HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-03-15Approved on May 9, 2007
Board of Public Works Regular Meeting
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:30 p.m. March 15, 2006
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) – Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra
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:
Commissioners Chapman and Dotson
SOUTH AURORA STREET BRIDGE – PUBLIC MEETING
Supt. Gray reported to the Board on the South Aurora Street Bridge project and
introduced to the Board the representative from Delta Engineers, who updated the
Board on the South Aurora Street Bridge Project in more detail.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding possible modifications to the project.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the intersection at Prospect and
Aurora Streets, crosswalk improvements, and improvements to aid emergency vehicles
in maneuvering the intersection.
CORNELL CYCLING CLUB
Supt. Gray reported to the Board that the Cornell Cycling Club is hosting the Eastern
Collegiate Cycling Championship Criterium Race in the Spring. It is a closed loop race
for 30 to 50 cyclists at a time. The Cycling Club needs to find a protected closed loop
site and has made application to the City for a permit to use the loop in Stewart Park on
Sunday, April 30, 2006. He explained that there was a question about the possible
impact on the Cascadilla Boat Club. However, the Boat Club has indicated to the City
that there will not be a conflict that day with their group.
REQUEST FOR USE OF STEWART PARK BY CORNELL CYCLING CLUB –
RESOLUTION – POWER TO ACT
By Commissioner Wykstra; Seconded by Commissioner Romanoff:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants permission to the Cornell Cycling
Club to use Stewart Park for the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Championship Criterium on
Sunday April 30, 2006.
Carried Unanimously
POWER TO ACT – 2006 GOLF COURSE RATES
Supt. Gray reported to the Board that use of the Golf Course was reduced last year due
to poor weather conditions. He further stated that improvements have been made to the
golf course in an attempt to increase use. He stated that there has been some
discussion of charging members a daily fee in an attempt to get them to check in; this
would enable the City to get accurate usage totals for the course.
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that if new rates are not
set for the 2006 season by April 1 the 2005 rates would be charged for this year.
The Board decided to form a subcommittee to review the options for Golf course fees
for 2006. The committee will be comprised of Commissioners Chapman and Romanoff,
and the following individuals should they be interested in serving on the committee: Rick
Board of Public Works – March 15, 2006 - Page 2
Manning, Golf Course Manager Torrant, Gossa Tsegaye, and possibly Alderperson
Townsend.
PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA SIGN REQUEST
Supt. Gray reported that Jamie McVannan, owner of Papa Johns in the Franklin Plaza
would like to install a freestanding sign in front of his building, which is situated on City
property. The City has permitted this type of use in the past for an annual fee; but only
on land that was contiguous with a building. Mr. McVannan would like the sign to be
placed on City property across from Franklin Street and adjacent to Route 13 to improve
visibility of his business. Supt. Gray explained that any sign would be at risk for damage
in the Franklin Plaza parking lot and stated that the proposed location next to Route 13
would be safer.
The Board agreed not to pursue approving this request.
REPORT FROM THE BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS COMMITTEE
Commissioner Chapman reported that the committee is concerned with the curbs on the
Thurston Avenue Bridge. The committee has concerns about the safety of them for all
users, especially wheelchair users. He further stated that there is also concern amongst
the committee members about the sidewalks throughout the City, and the damage
caused to them by snowplows.
Supt. Gray reported that the engineers are attempting to find material that will withstand
the winter weather and plowing.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Deborah A. Grunder Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor