committee. It was suggested that the sub-committee contact Carol Reeves, Office Manager, at Streets and Facilities for more information. West End Parking Update Supt. Gray reported to the Board that Common Council passed a resolution at their May 4, 2005 meeting entitled “Conceptual Agreement to Purchase Land for the Construction of a Parking Lot in the West End, to be Funded by the Establishment of a Tax Assessment District (TAD).” He requested feedback from the Board as parking districts are increasing and expanding, which requires additional maintenance by the DPW. He voiced his concern as work assignments are increasing due to development, but the staffing levels at DPW are not. He requested the Board’s input in setting priorities for the completion of work. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the development in the West End, the additional parking requirements, and how expectations for parking and maintenance of parking lots can be met. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding how the Board can help in prioritizing projects and making recommendations to Council for the needs of the Department of Public Works. The Board requested that Common Council include the full cost of project maintenance in the development of business assessment districts. Parking Garage Operations, Seneca Place Opening Update The Seneca Place project is scheduled to open in June 2005. The City has a contract that spreads the parking impact over the three downtown garages. Everything from permit sales, daily hotel occupancy, attendant uniforms, and elevator cleanliness have been discussed. The City has developed procedures and recommendations to meet the contract’s intent, and is in the process of implementing them. Supt. Gray reported that there is a cost associated with the implementation of the contract’s requirements, but no budget has been created for it. There is also additional work that needs to be done to get the spaces numbered and lettered. There are expectations regarding cleanliness and graffiti removal that were set forth in the contract, and commitments made by the city. Supt. Gray stated that these commitments were never discussed with the Board when the agreements were signed, and voiced his concern about the Department’s ability to meet them. Commissioner Schlather noted his recusal from any discussion/vote concerning the issue of the Seneca Place Project due to a conflict on interest. Follow-up Procedure for Requests made by Board/Public to Department The Board has expressed concerns several times about action items getting “lost”, set aside, or placed too low on the list of priorities. Concerns were raised regarding the reasons this happens, and the decision making process that is used. The Board made several suggestions for tracking items, and requested that their input be sought if priorities, and resources are developed or modified. Supt. Gray reported that he and Commissioner Dotson will meet to discuss this issue further, will report back to the Board. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the June 15, 2005, meeting as some members will not be able to attend. Future Items: - Regulation of Municipal Parks - Children’s Garden Update - Consider a Storm Water Utility? – Niagara Falls example ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Information Management Specialist Mayor