HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-05-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:55 p.m. May 21, 2008
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (3) - Chapman, Schlather, Tripp
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Hoffman
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Executive Assistant – Myers
Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Planner – Chatterton
Acting Director of Planning and Development – Cornish
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Wykstra
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Collegetown Urban Design Plan – Presentation
Ron Malice, David Crasino, and Jason Schrieber, Nelson Nygard, presented the
first draft of the Collegetown Urban Plan and Design Guidelines. They stated that
the schedule for implementation of the plan and design guidelines is driven by
the moratorium which will be lifted in October. They further stated that the goal is
to have the guidelines and zoning code adopted by the City by the time the
moratorium is lifted. The presentation included issues such as parking,
pedestrian and cyclist facilities, streetscape recommendations and transportation
systems.
Discussion followed regarding the parking and pedestrian issues brought up in
the plan. Further discussion followed regarding the possibility of parking actually
yielding profits to the City.
Midura Creek Wall Repair Encroachment Request
City Attorney Hoffman discussed the current issue with the creek wall next to the
Midura property. He stated that the owner brought plans to the Building
Department for approval and was told that he would need City approval to build
the wall as it encroached on City property. He further stated that was due to a
curve in the wall. He stated that the old surveys show the wall as curved while
only one shows it as straight.
Supt. Gray stated that he would be comfortable with the wall returning the curved
position showed in the older surveys.
Discussion followed regarding the shape and condition of the creek wall at the
adjacent properties.
Commons Short Term Repair Update
Deputy Director of Planning and Development Cornish reported to the Board that
the Public Arts Commission had passed a resolution requesting that the Board
allow them to take part in any process or advise in decisions on what would be
done with the brick circle and trolley tracks during the repair project. She stated
that the commission was very upset to see work to remove this piece of art
included in the bid documents especially due to the fact that they had not been
consulted.
Commissioner Schlather arrived at 6:15 p.m.
May 21, 2008 Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes Page 2
Discussion followed regarding the possible temporary removal of the art
installation.
Supt. Gray stated that the temporary removal could last for a few years.
Mayor Peterson stated that the Public Arts Commission is advisory to Common
Council and not the Board.
Further discussion followed regarding the possible removal and ways to include
the arts commission. All parties agreed that due to the time constraints of the
construction season and the contract process that commission would be present
at the next Board meeting, when the short-term repair contract will be awarded,
to discuss their concerns and hear more about the project.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
_____________________
Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor