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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2010-08-25BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:52 p.m. August 25, 2010 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Commissioners (6) – Jenkins, Brock, Wykstra, Goldsmith, Tripp, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Common Council Liaison – Zumoff Executive Assistant – Gehring Assistant Civil Engineer – Sledjeski EXCUSED: DAC Liaison – Roberts MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Peterson noted several complaints she received regarding recent sidewalk repairs and requested that copies be provided to the Board. Supt. Gray stated that he would distribute copies once he had an opportunity to read them. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: No one appeared to address the Board. REPORTS: Commissioner Tripp, as Liaison to the Planning and Development Board, reported that the Board is interested in the Board of Public Work’s discussion of the request for an easement at 611 West Buffalo Street. Supt. Gray announced that an annual municipal auction would be held on September 11, 2010, in Lansing. The Department of Public Works had accumulated anything from dump trucks to filing cabinets for the auction. He further reported that the county has been running a biodiesel/biofuel program with local municipalities, in which the City is a participant. Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews completed work on Valley Road, and had begun work on King Street. They are hoping to complete the paving of King and Queen Streets by the time public school begins. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that water and sewer crews have completed service and main repairs on Clinton/Prospect Streets and Streets and Facilities crews would begin paving on Friday. Discussion followed regarding the long length of time the reconstruction project on the Clinton Street Bridge and Prospect Street will take beginning in 2011. Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that due to the location of the Police Dept. on Prospect Street, the City cannot complete all of the work in one year. He further reported that water and sewer crews would begin a pipeline project on Hopper Place on August 30, 2010, which should be completed by Halloween. Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski joined the Board to provide an update on the 30 foot and 60 foot dam assessments that were completed. He stated that NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation created new regulations for dams that required a complete engineering assessment every 10 years, and the creation of an Emergency Action Plan in case of dam failure. He explained that the engineer the City contracted with reported that the dams are in excellent condition for their age. He recommended that instrumentation to monitor the dams be installed. He stated that if the dams were to ever fail, the entire city would be flooded. Board of Public Works Page 2 August 25, 2010 Regular Meeting ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: BPW Review of Charter This item was not discussed. VOTING ITEMS BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT Franklin Street Improvements Award of Bid – Resolution By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Tripp WHEREAS, as part of the Stormwater & Site Improvements Project (CP-515), the Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division on August 4, 2010 solicited written proposals for Professional Engineering Services and Pre-cast Concrete Structure Sections for DPW Material Stockpiles to consolidate and contain granular material stockpiles, prevent wind-borne and water-born sediment migration and allow for more efficient material storage and handling practices, and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the two proposals received from Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. and Binghamton Pre-cast & Supply and made recommendations for award, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract to Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. of Elmira, New York for a total contract amount of $119,000.00 to be paid for by funds previously authorized under capital project CP-515. Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski explained that a fence would be installed that would surround the Dept. of Public Works material stockpiles to ensure the safety of pedestrians. He further explained that chain link fencing would be used, and landscaping would be completed by local children to enhance and beautify the area. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the two bids received. Asst. Civil Engineer Sledjeski explained that one of the bids did not include all of the tasks, and suggested that the best value for the city would be to have the project completed by one contractor. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Brock: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the second whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the two proposals received from Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. and Binghamton Pre-cast & Supply and made recommendations to award the contract to Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. based on their proposed scope of services which is all inclusive and provides a nearly turnkey installation and the City’s prior excellent experience with the company, now therefore be it “ Carried Unanimously Amending Resolution By Commissioner Tripp: Seconded by Commissioner Warden RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the contract to Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. of Elmira, New York for a total contract amount of $119,000.00 to be paid for by funds previously authorized under capital project CP-515, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the same.” Carried Unanimously Main Motion As Amended A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, REFUSE, AND TRANSIT Request for Easement for 611 West Buffalo Street – Discussion Lawrence Fabbroni, representative for the developer, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray explained that the proposal is for a new development on the corner of West Seneca and Meadow Streets. He further stated off-street parking is not required for that area, but the developer feels private parking would be valuable to the residents. Mr. Fabbroni explained the project location, the zoning requirements, and the need for additional parking on the west end. He stated that the property owner would like to provide Board of Public Works Page 3 August 25, 2010 Regular Meeting parking for the proposed new apartment building. He further explained that the developer requests a license for an easement to utilize the municipal parking lot at 611 West Buffalo Street as access to a 14 space private parking lot that is planned for the apartment building. He noted that the owner would accept a revocable license agreement/easement. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the intended income bracket for the residents of the apartment building, zoning, and use of the municipal parking lot by local businesses, rather than the residences. Commissioner Tripp stated that the Planning and Development Board would like the Board of Public Works to approve the easement request, because they are opposed to the alternate plan which includes razing two residential homes neighboring the municipal parking lot in order to construct a parking lot for the apartment building. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the land value of the municipal parking lot, offering a revocable encroachment agreement, and including a stipulation in the agreement that the property owner of the apartment building must ensure the municipal parking lot is kept clear. City Attorney Hoffman suggested that the license also include a provision that the property owner must install a buffer between the private and municipal parking lots, such as a fence, in case the private lot is ever discontinued. The Board generally agreed to allow the revocable license for an encroachment. City Attorney Hoffman agreed to provide a resolution for the September 8, 2010, meeting. HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS Sidewalk Program – Current Status Report and Discussion Asst. Supt. Benjamin began the discussion by providing an overview of the work completed in the sidewalk program for the past four years. He stated that in 2007, sidewalks for 6 properties where constructed. In 2008, 40 sidewalks in residential areas were constructed, totaling almost 2,500 sq. ft. The project also included many wheelchair ramps. In 2009, 30 properties were worked on. To date in 2010, only 11 properties have had sidewalks worked on. He stated that the crew begins working on a property and the property owners begin arguing with them and chases them off. He has instructed the crew to not stop working unless the property owner can produce a street permit, which authorizes the property owner to repair their own sidewalk. He further explained that the crew has kept busy working on wheelchair ramps to create positive drainage, and on the spring street cleanup throughout the City. Supt. Gray explained that the sidewalk program has under spent and under produced this year, and he is not satisfied with its progress. Mayor Peterson expressed concern about how residents were informed of the policy change that the city would no longer pay for the repair of sidewalks due to tree damage. She further requested that a meeting with staff take place and that this item be placed on the agenda for the September 8, 2010 meeting. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding progress made in replacing inadequate sidewalk, funding for the program, billing for tree damaged sidewalk, and angry residents verbally attacking the work crew. Commissioner Wykstra noted that the Subcommittee on Sidewalks created a proposal for changes to the program that were distributed in May 2010. He requested that it be discussed during the September 8, 2010, meeting. PARKING AND TRAFFIC Concepts for Intersection Improvements at Hector/State/Floral/Elm Streets Alderperson Coles joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Supt. Gray explained the request for intersection improvements at Hector Street/State Street/Floral Ave./Elm Street, with recommendations based on three separate reviews and several public meetings. Alderperson Coles explained the safety issues surrounding the intersection for pedestrians and motorists, particularly for students and residents in Chestnut Hill Apartments. She stated that the City has received $250,000 toward funding this improvement project. She further explained that the final recommendation made by the residents suits the needs of pedestrians crossing the intersection. Board of Public Works Page 4 August 25, 2010 Regular Meeting Discussion followed on the floor regarding the public meetings that were held, and the designs that met the concerns of the residents at the public meetings, including a pedestrian cross walk light, etc. Commissioner Wykstra expressed his support for the project. Commissioner Brock expressed concerns about the issues motorists have in moving onto Route 79 from Floral Ave. due to heavy traffic flow and noted that the recommendations do not address those concerns. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the improvements being for pedestrian safety only. Commissioner Brock expressed further concerns regarding the building of additional apartment buildings in the area that will produce more pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Supt. Gray stated that the recommended improvement plan is the best compromise due to the topography and decisions made 100 years ago. WATER AND SEWER Request for a Single Water/Sewer Connection for 519-525 North Aurora Street – Discussion Susan Cosentini, owner of New Earth Living, joined the Board for the discussion of this item. Asst. Supt. Whitney explained that New Earth Living requests the installation of one water line to serve three separate buildings. He further explained that there are concerns with providing three users on one line and requested a joint maintenance agreement be created between the three buildings. Ms. Cosentini explained the proposed apartment units would be owned by one entity, and New Earth Living would like to save money by installing only one water line. She further explained that submetering would be expected, but that the bills for water consumption would go directly to the cooperative, who would then determine the individual bills for the units. Supt. Gray expressed concerns that future uses of the properties may change and explained that the requirement to have individual connections is so the city would not need to modify the lines later. He further expressed concern that with submetering, property owners are able to resell the services to the tenants, many times for more than they were charged. Commissioner Warden expressed concerns with shared services and utilities, and proposed that a solution may be to put the main meter in one house, then submeter to the other two houses. Mayor Peterson suggested that Commissioner Warden, Supt. Gray, Asst. Supt. Whitney and Ms. Cosentini meet to discuss the request and work out a recommendation for the Board prior to the September 8, 2010 meeting. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Carolyn K. Peterson Executive Assistant Mayor