HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2005-10-05Approved on April 18, 2007
Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting
j:\committee files\bpw\2005\10-05-05 bpw cow minutes.doc
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. October 5, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) - Dotson, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather
OTHERS PRESENT:
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Ferrel
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Executive Assistant – Grunder
Deputy City Controller – Andrew
EXCUSED:
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Commissioner Chapman
PARKING RATES
Mayor Peterson requested that the Board review the projected revenue shortfall in
parking revenues and to consider taking steps, such as eliminating the two-hour free
parking, in order to bring 2005 parking revenues closer to the budgeted amount. She
stated that the parking system was budgeted to produce revenues of $1,607,900. The
current projection for all of 2005 is $1,463,882, or roughly $145,000 short of the budget.
Mayor Peterson reported that staff recommendations encourage the Board to change
the parking rate structure immediately so that the first hour is free and the second hour
is $.50 with additional hours costing the current $1.00 per hour.
Mayor Peterson stated that discussion with merchants should occur regarding a
validation system if they are interested in providing two (2) hours of free parking.
Commissioner Schlather stated that he is opposed to eliminating the free parking in the
garages.
Commissioner Jenkins stated that she supports one hour free parking with the
merchants validating parking tickets and paying for the second hour.
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel suggested that the Board
consider charging for the first hour of parking and giving a free second hour of parking.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding parking rates for 2006 and the possibility of
changing the rates for the remainder of this year.
BUDGET REVENUES AND EXPENSES
Mayor Peterson reported to the Board that based on employee input, there is an
opportunity for increased revenue in the area of solid and yard waste collection. She
stated that in recent years the Department of Public works crews have been reduced
significantly. She further reported that in a regular solid waste collection day, two
employees collect an estimated 4-5 tons of garbage, and on yard waste days they pick
up another estimated 4-5 tons after the regular solid waste is collected which incurs
overtime. She reported that currently the City picks up yard waste every other week
while other municipalities do it twice a year. She stated it has been suggested that the
number of times yard waste is collected be reduced.
Commissioner Dotson stated that she would support collection of yard waste once a
month.
Mayor Peterson stated that she supports the sale of biodegradable bags by the City
with the requirement that all yard waste must go in them.
Board of Public Works – October 5, 2005 - Page 2
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Discussion followed on the floor regarding options and possible fees that could be
charged for this service.
CLEAR SIDWALKS FOR WINTER 2005
Commissioner Dotson reported that ten years ago, the only reference in the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code to snow and ice removal appeared in The City Charter Section
C-73, Article V, entitled “Board of Public Works” and Chapter 342, entitled “Streets and
Sidewalks.” Since then, general legislation has been adopted by Common Council,
which addresses this topic, Chapter 178, entitled “Exterior Property Maintenance” and
Chapter 285, and entitled “Streets and Sidewalks.” She reported that the Board’s goal
is to have clean sidewalks through the coming winter in the entire City.
DAC Liaison Roberts stated that snow and ice are major problems all winter long, not
just when storms occur, and it will be important to find a way to enforce sidewalk
clearing as needed, not only within 24 hours of a storm.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding different options for maintaining clear
sidewalks including teen volunteers, more City staff, and volunteer sidewalk patrollers
who issue reminders. Extensive discussion followed regarding having staff shovel
sidewalks and charging labor costs in addition to a fine to the owners of properties in
violation. Discussion continued concerning the legality of these options.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Deborah Grunder Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor