HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-08-17Approved on March 14, 2007
Board of Public Works Meeting
j:\committee files\bpw\2005\08-17-05 bpw mtg minutes.doc
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. August 17, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (2) – Chapman, Schlather (arrived at 5:30 p.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Executive Assistant – Grunder
City Traffic Systems Engineer – Logue
Deputy City Controller – Andrews
EXCUSED:
Commissioners (3) – Dotson, Jenkins, Romanoff
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Fabbroni
Mayor Peterson expressed her concern about the lack of a quorum and stated that the
agenda would need to be reviewed to determine what items were appropriate to discuss
without a quorum.
Supt. Gray stated that all items on the agenda should be discussed with the addition of
the Fire Station Driveways Bids. He further stated that many of these items were
informational only and that decisions could be made at a future meeting.
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT SYSTEM
Supt. Gray reported that the current Residential Parking Permit System has many
exceptions, but not for construction projects. He further reported that there has been a
complaint from a resident that the system is not flexible enough to accommodate
workers parking for a six-month construction project at their property. He reported that
City Traffic Systems Engineer Logue has had discussions with various staff members to
explore changes that could be made to the current system.
City Traffic Systems Engineer Logue reported on possible construction provisions that
could be added to the current Residential Parking Permit System.
CORNELL/TOWN TRAFFIC STUDY
Supt. Gray reported that in the coming decade Cornell University will be doing some
major construction on campus, much of which is under the Town of Ithaca’s jurisdiction.
He reported that this would force Cornell to deal with some major transportation issues
in the town. He further reported that in an effort to minimize the impact of the
construction, Cornell has stated that it will conduct a traffic study for the Town of Ithaca,
City of Ithaca, and the Cornell Campus to project over the next ten years. Supt. Gray
stated that in an effort to avoid duplication of data and to save the City money and time
he will work with Cornell to make sure their study includes data for areas that the City is
currently studying.
Mayor Peterson stated that there seems to have been a duplication of meetings over
this same issue. She would like to be sure that all necessary parties are involved in
future meetings to avoid confusion and duplication of work. She further stated that there
has been some confusion over which municipality will take lead agency in this case.
Discussion occurred on the floor regarding the proposed plan from Cornell to develop
34 acres on West Hill for low and middle income housing as well as commercial use.
The discussion continued with regard to the current lack of inter-municipal planning.
Approved on March 14, 2007
Board of Public Works Meeting
j:\committee files\bpw\2005\08-17-05 bpw mtg minutes.doc 2
TRAFFIC IMPACTS OF SUMMER 2005 CONSTRUCTION
Supt. Gray reported on some of the City’s construction projects and the unintended
impact they had on traffic circulation and emergency service response time.
Discussion followed on the floor with regard to the need for interdepartmental planning
on future construction projects.
DAC Liaison Roberts stated that there have been many curb cuts that have been
removed during construction and that have not been replaced.
Supt. Gray stated that this had been an oversight of the City, and it is being corrected.
FIRE STATION DRIVEWAY BIDS
Supt. Gray reported to the Board that bids have been received for both the South and
West Hill fire stations to repave the existing 10-year-old driveways, which have
deteriorated due to the heavy equipment that uses them. He further reported that the
driveways have been redesigned. A $90,000 budget was approved last year, but the
lowest bid came in at $109,000 due to the increase in oil prices. He went on to report
that City Engineer West has recommended that this item go to Common Council as an
expansion of the project, so that work can begin. He requested that the Board, by
informal vote, approve that this request be taken to the City Administration Committee
for review and consideration.
The Board approved this request.
SIX MILE CREEK WATERSHED
Supt. Gray reported that every year there are issues related to unauthorized or non-
permitted activities in the Six-Mile Watershed. He further reported that this year, due to
the record heat and dryness, the City has been especially busy responding to
complaints about overnight stays and bonfires in this area.
Mayor Peterson reported that the Ithaca Police Department cannot go into this area and
enforce laws due to that fact it is located within the Town of Ithaca. She further reported
that it might be possible for the City to annex this area from the Town of Ithaca. She will
continue discussions with the Town of Ithaca in an attempt to find a solution that both
parties could agree on.
Supt. Gray noted that there are two rangers who patrol the area, but it is to the point
where they fear for their safety, as they have called for backup assistance but have
waited more than two hours for it to arrive.
WORKING ITEMS / UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the status of the water treatment plant
decision.
Commissioner Schlather stated that it might be in the best interest of all parties to have
a joint Board of Public works meeting with Common Council to discuss the process and
who will make the decision. He further stated that it is very important to make this
decision as quickly as possible and as cost effectively as possible. He went on to
suggest that at the Board’s regular meeting on September 21, 2005 that Common
Council is invited to attend to discuss this topic with the Board members.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45p.m.
Deborah Grunder Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor