HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2006-11-01BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. November 1, 2006
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (6) - Chapman, Dotson, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer –Whitney
Common Council Liaison – Coles
Executive Assistant – Grunder
City Attorney - Hoffman
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
CIRCLE OF RECOVERY REQUEST TO RENAME CITY STREET – POWER-TO-ACT
Supt. Gray explained that three draft resolutions have been distributed for discussion
and possible action.
Commissioner Schlather expressed his opinion that the Board of Public Works should
work with the community to find a way to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Alternate 3 - Resolution to Rename State Street
By Commissioner Schlather: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins
WHEREAS, the Circle of Recovery, a group of local high school students, and other
members of the community have petitioned the City of Ithaca to rename State Street
“Martin Luther King, Jr. Street”; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has the responsibility to hear, review and pass
on such petitions; and
WHEREAS, there is both strong community-wide support and strong community-wide
opposition to this request, including support and opposition among the residents and
businesses directly affected; and
WHEREAS, this Board believes that given the controversy and potential divisiveness
associated with this request, and the strong opposition by a substantial number of
residents and businesses directly affected, the City of Ithaca should explore other
equally visible and significant ways to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
and thereafter promptly should enact such tribute, now therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That the request to rename State Street be and the same hereby is
denied without precluding consideration of this option along with others by the ad-hoc
group referred to below; and it is further
RESOLVED, That this Board requests the Mayor and Common Council to promptly
establish an ad-hoc group of community members, including citizens, elected officials
and a member of this Board, and charge that group to promptly review options and
thereafter to recommend a fitting, visible, significant and permanent tribute to the legacy
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the City of Ithaca, with such recommendation being
made to the appropriate City Board and/or Common Council no later than January 15,
2007, with the final action thereon expected promptly thereafter; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Board requests the Mayor and Common Council to set aside in
the City Budget no less than $20,000 to support the installation of such tribute in 2007.
Board of Public Works – November 1, 2006 - Page 2
Commissioner Dotson requested that an Alternate 4 be substituted for the resolution
being considered.
Alternate 4 - Resolution to Rename State Street
By Commissioner Dotson: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather
WHEREAS, the Circle of Recovery, a group of local high school students, and other
members of the community have petitioned the City of Ithaca to rename State Street
“Martin Luther King, Jr. Street”; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has the responsibility to hear, review and pass
on such petitions; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, in considering such requests, gives weight to
the wishes of the residents and businesses who are directly affected by any such
action; and
WHEREAS there is both strong community-wide support and strong community-wide
opposition to this request, including support and opposition among the residents and
businesses directly affected; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That in this particular case, the Board of Public Works refers the
responsibility of the street name request to Common Council. Additionally, the Board of
Public Works respectfully requests that the Mayor and Common Council promptly
establish an ad hoc group of community members, including citizens and elected
officials, and a member of this Board, to consider the name change and to review other
options as well, and thereafter recommend a tribute to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. in the City of Ithaca, with such recommendation being made to the
appropriate City Board and/or Common Council no later than January 15, 2007.
Commissioner Schlather explained that he seconded the motion for discussion
purposes but that he is not in favor of it. He stated that he supports the original
resolution because it gives a denial, not precluding another way to pay tribute to Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A vote to consider Substitute Alternate 4 Resolution to Rename State Street resulted as
follows:
Ayes (1) Dotson
Nays (6) Chapman, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra, Peterson
Abstentions (0)
Failed
Mayor Peterson stated that she supports the original resolution because it allows for
discussion with the community, so that the best decision for the community as a whole
can be reached. She further stated that while it is in the Board’s purview to rename
streets, there are legislative issues that need to be worked out, as well as processes to
be developed for street renaming within the City.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding establishing a timetable for the community
discussions, process development and decision making.
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion Alternate 3- Resolution to Rename State Street resulted as
follows:
Ayes (6) Chapman, Jenkins, Romanoff, Schlather, Wykstra, Peterson
Nays (1) Dotson
Abstentions (0)
Carried
RECYCLABLE BAGS FOR YARD WASTE
Mayor Peterson explained that based on employee input and personal observation, the
City should explore the concept of requiring yard waste being placed in heavyweight
Board of Public Works – November 1, 2006 - Page 3
paper bags. This would reduce the handling required with plastic bags, increase
efficiency of the crews, and reduce the health impacts of dust from the yard waste as it
is dumped out of plastic bags. She stated that if the Board supports this initiative,
modifications would be made to the City Code regarding yard waste pick up
requirements.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding possible alternatives, such as reducing the
number of yard waste pick-ups per year, requiring use of trashcans, or providing
employees with masks.
2007 BUDGET REVENUE TARGET – PARKING RATES
Mayor Peterson stated that Common Council is considering the 2007 budget, and it
contains revenue projections for the parking systems used in the City Garages.
City Chamberlain Parsons reported that she would be willing to meet with the Board or
a smaller group to discuss revenue projections prior to the next meeting. She further
reported on the parking agreements the City had with new project developments which
would affect how much parking rates could be increased, and how many parking spaces
are required for each business.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the parking situation downtown and in
Collegetown and steps that could be taken to increase revenue and still comply with
parking agreements already in place.
City Chamberlain Parsons reported that the new parking equipment being installed in
the garages would cut down on the number of parking violations in the garages.
The Board agreed that the subcommittee needs to review and check rates for accuracy
before any resolution can be voted on.
PLUMBING CODE CHANGES – POWER-TO-ACT
Supt. Gray explained that the State allows the use of plastic piping, but the City would
like to limit the use of plastic piping in supply lines for both health and safety reasons.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the City’s ability to limit the use of plastic
piping when the State does not. Additionally, discussion followed on the floor regarding
the State’s ability to require the City to allow the use of plastic piping.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Jessica C. Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Dept. of Public Works Intern Mayor