HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2008-07-02BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:55 p.m. July 2, 2008
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (4) - Jenkins, Chapman, Tripp, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Hoffman
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Executive Assistant – Myers
Common Council Liaison – Coles
DAC Liaison – Roberts
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Schlather
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Rules for Use of DeWitt Park - Discussion
Supt. Gray stated that after some discussion in the early 1990’s the Board
adopted a resolution on December 23, 1992, which outlined the Board policy for
use of the park. He further stated that over time use of the park has strayed from
the 1992 policy statement. He stated that at first Ithaca College was allowed to
use amplified sound in the Park, then the Ithaca festival began using the park
and since then more events requiring amplified sound have requested to use the
Park and in many cases have been allowed to use the park. He further stated
that the Parks Commission, the Veterans groups that help maintain the park and
monuments, as well as the nearby churches that are affected by the activities in
the park should be included in further discussion before any action is taken. He
stated that there have been issues with one of the churches whose interest in
decision making for the events in the park changes with the leadership.
Holly Hollingsworth stated that he is involved with the veterans groups who clean
out the park weekly. He stated that there are many repairs that need to be made
to the monuments as well as the park. He stated that he has not seen any other
city use a memorial veteran’s park for events other than those that honor the
veterans. He stated that he would like the park to be treated as a memorial park
should be. He stated that the Park will be rededicated in October when more
veteran’s names are added to the monuments.
Commissioner Tripp stated that she would like to have signs posted with the
rules at the entrances to the Park. She stated that she would like to see a
recommendation from the Parks Commission regarding the rules for the park but
that she still strongly supports the rules voted on in 1992.
University Avenue - Negotiation Update
City Attorney Hoffman stated that there had been no changes since the last time
that the Board was updated on the negotiations. He stated that if any Board
member has any questions or concerns that they would like to see addressed
they should let him know as soon as possible.
Commissioner Tripp asked what the feedback was at the public hearings.
Mayor Peterson stated that 3 or 4 people showed up for the hearing. She stated
that those individuals did not desire to speak on the topic and that no comments
were made about the discontinuance.
Department of Public Works Budget Discussion
Supt. Gray briefly discussed the budget concerns for Streets and Facilities and
Water and Sewer due to the rising costs of fuel and construction materials.
Asst. Supt. Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that the high cost of gas and oil
has spread not only into fuel but also into all materials. He stated that the costs
for waste disposal and metal are also up. He further stated that it will take a lot of
guessing to predict how much funding will be needed for 2009 given the steady
rise of oil prices.
Asst. Supt. Water and Sewer Whitney stated that while expenses are up for his
department many of the costs have been covered by unused funds from the
2007 budget. He stated that costs haven’t increased as dramatically as they have
for Streets and Facilities since the work they are doing is much less fuel
intensive. He stated that chemical costs are going up as well.
Asst. Supt. Streets and Facilities Ferrel stated that DOW Chemical has
announced that their chemical prices will increase by 20% in the coming months.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of exploring green options to
replace high cost chemicals.
Further discussion followed regarding the southwest park hard fill site and the
timetable for meeting the DEC requirements to use the site or to find a new
nearby site.
Mayor Peterson left the meeting at 6:05 pm.
Further discussion followed regarding the development of the 2009 budget for
DPW.
Commissioner Tripp stated that she feels it is necessary for the Board to go
through the budget line by line to help determine where cuts and increases
should be made to meet the slated work program.
Further discussion followed regarding the possibility of having budget review
meetings prior to the August 1st budget deadline.
404 Cascadilla Street Request
Supt. Gray stated that the current owner of 404 Cascadilla Street (northwest
corner of Cascadilla and Third Street) has asked that the city restore, at city
expense, a second curb cut to the property. He further stated that the request
was denied. The owner is appealing that decision to the Board. He further
explained that the curb cut was removed when Third Street was rebuilt 15 or 20
years ago and that it was done with the (then) property owner’s knowledge.
Larry Roberts left the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Brief discussion followed regarding the request. The Board agreed that they
would like to vote to deny this appeal at their July 9, 2008 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
_____________________
Jessica Myers Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor