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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-02-01Approved on April 18, 2007 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:55 p.m. February 1, 2006 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (4) – Chapman, Dotson, Jenkins, Schlather OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Ferrel Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Common Council Liaison – Coles DAC Liaison – Roberts Executive Assistant – Grunder Deputy City Controller – Andrew EXCUSED: Commissioner Romanoff JOHNSON CONTROLS Supt. Gray reported to the Board that since there was not a quorum at the January 18, 2006 meeting, no vote was taken on the resolution to recommend a capital project for Johnson Controls to develop a Study and Energy Contract. That resolution will be on the February 8, 2006, meeting agenda. Commissioner Chapman questioned whether the study would include streetlights. Supt. Gray reported that the study proposal only covers buildings and water meters. However, if this project goes well, future studies could be done that would encompass streetlights. Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that streetlights are a much more difficult service to study since they are not metered. HOLIDAY INN WATER UPDATE Supt. Gray reported that sand and charcoal granules have been found in water at the Holiday Inn for the last several years following the relocation of several large diameter water mains for the Cayuga Green Development. He stated that the City is not sure how the sand and charcoal escape from the water plant into the water, however the Holiday Inn is the first big water user downhill from the plant; and the filter underdrain system is old enough that small amounts of sand and charcoal could get through. He reported that after this problem was determined not to be a one-time event, the City made arrangements to install a filter on the Holiday Inn’s water system to eliminate the material and operational problems it was causing. This was considered a short-term solution and has been a major expense to the City. He reported that the hotel has been very cooperative with the City in attempting to solve the problem. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the reuse of older filters. PROPOSAL TO RENAME STATE STREET Supt. Gray reported that a public forum had been held on January 30, 2006, to obtain public input on the renaming of State Street. He further stated that the deadline for comments has been extended until February 6, 2006, in order to accommodate business owners who live outside the area. Discussion followed on the floor regarding establishing a street renaming procedure. SOUTH MEADOW STREET TRAFFIC STUDY Supt. Gray reported that Transportation Engineer Logue is working on a contract with Fisher Associates to conduct a traffic study for South Meadow Street and Elmira Road. Board of Public Works – February 1, 2006 - Page 2 The traffic study is a requirement of the New York State Department of Transportation Highway Work Permit that was issued for the Route 13 widening project from two years ago. Upon completion of the traffic study, the State will release the remaining $50,000 of City monies bonded for the project. Mayor Peterson questioned whether the study would include Albany Street, Plain Street, Wood Street, and South Titus Avenue. Supt. Gray stated that he would ask Transportation Engineer Logue to include these streets in the study. Commissioner Dotson requested that the study also include a model for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. TRUCKS ON STATE STREET – PART II Supt. Gray reported that regulating sound, from a legal standpoint, is very difficult since laws apply only to the sound made by the trucks, not the sound that radiates through to the surrounding areas. Commissioner Schlather stated that changing the speed limit on Route 79 at Pine Tree Road rather than at the City line might resolve the problem. Supt. Gray responded that while that would be an idea, speed limits have been set based upon the use of the road, so it might be difficult to argue for the change in speed limit effectively. Discussion followed on the floor regarding possible solutions such as changing the traffic lights, changing speed limits, and researching how the increase in thruway tolls has affected traffic in the City. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Deborah A. Grunder Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor