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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 Parking & Traffic• 1 REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Complaint from Mrs._Halloran City Attorney Shapiro reported he had received a telephone call from Mrs. Halloran of Turner Place requesting him to present the following problem before the Board: Mrs. Halloran claims that many employees from the Morse Chain factory are parking on the residential streets, most particularly Turner Place, creating a problem for the residents there. She said the parking lot is clear and they could park in the Morse Chain lot but don't because it is easier to park on the street. She maintains she has heard of a: Supreme Court ruling of some sort that says that residential parking gets priority over industrial parking if there is parking available for industrial parking. She asked what the city could do about it, and City Attorney Shapiro agreed to bring it to the attention of the Board. Discussion followed on the floor. It was agreed that a letter will be written to the Morse Chain Company requesting them to warn their employees before any action is taken. � 17�/ - - z Request for Replacement of Truck :parking Sign George Harper, 411 Dryden Road, who owns property a: 103-105--107 Dryden Road, addressed the Board saying that there are 4 parking meters at his place of business, one of which is usually marked for truck parking between 6 and 12 a.m. This is essential for carrying on business. He said this is the third spring that the sign has been torn off, and although he has requested the Department of Public Works on several occasions to replace the truck -parking sign, this has not been done. As a result, he Aft has paid a trucking charge of $66.00 because a truck from Ohio delivering to his business would not park there because of having received a parking ti.cket for parking in a prohibited area previously. Supt. Dingman commented that Mr. Harper had spoken to him duringpast six months regarding theassured thenpas b g parking sign and him that the sign would be replaced. 2 Tow -away ,Mr. Dan Stinebring, 504 Stewart Avenue, Apt. 1, spoke to the Board, requesting` the Board to redress all or part of the towing charge of $30.00 which he paid to retrieve his car which was towed from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing 0 Service during the snow emergency. He reported that the street was posted for three days but not plowed, and he had had to park in a downtown parking ;garage and walk back to his residence on Stewart Avenue. He feels the :circumstances were extenuating, and that he made every effort to cooperate. ri Discussion followed on the floor. Resolution By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Schickel 1 RESOLVED, That the Board accept Mr. Stinebring's request and refer it to the Parking, Traffic $ Transit Committee. Carried. Unanimously Report on Stinebring Tow -away City Attorney Shapiro reported that after reviewing the request of Dan Stinebring, 504 Stewart Avenue, Apt. 1, to redress all or.part of the towing charge of $30.00 which. he paid to retrieve his car which. Was towed from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing Service during. the snow -emergency, he recommended denial of the request due to the fact that Mr. Stinebring was parked illegally and he felt th.e Board should not set a precedent under the circumstances..g Mc,..cOr .tea) to Resolution 1 By Comm. Shaw; Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That the Board denies the request of Mr. Stinebring for all or partial reimbursement of the $30.00 towing charge whichoccurred as a 0, result of his car being towed from Stewart Avenue by Ryan Towing Service, and that the City Clerk inform Mr. Stinebring by letter of th.e Board's decision. Carried Unanimously Reimbursement for "Tow-aways" 'By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan RESOLVED, That on the advice of Attorney Shapiro, reimbursement be made Ifor the following "tow-aways": 377/77 David and Nancy Fuller - $32.10 Manachen Nathan - $26.75 Carried Unanimously City Attorney Shapiro commented that directions should be given to the City Controller and City Clerk that the above checks be sent out. Requests for refund of towing charges The following persons appeared before the Board to request the refund of $26.75 each for towing charges incurred as a result of the Department having their cars towed away after posting the street that work would be done. The signs were posted on Thursday and no work was done on the road, so they parked their cars on Sunday and they were towed away Monday. The group protested the parking ban that appeared longer than necessary. Debby Gershel, 302 Utica Street Bob Anton, 305 Utica Street Maxine Hunter, 104 Utica Street 6/0 by Mr. Anton also objected to the method the City used to post signs during the snow emergency. City Attorney Shapiro commented that he had calls from other individuals involved in the same situation. Resolution By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, the matter of the charges for cars towed from Utica Street after posting that work would be done on that street, be referred to the Highways, Street Lighting and Refuse Committee for review and with power to act. 6-N7y Carried Unanimously Request for refund of towing charges �� /7f Comm. Shaw reported that the committee hdd considered the request for refund of towing charges incurred as a result of the Department having cars towed away after posting Utica Street that work would be done. Resolution By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan RESOLVED, That the request for refund of towing charges from Utica Street after posting that work would be done on that street be denied, and that the appropriate parties be notified by the City Clerk. Carried Unanimously • 3 Aurora Street Status Mayor Conley asked for the status of the request to return Aurora Street to traffic both ways and was advised the petition is still in committee and may require a public hearing. //2.,/7/ ! Petition for Elimination of One-way Street System 3x/7 Comm. Allan reported that the committee had met wit the petitioners for 1 elimination of one-way street system on Aurora and Cayuga Streets; however, decision at this point is not available to the Board. He said he wishes to have a meeting on that item with the committee between now and the next Board meeting. In addition he hopes to have reports on the parking on Lincoln Street and South Aurora Street school crossing at the next meeting. • I Request for Two-way Traffic on Aurora and Cayuga Streets By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell RESOLVED, That the request to return the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North Aurora Street, the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North Cayuga Street, and the 100 block of South Cayuga Street to two-way traffic be denied. The one-way system in the Central Business District on these streets was instituted as a result of repeated and insistent demands of the general public, the motoring public, and the merchants of the Central Business District* Any scheme for relieving this congestion while still main- ,* two -direction traffic would have resulted in the removal of nearly ,'all of the on -street parking in the Central Business District on affected streets. Such a course of action was determined to be more damaging to business in the Central Business area than the one-way system. The one-way system resulted in a better movement of traffic with the ability to adjust the flow as needed without causing annoying and time- consuming delays due to left turns at the intersections which cause con- gestion in the short blocks in the Central Business District. The system has provided the ability to handle future increase in traffic which was not available in the two-way system. This will be especially important when downtown redevelopment has been fully accomplished. The one-way system provides desirable and necessary parking in truck- ' loading zones without impeding the movement of traffic. A much safer condition for both pedestrians and vehicles has been accomplished because of the reduced amount of conflict between pedestrians Iand vehicles. Discussion followed on the floor, Harold Kuntz, proprietor of Halls Delicatessen, spoke in favor of restoring two -traffic on Aurora Street. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: 41111 661.- Carried Unanimously 4 Standard Traffic Signal and Controller Equipment By CGmm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel WHEREAS, the City now has Crouse -Hinds traffic signal controllers and traffic equipment in use in 52 intersections throughout the City, and WHEREAS, labor costs for servicing a standard signal dquipment will be less than for servicing different types, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to adopt Crouse -Hinds as the standard traffic signal and controller equipment to be purchased and usedby the City of Ithaca in the year 1978, except on, the existing arterial system on Meadow Street, and to authorize the Board of Public Works to advertise for bids, and to purchase traffic signal and controller equipment of this manufacturer in such quantity as the funds provided in the 1978 budget will permit. Carried Unanimously • 5 Sun Day Mr. Ben Nichols, 109 Llenroc Court, addressed the Board, as a representative of the Sun Day group, stating their purpose is to promote the use of sources of renewable energy of the country and also promote conservation of energy. They will observe Sun Day on Saturday, May 6, 1978 on the Commons with demonstrations, workshops, displays, etc. To encourage people coming to the Commons that day by use of public transportation and bicycles instead of cars, Mr. Nichols -requested that the City provide free bus service between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., in addition to designating an area for the parking of bicycles, preferably on the ground floor of one of the parking garages, at no cost. Resolution /t eL(e-h WI % By Comm. Shaw: Seconded by Comm. Allan RESOLVED, the request for free bus service and accommodation forbicycles on Sun Day, Saturday, May 6, 1978 be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee for recommendation. Carried Unanimously Sun Day 'Supt. Dingman reported that Mr. Ben Nichols had requested free bus service and bike racks for Saturday, May 6, 1978 "Sun Day." He said that while it would not be a major problem to reserve the lower part of the Seneca Street ;garage for bicycles, supplying bike racks would be a major problem.. Also, he said that provision of free bus service is something the city does on a very limited basis, and he felt no real purpose would be accomplished by providing free bus service. Discussion followed on the floor. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell RESOLVED, That the city provide free bus service, provided the City Transit. System be given credit in public manner, and that the promotors of this 'event publicize the free bus service to the fullest extent possible; also space be provided in the Seneca Garage for bicycles, with no bike racks. Carried Unanimously Bus Service for Sun Day Asst. Supt. Dougherty reported that in respect to free bus service on Sun Day, not only was it not adequately publicized, but as far as the City Transit System was concerned, it was not publicized at all, so there was no free bus service on Saturday, May 6, 1978. 57/d%n • • 6 Additional Traffic Control - Aurora Street at Hillview Place Comm. Allan reported that a request for additional traffic control at the existing flashing signal and school crossing on Auroraegt at Hill- veiw Place intersection has been under consideration. :11/2_2. r Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell RESOLVED, That the department be directed to restripe the crosswalk on Aurora Street with heavier than normal lines and to augment the existing flashing warning signals and warning signs with new pavement markings and legends on the Aurora Street paches tandincrease assistthe theoscliool crosswalk sing value, and to promote better observance, guard in providing more safety for children crossing the street. Carried Unanimously • • Twenty-four Hour Parking in West Lincoln Street By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell RESOLVED, That the request for 24-hour parking in West Lincoln Street be denied for the following reasons: 1. Public streets are primarily constructed and maintained for the move- ment of vehicle traffic. 2. Twenty-four hour parking permission in effect permits garaging of vehicles at night on city streets. It has been a city policy to limit this to those few city streets where due to severe off-street parking problems it was found necessary. 3 Twenty-four hour parking does not encourage the creation of new off- street parking facilities and consequently is detrimental to the effective maintenance of the street; effective snow removal; and effective parking enforcement. (")--1-11g 4. 4. Surveys in the area requested proved that sufficient curb space was available within reasonable distance of Lincoln Street. Carried Unanimously 24 -Hour Parking Hawthorne Circle By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki /a"//3/7d' RESOLVED, that the request of the Common Council for 24-hour parking on Hawthorne Circle be referred to the Parking and Traffic Committee. Carried Unanimously Resolution By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That twenty-four hour limit parking be permitted on Hawthorn Circle by requesting the Common Council to insert in Section 60.42B, Alternate Parking Schedule A: Hawthorn Circle; both sides; Ok717Y • Removal o Parking Meters Comm. Schickel 3/ z�i�P By Comm. Allan: Seconde by RESOLVED, That a letter from Ray SDaePasStreetTe uestinnd on gheremoval 00 of parking North meters on the 100 block of West and South Cayuga Street, be referred to the Parking edUTraffic Committee. Carri Removal of Parking Meters Re•uest By Comm. Allan: Secon•e' by Comm. Whispell property RESOLVED, That the request from Raymond Street dDipasq ale on behalf alfsofothe owners in the West State Street/Cay g removal of parking meters, be denied, Carried Unanimously III Green Street Parking Garage Maintenance For the information of the Board, Supt. Dingman reported that in respect 'to the Green Street Parking Garage there are maintenance items which have become more and more urgent. He went to the Budget and Administration Committee for appropriation of money for this purpose and has retained an engineer to make a maintenance report of the garage. When completed, he will bring the report to the Board for further action as required. 1 • Report - Green Street Parking Ramp Conan. Schickel reported that Eckerlin, Klepper, Hahn and -Hyatt, Consultant Engineers, have submitted their report, recommenda- tions and conclusions on the Green Street Parking Ramp. The report includes recommendations for maintenance work amounting to approximately $28,000 and deck coating of the top parking levels and both bridge levels at a cost of approximately $135,000. These recommendations and conclusions are under study by the department. Departmental recommendations for remedial work and budgeting will be forthcoming. W\-1(( Green Street Parking Garage Repairs By Comm. Banfield: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to provide $180,000 to perform the repairs to the Green Street Parking Garage which are called for in the report of Eckerlin, Kiepper and Hahn. F/23l7 Discussion followed on the floor. Comm. Banfield added a friendly amendment to the resolution as follows: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the possibility of products involved, workmanship and the architect's responsibility be explored. A vote on the amended resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Invoice - Ecklerkin, Klepper, Hahn and Hyatt By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan %//31/x' RESOLVED, That an Invoice of Ecklerkin, Klepper, Hahn and Hyatt for consulting services, in connection with the inspection of the Green Street Parking Ramp through July 28, be approved in the amount of $1,285.37. Carried Unanimously !r Green Street Parking Ramp Comm. Banfield requested a status report in respect to repairs to be made to the Green Street Parking Ramp, and whose responsibility it is. Hly/7g City Attorney Shapiro explained that the greatest portion of the repairs is a result of the city not having had the upper floors sealed at the start. City Engineer Cox disagreed with City Attorney Shapiro. He said that when he was consulted at the eleventh hour and inspected the building he made a list of the defects which were the same defects as exist now. He also commented a small amount of money was withheld for a lot of the seals and joint repairs that were pointed out in his inspection report. Supt. Dingman commented that it would be difficult to determine whether the needed repairs are due to faulty workmanship or faulty design. City Attorney Shapiro said, at the time of closing, enough money was held back to do the repairs if the contractor did not do them, but he doesn't know what happened --why the money was not used to make th.e repairs. He said he was under the impression th.e matter had been rectified. City Engineer Cox commented that we are talking about a small amount of money that was withheld --less than $1,000, probably about $700. Comm. Ewanicki suggested, and Mayor Conley agreed, that a letter should be sent by the City Attorney informing the contractor of the city's decision and what they are doing. Supt. Dingman reported that the coating of the upper floor was not funded; the repairs were, and design work has been started. rt appears that the panel at th.e head of th.e stairs will have to be replaced before winter. It is unlikely that the remaining work can be done before the end of the year. • Request fdi---U-715-i Seneca Street Garage Comm. Schickel reported that Raymond DiPasquale has presented a proposal to th-e Board of Public Works which would provide for the exclusive use of the Seneca Street Garage on certain Sundays so that he could use it for a used automobile market. The Buildings E Grounds Committee met with Mr. DiPasquale and certain conditions were discussed; however, an opinion of the City Attorney indicates that even if the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the New York State Urban Development Corporation were to agree to such use of the structure, competitive bidding would be required and approval of three-quarters of the Common Council. Resolution By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Whispell RESOLVED, That because of the complexity of public actionsrequired to permit such use, and because of the limited benefit to be derived by the City, the proposal of Raymond DiPasquale to use the Seneca Parking Garage for a public automobile sale, be denied. Mr. DiPasquale appeared before the Board to answer questions regarding his proposal. Discussion followed on the floor. Resolution to Table By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland RESOLVED, The resolution denying Mr. DiPasquale's proposal for the use of the Seneca Parking Garage be tabled. Carried Unanimously Resolution By comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan RESOLVED, That City Attorney Shapiro is directed by the Board to seek per- mission er- Tnission�from�the*Urban Renewal Agency and the NYSUDC to use the Seneca Parking r•;rTs•.:. . fir-• . .. ^ s�-c ^TR^. - r � r r 1 1 T T n 1 n i n i i c 1 LTL..33.10Ai Reauest for use of parking ramp for auto sale display. Comic.. Schickel commented that after requesting the use of the parking_ ramp, Mr. Raymond DiPasquale was not notified of the decision of the Urban Renewal Agency, denying his request. 7117( Mayor Conley said he will consult with City Attorney Shapiro requesting him to take appropriate steps to notify Mr. Di Pasquale of the decision of the Board and Urban Renewal Agency. -11- Traffic Signal at Meadow, t Clinton andTitus Avenue Comm, Allan reported that a letter hasbeen indir_areceived from Regional waded Director of Transportation, Region 3, West Clinton Street an a new study of the intersection of Meadow Street, Titus Avenue, and has determined that the trafficicountsal of a� /7� usingthe side streets do not ,warrant LI% / • 12 Authorization - parking meters in east portion of Family Medicine Center By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Shaw RESOLVED, That Common Council be requested to designate the eastern portion of the Family Medicine Center parking area as a metered zone to be known as Parking Lot 'H'. 5/0/7i Carried Unanimously 13 • • Code Amendments - Article V Parking Meters, Section 60'.51 $ Section 60.53 By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to make the following amendments to the City Code: ARTICLE V. PARKING METERS Section 60.51 ZONES B. Public Parking Lots Delete: 1. East Green Street Parking Area 2. East Seneca Street Parking Area 3. East State Street Parking Area 4. West Green Street Parking Area 5. West State Street Parking Area Insert: 1. East State Street Parking Area (Lot "E") 2. West State Street Parking Area (Lot "F") 3. Dryden Road Parking'Area, or the "Corson Lot" (Lot "C") 4. Health Facility Parking Area, Eastern Portion of Lot '(Lot Section 60.53 PARKING TIME LIMITS IN PUBLIC PARKING LOTS A. One hour parking Delete: 1. East Green Street Parking Area 2. East Seneca Street Parking Area 3. East State Street Parking Area 4. West Green Street Parking Area Insert: 1. Health Facility Parking Area, Eastern Portion of Lot (_Lot "H'') Insert: Ii 5-1/0/7 . B. Two hour parking The parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer than two hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except Sundays and holidays in the following public parking lots: 1. East State Street Parking Area (Lot "E) 2. Dryden Road Parking Area, the "Corson Lot" (Lot "C"), eastern half of lot. Delete B. Ten hour parking The parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer than (ten) hours except Sundays and holidays in the West State Street Parking Area. Insert: C. Ten hour parking The' parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited for a period of longer. than (ten) hours except Sundays and holidays in the following public parking lots: 1. West State Street Parking Area (Lot "F") 2. Dryden Road Parking Area, the "Corson Lot" (Lot western half of lot. 010/2V Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously -14- rr- Stop sign at N. Aurora and E. Tompkins Streets By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Whispell "-21/7.6C7.' RESOLVED, That the request for a stop sign at North Aurora and. East ® Tompkins Streets which was referred to the Board by the Common Council, be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee. Carried Unanimously • Parking - Giles Street Comm. Allan reported that residents of Giles Street area have many problems with parking on the street and on city property in their area. It is necessary to determine as a matter of o1c whether the city will continue to permit parking on Giles 6 7</ 72 Street opposite the homes of Morrisey and Cooper, and to d vop the existing parking spots, or whether the city will prohibit parking at these spots and on Giles Street itself. It is also necessary to determine as a matter of policy whether the city will develop a piece of the water shed land in the vicinity of Van Natta Pond to provide off-street parking for people using the Circle Greenway and the water shed area for recreation pur- poses. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That the Parking, Traffic $ Transit Committee consider these matters and prepare recommendations for action byt e Board and/or recommendations to the Common Council. may,/jam Carried Unanimously Proposal for parking lot at Van Natta Pond Steve Karr of the Planning and Development Department reported on the progress to date on a proposal for a parking lot at Van Natta Pond which came about as a result of complaints by residents of the area of the abuse of on -street parking. He presented the schematic design which is in three stages: (1) initial allowance for parking of 20 vehicles; (2) development of additional landscaping with consideration of persons wishing to walk or sit and view the area, and addition of separate . pedestrian entrance; (3) expansion to allow for parking of 36 vehicles. Mr. Karr commented that an alternative would be a parking situation which stays north of the stream which would allow for 19 vehicles. The alternative poses the problem of the parking lot being landlocked, and the possibility of expansion in the future is limited, in addition to not being aesthetically pleasing to have the cars on the water's edge. Mr. F. Thomas Morrissey, 302 Giles Street, inquired about a barricade across the road from the residences on Giles Street, and suggested that a sign be posted on the existing gate (Park closes at 10:00 P.M.) and that -the closing be enforced. Discussion followed on the floor. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That the problem of providing parking at Van Natta Pond be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee. Carried Unanimously Supt. Dingman expressed appreciation to Mr. Karr for his presentation and the work he has done toward resolving the problem of parking at Van Natta Pond. 61417( Parking on Giles Street Comm. Allan reported that the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee met with representatives of Circle Greenway and residents of Giles Street and concluded that it would be in the public interest to prohibit parking on either side of Giles Street between Columbia Street and Water Street, except.in the vicinity of houses numbered 207, 209 and 215 Giles Street, to erect a barricade to prevent unauthorized off-street parking in this same area, and to encourage the development of permanent public parking next to Van Natta Pond. gpe/1 Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to revise its Ordinances to prohibit on -street parking on either side of. Giles Street from 215 easterly to Water Street. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Parking --Giles -Street/Six Mile Creek Area 707( Comm. Allan reported that the following actions ave been taken with respect to parking in the Giles Street/Six Mile Creek area: 1. Common Council has been requested to prohibit parking on either side from 215 Giles Street, easterly to Water Street. 2. The Department will construct an earth barrier to prevent off-street parking opposite the homes of Cooper and Morrissey. 3. The Department will remove the present gate at VaiNatta Pond and remove any prohibition of parking in the area adjacent to the pond. Parking - Giles Street/Six-Mile Creek Area Asst. Supt. Hannan reported that the department has done work on the street opposite the homes of Cooper and Morrissey to prevent parking there, and the gate at Van Natta Pond has been removed so that people may park in the area adjacent to the pond. .1I$M • • 16 Request for 'Reserved for Handicapped-' parking area 1By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland RESOLVED, That the request of Paul gibbons for the removal of a meter - and the installation of a 'reserved for handicapped'. parking area, in connection with Meadow House in the 600 block of West State Street, be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee. 67, ,c/.7" Carried Unanimously Removal of meter --State Street Comm. Allan reported that the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee reviewed a request of Paul Gibbons that the meter in the parking space on State Street, just west of Meadow House, be removed to provide a space to load and unload handicapped persons. The Committee found that: 1. The existing "No Parking" spot in front of MeadoW House now provides a convenient spot for loading and unloading handicapped persons. This "No Parking" spot was established with this use in mind. 2. The removal of the meter, as requested, would deprive adjacent businessmen of customer parking in an area which is already de- ficient in parking. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki. RESOLVED, That the request be denied. Parking Space for Handicapped Persons Comm. Allan reported that the Common Council, at its last regular meeting, directed that the Board of Public Works select and establish a parking space suitable for use by handicapped persons, in the Central Business District. Traffic Engineer Combas is working on this project, and when a suitable spot has been selected, a further report will be made to the Board. Carried Unanimously Request for Designation of Space for Handicapped and Request for Appropria- tion Comm. Allan reported that responding to a request by the Common Council on August 9, 1978, the Traffic Engineer recommends that two spaces be set aside on the ground floor of the Seneca Garage for cars carrying handicapped persons. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki nigi f RESOLVED, That a ramp be built from the ground floor of Seneca Garage to the sidewalk on East Seneca Street, and that a handicapped ramp be built into the curb at the northeast corner of East Seneca and North Tioga Streets. *IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council provide $3,000 in its 1979 budget to provide for the construction of a ramp in the Seneca Garage and at the northeast corner of East Seneca and North Tioga Streets. Carried Unanimously Handicapped People Mayor Conley commented that on December 12, 1978, Urban Renewal Agency Committee had a public hearing where people had an opportunity to comment on Urban Renewal's Fifth Year applications from our Com- munity Development Block Program. At that meetint there were several people who were handicapped or who represented people who were handi- capped, agency type people. Mayor Conley mentioned that a lot of comments were made about curb cuts for the handicapped, and parking provisions for the handicapped. The Mayor said at that time he was not in position to respond to many of the continents. However, he understands that the Board of Public Works has now a permit system, people who are handicapped can now come to City Hall, at the City Clerk's Office, and ask for a permit. Applications may be filled out and they are issued a permit which allows them to park in the City's designated handicap places already set aside by the Board. The places will be marked just as soon as markers become available. Mayor Conley mentioned that there are now two places in the Seneca Street Parking Ramp available to the handicapped and there is further study underway to establish the best parking spaces in the peripheral street area. He is to work with the handicapped people to establish other things that can be done by the City to help the handicapped. 0.1i3/7g Mayor Conley mentioned that in talking to the Board he found out that many things have already been done to help the handicapped and that it is the City's policy that where sidewalks are being repaired that handicap access to those sidewalks will be included. The Mayor mentioned that Marcey Silverman was present at the meeting and will be working with the Mayor and City Engineer Cox to find ways to further help the handicapped get around the City. He also had a lot of literature pertaining to the problems of the handicapped which he was going to turn over to the City Attorney, City Clerk and the Board of Public Works. 17 • • Parking at Cass Park 6/arbf Mayor Conley addressedthe problem of parking at Cass Park, saying many complaints have been received due to persons who have parked on the grass being tagged by the Police Department, as a result of E. Lynch's concern over the maintenance of the lawn. Mayor Conley has temporarily requested that the cars not be tagged until the situation can be clarified. He has since met with Youth Bureau Director Cutia, Supt. of Public Works Dingman and Asst. Chief of Police Pagliero to try to resolve the situation. They decided that, after Department of Public Works staff complete a survey of the parking needs at the height of the ball -playing nights, if a serious parking problem does exist, the Board will be asked to allow parking on the grass, at least temporarily until more parking can be provided. • • -18- Traffic Flow Scheme for Parking Lot "E" Philip Cox, City Engineer, reported on the plan now recoulinended for parking Lot "E". The scheme involves the alleyway between Mayer's Smoke Shop and T. G. Miller's Paper Company, of which owners have rights-of-way. Work was to have begun this year but Council decided otherwise. There was only enough money this year for a small amount of work. The scheme as explained by Mr. Cox should move traffic faster; there will be approximately 34 park- ing spaces instead of the present 26. Mayor Conley asked for an estimate on the cost and Mr. Cox gave a round figure of $50,000. Design of Parking Lot 'E' By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki oSpThatr tahe flowpoftment be traffic throughZed theto design lott from northntolsouth' to provide for only. 63(7 Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously -19- Signage for Tompkins County Hospital Comm. Allan reported that Tompkins County Hospital had requested the implementation of an emergency signing system to direct motorists passing through the Ithaca area to Tompkins County Hospital in the event of emergency. The system has been devised and approved by the proper State agencies. The NYS Department of Transportation has agreed to sign that portion of the route which is not in the city. The city would be required to erect signs on the route where it lies within the city. No funds exist in our budgets for these signs. If funds were provided, the signs could be fabricated and erected before winter. 03/7' Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Cleveland RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to provide $800 in Acct. No. A3310A for the purchase of materials for a hospital route signing system. Carried Unanimously • -20- .Requests rom TACC Day Care Center and Southside Center ;Comm. Schickel informed the Board he had received a letter from the IACC ;Day Care Center, located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, 100 block of East Court Street, with playground across th.e street, in which they request that something be done to improve signage warning people that there are children crossing in that block. /o////7g Comm. Schickel also received a request from the Southside Center for better signage warning people that children are playing in that area. 'Resolution By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Allan RESOLVED, That the requests from the IACC Day Care Center and Southside Center for better signage be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee. Carried Unanimously Request from Day Care Center for Additional Signage in the 100 Block of 7//g'/%y East Court Street Comm. Allan reported that a request on October 11,11978 from the IACC Day Care Center that the 100 block of East Court Street be made a school zone; ihat the intersection of East Court and North Cayuga Streets be clearly marked at all times; that the traffic signal cycle be lengthened to allow a group of 75 children to cross safely; and that a loading zone be estab- lished adjacent to the church at the Day Care Center entrance, was referred to this committee. A school zone may not legallybe established and en- forced in this area since no public school exists. The Traffic Engineer will provide advance warning signs to indicate the presence of children in the area. It is not possible to lengthen the cycle of th.e signal at Court and .Cayuga because this signal is part of the synchronized system. The Traffic Engineer has suggested that the school change its method of taking th.e children across the street so that the groups fit the time available on the present signal operation. The Traffic Engineer will consider the possibility of erecting a 'no turn on red' sign for westbound traffic on' East Court Street as they approach North Cayuga Street. The pedestrian crossing has been marked. The high demand for parking in the area of the 100 block of East Court Street does not permit the creation of an additional loading zone space. A large amount of loading zone space does exist on North Cayuga Street directly in front of the Presbyterian Church. Signage at Southside Center ///b0 75/ Comm. Allan reported that a request presented to the Board on October 11, 1978 and assigned to this committee, suggested the need for better signage to warn people of children playing in the area of the Southside Center at South. Plain Street and Cleveland Avenue. Investigation indicates that adequate signage already exists. Playground warning signs were erected on South Plain Street in May of 1977 in response to a request from Arthur Wilkins, and a similar sign was erected on Cleveland Avenue on March 31, 1978, at the request of Mayor Conley and others. • Petition from residents of Spencer Road Comm. Schickel requested information concerning the petition from residents of Spencer Road which was presented to the Common Council at its October 4, 1978 meeting. Alderman Bordoni explained to the Board what appeared to cause the residents of Spencer Road concern. --a substantial increase in .vehicular traffic on Spencer Road, and the removal of vegetation from resident's property to make way for electrical lines, and misrepresentation of.persons seeking the easement from the property owners. City Engineer Cox commented that he believes the issue of the removal of vegetation was raised because 'of a misunderstanding of a new owner on Spencer Road concerning the easement. Resolution By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Shaw RESOLVED, That the matter of the 'installation and operation of a traffic light at the corner of Elmira Road and Spencer Road th.ereb:y-promoting a substantial increase in vehicular traffic on-Spencer:Road' be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee for exploration. Carried Unanimously Spencer Road Traffic Complaint Comm. Allan reported that a complaint by Spencer Road residents heard by the Common Council on October 4, 1978 and by the Board of Public Works on October 11, 1978 and referred to this committee, will be handled as follows: "WV The Traffic Engineer will make a new traffic count to see if the allegation of greater traffic on Spencer Road is justified. He will also check the operation of the traffic signals on Elmira Road to make sure that they are operating as designed. A possible solution to the problem of excessive traffic on Spencer Road could be the erection of a 'no turn on red' sign northbound on Elmira Road at Spencer Road. • Expungement of portion of bill By Comm. Schickel; Seconded by Comm.. Cleveland RESOLVED, That $27.00 of the total $207 of a bill to Charles Leven for the replacement of traffic signs and meter posts damaged in an automobile accident on September 27, 1078, be expunged. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows; Carried Unanimously -23 - Appeal for traffic signal and traffic guard Alderman Slattery addressed the Board regarding the need for a traffic signal or 4 -way stop at W. Court and N. Geneva Streets, and a traffic guard at W. Court and N. Albany Streets. He commented that there has 41, been an increase in the amount of traffic on Court Street and an increase in the number of children using the GIAC facility in addition to changes in the traffic patterns; consequently a number of people are now using Court Street as a main thoroughfare to get to Meadow Street and vice versa. There is a 4 -way stop at the one intersection, but more often than not the cars slow up for the sign and pass right on through it. Small children crossing the street are narrowly being missed. Dan Lee, Principal of Central School, appealed to the Board for a minimum of a crossing guard at the corner of W. Court and N. Albany Streets before and after school. He said the Police Department had done a traffic count there about two months previously. /// 7.S/ Dennis Byron, Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, addressed the Board, saying that he had written a letter to the Board two or three years before concerning the problem, but had received no response. He said a device is needed which will insure that cars will come to a com- plete stop at the corner of W. Court and N. Albany Street. Frank Gombas, traffic engineer, addressed the Board, reporting that he had conducted a study in 1975 of the activities at the GIAC and the school and they were not sufficient to warrant a signal. He discovered there were other problems to be dealt with first --visibility, signing, replacement of stop signs, additional emphasis on crosswalks. On that basis they dealt with the requirements at that corner. Since that time things have changed and he feels that additional consideration should be 'given the intersection in view of the additional activity there. He said he feels a study could be obtained in relatively short time. Mayor Conley asked him to coordinate a study of the intersection with Officer Norman of the Traffic Division and to get a report back to the Board as soon as possible, by the first of the year, if possible. Resolution By Comm. Banfield: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That this appeal be referred to the Parking and Traffic Committee to give the Traffic Engineer an opportunity to study the situa- tion and concur with representatives from GIAC, the school district and the aldermen of the neighborhood, and make a recommendation to the Board of Public Works at its December 27, 1978 meeting. Carried Unanimously Report of Traffic Committee Meeting Comm. Ewanicki reported on the Traffic Committee Meeting of December 19 which dealt with the matters of traffic control at North Albany/West Court Street intersection; North Albany/North Geneva Street intersection; and on odd -side even -side parking on Hawthorn Circle., 7) )7I)7I-3Y BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an "all -way" stop control replace the existing signs at North Geneva Street/West Court Street intersection; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the request for additional traffic control at, North Albany Street/West Court Street intersection be denied. Carried Unanimously P�2�I�� It was agreed that copies of the Traffic Committee Meeting and their recommendations would be sent to GIAC, the school principal and the First Ward aldermen. • • -24- Month y Parking Permits By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Couiui. Ewanicki RESOLVED, that the rates for monthly permits for off-street parking in unmetered areas be changed to provide for the following: /41317� $15.00 per month permits parking anywhere in any unmetered facility. (Seneca Garage, Lot "D", Green Street Garage.) $10.00 per month permits parking anywhere in the Green Street Garage. $5.00 per month permits parking anywhere on the top deck of the Green Street Garage. 1; Ji3/7' and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above rates are for permits which will be issued at the parking booths and will be good for a calendar month. No part -month tickets will be offered. Discussion followed on the floor. By Comm. Allan: Seconded by Comm. Ewanicki RESOLVED, that the request for change in the Monthly Parking Permits be referred to the Parking and Transit Cou,uiittee. Carried Unanimously Off -Street Parking By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Shaw /zlgIV RESOLVED, That the present off-street parking rates be continued in all .of the off-street parking facilities. Carried Unanimously Traffic Light on Green Street by Parking Ramp iJa77g Alderman Bordoni asked for the recommendation concerninglthe traffic light on Green Street and Mayor Conley informed him that it provided an excellent 'opportunity for the handicapped persons to cross to the Commons; also people corning out of the parking ramp have to re-enter the traffic. flow on Green Street; and there is a significant amount of pedestrian. traffic from the development on Terrace Hill at noon going to the Commons, Therefore, it was decided that the light be maintained until after develop- ment occurs- so the full impact can be seen at that intersection. -26 - Downtown Ithaca Businessmen's Association Stewart Lewis complimented Supt. Dingman for the lighting of the Commons during the Christmas season, and also for the maintenance of the Commons. Mr. Lewis, representing the Downtown Tthaca Businessmen's Association, addressed the Board requesting an extension of free parking in the Seineca Street Ramp, Green Street Ramp and Parking Lot D on Thursday and.Friday evenings and all day Saturday to enhance shopping in the downtown. He also requested improved signage in the parking area and presented a sample of what the Association would like to Comm. Schickel. He discussed the type of lighting on the Commons and Cayuga Street, requesting additional wattage output. Supt. Dingman informedhim that the procedure to follow if the lights burned out is to notify the Police Department. Supt. Dingman explained that the sodium lights give 1.3-1.5 times as much light as the mercury for the same wattage, and suggested that perhaps a higher wattage output is needed which might require changing the ballasts. Mayor Conley suggested that the DIBA, NYSE$G and the Board meet to discuss the lighting problems. Mr. Lewis also suggested looking at the parking situation in the near future, whichdiffers seriously between the malls and the downtown. PARKING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE: id,J�,�h$ Free Parking I r By Comm. Ewanicki: Seconded by Comm. Schickel RESOLVED, That the present provision of free parking on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturdays be continued in Parking Lot 'D', Green Street Parking Garage and the Seneca Parking Garage. Carried Unanimously Mayor Conley voted Aye also. Memo from Andrea Clardy, Ithaca Commons Coordinator re Parking Ramps Mayor Conley called attention to the following memo from Andrea Clardy, ;Ithaca Commons coordinator, to Mayor Conley which deals with the parking conditions on the Green Street Parking Garage and the graphic systems for the Central District: "Would you kindly advise the Board of Public Works of the following resolutions unanimously accepted by the members of the Commons Advisory Board at the most recent meeting of that Board, on December 15, 1978? 1. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to advise the Board of Public Works of the concern felt by the Commons Advisory Board for proper and complete exit marking in the Green Street Parking Ramp." The motion was made by H. Stilwell Brown, seconded by Peggy Underwood and unanimously passed. Discussion included comment on the need for proper exit markings to..be posted at the earliest possible time to minimize confusion and expedite use of the facility. 2. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to draw to the attention of the Board of Public Works the danger of the Green Street Parking Ramp during and after snowfalls and that the Board of Public..Workcs be asked to assign first priority to proper maintenance of the exit ramp when snow falls." The motion was made by Jinn Rothschild, seconded by H. Stilwell Brown and unanimously passed. In discussion of the morion, recent expressions of anxiety by users of the ramp were detailed and Andrea Clardy agreed to draw this resolution and concern to the attention of Mr. Dingman. 3. "Resolved: That Mayor Conley be asked to remind th.e Board of Public Works of the Commons Advisory- Board's concern about the need for full graphics which have been three years in coming, including posted speed limits in the parking ramps," The motion was made by Jim Rothschild, seconded by K, Stilwell Brown and passed -uananimously. Resolution /a,f2, l�r By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Ewanick.i / / RESOLVED, That th.e question of upgrading of downtown lighting be referred to the Highways, Street Lighting and Refuse Committee. Carried Unanimously Resolution By Comm. Schickel: Seconded by Comm. Banfield */jg RESOLVED, That the problem of th.e parking in downtown be referred to the Parking, Traffic and Transit Committee., Carried Unanimously Mayor Conley commented that he would like the Planning staff to sit in at th.e meetings. • Halloran complaint - Morse Chain employees parking on Turner Place Tow -away from Steuart Avenue - Dan Stinebring requests redress of charges Aurora Street - request to revert to two-way traffic Standardization of traffic signal and controller equipment 1 2 3 4 Tow -away from Turner Place - reimbursement requested 2 Request for free bus service and bicycle racks for "Sun Day" 5 Aurora St at Hillview Place - additional traffic control 6 W. Lincoln St. - 24 hr. parking request 7 Request to remove parking meters - 100 block W. State & 100 blocks N. & S. Cayuga 8 Maintenance - Green St. Parking Garage/WP 9 R. DiPasquale - Requests use of Seneca St. Garage for Car Auction 10 Meadow-- West Clinton Sts. - Titus Ave. - DOT report re:Request for Traffic Signal 11 Tow -away from Utica St. - reimbursement requested 2 Family Medicine Center - Parking meter request 12 Amendments - City Code - Parking 13 N.Aurora/E.Tompkins - Request for stop sign 14 Tompkins Co. Firemen's Assoc. request use of Parking Lot D (See B & G pg. 16) Giles Street - parking / Van Natta Pond - parking 15 600 block W. State - Request to reserve for handicapped parking area. 16 Cass Park - Parking complaint re parking on grass 17 Parking Lot "E" - Traffic flow scheme & parking spaces 18 Selection and establishment parking space for handicapped 16 Request for Hospital Route Signage system 19 Requests for better signage for IACC Day Care Center and Southside Center 20 Spencer Rd. - Petition from residents re operation of traffic light 21 & Elmira Rd. Expungement of bill to Charles Leven - replacement of traffic signs and meter posts 22 W.Court/N.Geneva & N. Albany Sts. - Appeal for traffic signal and guard 23 Hawthorne Circle - 24 hr. parking request 7 Monthly Parking Permits - request for rate change off-street parking 24 Recommendation re Traffic Light on Green St. near parking ramp 25 Parking Ramps - Requests for extension free parking, improved signage and markings, and maintenace during snowfalls, upgrading downtown lighting 26... Requests for Handicapped parking spaces 16