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
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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