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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-03-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS 'PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 1, 2006 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson r Commissioners (6) — Chapman, Dotson, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, VVykstra OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works — Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer — Whitney Common Council Liaison — Coles Executive Assistant — Grunder Deputy City Controller — Andrew Environmental Engineer — Gibson EXCUSED: Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities — Ferrel DAC Liaison — Roberts STATE STREET RENAMING Mayor Peterson reported to the Board that she is very aware of public views on this issue and has concerns about how the decision will be made. She further stated that it may not be a yes or no decision and requested that the Board consider giving the responsibility of making the decision to Common Council. Alderperson Coles stated that Common Council members have discussed this matter. They feel that if a decision is made by the Board that is not appropriate, they would like the opportunity to make an alternate decision. Commissioner Dotson stated that it is fine with her if Common Council wants to take it. She would rather they take it before we make a decision, The sooner that becomes clearly the way to go, lets let it go that way. It's an important process issue that needs to be resoived. Commissioner Jenkins agreed with Dotson on whether Common Council wants to take it, they should do it now before the BPW goes through the whole process and makes their recommendation only to have Common Counci! veto the Board's decision. Discussion followed on the floor regarding scheduling more public forums on this issue. Mayor Peterson is willing to help set these forums up. After reading over the information that has been generated by the public, Commissioner Romanoff pointed out that there are many very good ideas to consider other than the renaming of State Street, which she read to the Board, Commissioner Schlather stated that he did not agree with the rest of the Board members and explained that the Board of Public Works job is to take care of the streets including naming of the streets. If Common Council wishes to change that in some fashion, then the BPW should be redefined and do it the nronPr wq%i th,hirh t.1 -1,.J -- r- - -- - , „ - . Board of Public Works — March 1, 2906 - Page 2 Common Council would like to look at things in a broader view and that would supersede any decision the Board is going to make, it would be good to know about that as soon as possible. Superintendent Gray stated that this Board has the right to make this decision. We make a lot of decisions. If a vote were taken on the businesses on Elmira Road about sidewalk, they would never put sidewalks iri, The Board makes the decision looking at the community's needs as well as the property owners' wants. Common Council Liaison Coles stated that there are issues involved in possible renaming of a street that are political in nature, that have historical significance, that have a wider social significance that perhaps this body is charged with, and discerning of what those factors are. She further stated that perhaps she is wrong, but although she would not wish to take this over, it would not be a resolution that would come from her to Common Council. There are wider political realities that are associated with this that she does think would make it more of the purview of Common Council. She just wanted to present that as the other side of the argument that is being put forth. Mayor Peterson commented on the suggestion of the dual naming but have it be a diversity walk similar to the planet walk with Sagan with permanent displays because as You go up State Street there are several places on that street that are locations for the history of diversity in our community. She felt a sense from the community not to push forward on March 8„ 2006. Commissioner Dotson stated personally she would like to know whether Council wants to take it, She agrees both with Schlather's view that we should go by our laws but also understands Alderperson Coles' point. She feels there are some issues where Council can trump us. She would rather them take over the decision early before we decide on anything. Commissioner Schiather agrees that Council can trump us. His only concern is that the way they can trump us is not on an ad hoc basis but rather change the law. STORMVVATER C©Al_ITION — MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANING Supt. Gray reported to the Board on the status of implementation of the USEPA stormwater regulations that must be in place by 2008. He stated that the City's representative on the working group is Environmental Engineer Gibson. Environmental Engineer Gibson reported to the Board on the requirements that must be met by the City. Supt. Gray explained that the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Protection Agency supports creation of coalitions. He further stated that all municipalities could network and strengthen inter - municipal relations that would be useful in the future. 60 — F 0 0 T DAM I PDTTER'S FALLS DAM I ACCESS ROAD Supt. Gray reported to the Board that the access road from Route 79 to the dam need maintenance to repair erosion damage. It is a fair) steep l dirt road, s repair from time to time over the years. This road has been actively has because it provides access to the water into Len Beard of Public Works March 1, 2000 - Page 3 Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer Whitney stated that a crew from the Water and Sewer Department could walk through the area with the Natural Areas Commission in order to make discussions friendly and ;productive. STEWART PARK PAVILION USE BY LUTHERAN CHURCH Commissioners Jenkins and Wykstra reported to the Board that after discussions with Supt. Gray they recommended that the Board"look at this request as a single event that runs for 8 weeks. The Commissioners stated that this is a request for a trial run to see how *41s type of event could take place in the future. Commissioners Chapman, Romanoff, and Schlather stated that they would not support a trial run of this type of recurring event because they would not want to set any precedents. ADJOURNMENT- C7n a motion the meeting adjourned at 0:30 p.m. eborah A.Grunder Executive Assistant Carolyn K. P rson Mayor