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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-03-19Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting March 19, 2008, Page 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:45 p.m. March 19, 2008 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (3) -Chapman, Tripp, 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 – Myers Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Planner - Chatterton EXCUSED: Commissioners Jenkins, Schlather City Attorney – Hoffman Deputy City Controller - Andrew Additions or Deletions to Agenda Mayor Peterson added a discussion regarding the off leash dog area to the agenda. Cascadilla Boat House Work Weekend – Report Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Planner Chatterton stated that the Boat House in Stewart Park will be the focus of a volunteer work crew from April 11 to 13, 2008. Cornell historic preservation graduate students Addie Smith and Nicole Murray reported that the historic preservation program has annual events to bring current student and alumni together with the goal of starting the restoration of a historic building and building community interest to finish the restoration. They stated that up until this year the events have been outside of Ithaca and have instead been in places like Ellis Island. They further stated that this project will focus on the façade of the building with special attention to the veranda and windows of the Boat House. Discussion followed regarding the process of restoration, the equipment needed and the safety precautions that are being taken. Smith and Murray stated that no money is needed from the City for the project however they will be requesting the use of city scaffolding and generators. Asst. Supt. of Streets and facilities Ferrel stated that he appreciates the effort on such a large project and will be providing the scaffolding and generators as requested. Spencer Road Traffic Triangle - Staff Recommendations Alderperson Coles stated that residents are very frustrated that nothing has been done about the traffic triangle and would really like to see a change before the paving season starts. Commissioner Tripp stated that she would be willing to work with Alderperson Coles to prepare a resolution for the Board’s next meeting that would make the triangle a permanent installation with the appropriate neighborhood signage and space for plantings within the triangle. Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting March 19, 2008, Page 2 Supt. Gray stated that the traffic triangle was put in as a political response to a tragic accident. He stated that the triangle only decreased the volume of cars in the area while it also increased the speed of cars in the area. He stated that due to improvements on Route 13 and other City streets the desire to use Spencer Road has been decreased and if the triangle were removed the neighborhood might not see much of a change. He further stated that he would prefer a trial of a traffic circle and then a decision based on the facts and traffic counts. He further stated that City staff will do what the Board requests. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the functionality of the current triangle versus a traffic circle. Asst. Supt. of Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that he needs direction by April 2nd in order to complete the work before the paving season. The Board agreed that they would like to have a resolution calling for a more permanent triangle ready for the April 2nd meeting. Johnson Controls Water Meter Performance Contract Supt. Gray stated that the contract is still being revised but a final draft should be available to the Board at the April 2nd meeting. Uniform Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Amendment Asst. Supt. of Streets and Facilities Ferrel reported to the Board on the amendments that had been proposed and how they pertained to the City’s current practices. He further discussed the changes that were made as proposed by Commissioner Schlather and why some of the proposed changes could not be made. Discussion followed regarding the City’s current drug and alcohol testing policies and the past history of success for employees with addictions. Trash Bins in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area Supt. Gray reported that this request is one in a long string of requests that the DPW has received over the last 15 years since the Board adopted a carry in – carry out policy in city parks, and pulled a large number of municipal trashcans off City streets. He stated that trashcans have been installed in response to similar requests and removed when they have been abused. Discussion followed regarding the possible locations for trash cans that would allow volunteers to dispose of litter they pick up on the trail without attracting residential trash. Supt. Gray stated that staff will put trashcans back in the entrance to the Six Mile Creek natural area and pull them out if there is an influx of residential waste. Commissioner Chapman stated that the carry in – carry out policy should be applied without exception. He stated that if trashcans are placed in one City Park they should be placed in all City Parks. Commissioner Wykstra stated that the trails should be an exception, especially when the request comes from volunteers who keep the trails clean and only want a place to dispose of what they pick up. Off Leash Mayor Peterson stated that the city is still working with New York State Parks, and the Coast Guard regarding property transfers on Inlet Island. She stated that the leadership at New York State Parks has changed and is supportive of Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting March 19, 2008, Page 3 continuing the current off leash area until a final agreement can be reach. She further stated that she will be holding a roundtable discussion that will involve all concerned parties so everyone can understand all the dimensions of the issue. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor