HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2009-01-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 4:53 p.m. January 7, 2009
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Commissioners (5) - Jenkins, Brock, Schlather, 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
Common Council Liaison – Coles
Executive Assistant - Gehring
Excused:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
Additions/Deletions to/from the Agenda:
Supt. Gray announced that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) would have a
public hearing on January 22, 2009, in Common Council Chambers at 8:30 a.m. Supt.
Gray circulated a certificate of appreciation for Ron Chapman for Board members to
sign.
Supt. Gray explained that Fred Bonn, Director, Tompkins County Convention and
Visitors Bureau, requested information from the City regarding ice climbing in the
Gorge. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding insurance requirements,
liability issues, climbing within the City’s Natural Areas, and whether climbers should
sign waivers releasing the City from any liability should they injure themselves.
Commissioner Schlather announced that there would be a celebration of the unveiling
of the new Martin Luther King Jr. signs at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr./West
State Street and Albany Streets on January 19, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. He further stated that
everyone is invited to GIAC afterward for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and
luncheon.
Mayor’s Communications:
Mayor Peterson reported that her office received many letters regarding the possibility
of dredging Cayuga Inlet. She further explained that a postcard campaign had begun
against an untrue rumor that the City is considering closing Newman Golf Course. She
requested a Board member assist staff in the Planning Department in responding to that
rumor. Commissioner Tripp volunteered and stated she would write an article for the
Ithaca Journal with the facts concerning plans for Newman Golf Course.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding what impacts dredging might have
on Newman Golf Course.
Election of Board of Public Works Vice Chair for 2009 - Resolution
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Schlather.
RESOLVED, That Commissioner Jenkins be appointed as the Vice Chair for the Board
of Public Works for 2009.
Carried Unanimously
Verizon Wireless Proposed Monopole – Discussion
City Attorney Hoffman reported that Verizon is anxious for the Board’s decision
regarding placement of the monopole on City property. He further explained that the
City’s ordinance requires a fall zone twice the height of the tower, and is the issue
causing the delay in the Board’s decision.
Board of Public Works Page 2 January 7, 2009
Committee of the Whole
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the fall zone requirement, the possibility of
amending the ordinance, other possible locations for the monopole, and the options
available to Verizon should the City deny their request. The Board agreed to invite
representatives from Verizon to the next Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss
their request.
Revision of City Code Chapter 170 – Review
City Attorney Hoffman explained the current “Use of City Land” Ordinance focuses on
encroachments by such things as awnings and signs that extend over sidewalks. He
further explained that changes proposed to the ordinance include the ability for the City
to receive fair rental value from encroachments.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding vendors on The Commons and other areas
of the city. Commissioner Schlather suggested having a discussion regarding the
proposed changes for the Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting on January 21,
2009, with a possible vote scheduled for the February 11, 2009, voting meeting. No
Board member objected.
2009 Work Program – Discussion
Supt. Gray requested that the Board review the information distributed in order to see
the scope of work that would be required for the 2009 construction season. He stated
this list would be presented to the Projects Coordinating Committee for their review and
consideration as well.
Supt. Gray explained that due to the excessive amount of time required to complete the
proposed projects with the current level of staffing in the Engineering Office, some
projects would not be completed.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding proposed projects for the federal stimulus,
the different types of projects that would employ the largest number of people in
preparation for an economic recession, and an anticipated job reduction in the
community. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding projects that the City
does not have enough staff to complete.
Alderperson Coles stated that Traffic Engineer Logue requested another member of the
Board be appointed to the sidewalk program subcommittee. Commissioner Brock
volunteered to attend the subcommittee.
DEC Grant for Natural Area – Discussion
Supt. Gray explained that a resolution would be prepared for consideration and possible
vote at the Board’s regular voting meeting on January 14, 2009.
Protest: Water Bill, 405 Campbell Ave. – Discussion
Supt. Gray explained that this protest is the first of many that will come before the
Board. Commissioner Brock volunteered to work with staff reviewing water bill appeals.
Request: 114 & 116 E. Spencer St. – Discussion
This request for an encroachment was not discussed
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson
Executive Assistant Mayor