HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2012-01-11BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. January 11, 2012
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Commissioners (6) – Acharya, Goldsmith, Jenkins, Morache, Warden, Wykstra
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney – Lavine
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin
Common Council Liaison – Fleming
Executive Assistant – Gehring
EXCUSED:
DAC Liaison – Roberts
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Supt. Gray requested the addition of item 8.1B entitled “Award of Plumbing Contract for
City of Ithaca – DPW City Hall Generator Installation – Resolution.”
No Board member objected.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Myrick expressed his excitement to be working with the Board. He
acknowledged that relationships have been strained between the Board and the
mayor’s office in the past. He stated that he is looking forward to the opportunity to
develop his own relationship with the Board.
Commissioner Warden welcomed Mayor Myrick to the Board. Commissioner Wykstra
thanked the Mayor for his remarks.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Tom Hanna, Friends of Newman representative, addressed the Board regarding
Newman Golf Course. He stated that the organization has begun working with the
Ithaca Youth Bureau to enhance their youth golf program and that their golf tournament
raised $3,000 that will be used to enhance the golf course. He noted that management
would like to begin preparation work for the course modifications since the weather has
been good.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Commissioner Warden requested further information about funds that have been raised.
Mr. Hanna explained that these funds will supplement the department’s budget.It will be
used for the youth golf program and emergencies that can not be budgeted.
REPORTS:
Board Liaisons:
Commissioner Acharya reported that he distributed a memo to Board members
regarding the projects that the Planning and Development Board has been discussing.
Superintendent and Staff:
Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that Streets and Facilities crews were excavating the
small pavilion at Stewart Park, and that the foundation for the new salt storage building
would be completed by the end of this week.
Asst. Supt. Whitney reported that Water and Sewer crews were working with New York
State Dept. of Transportation crews to extend the sewer line along Third Street. He
stated this project would provide sewer service to some of the last few residences with
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Regular Meeting
septic service in the city. It could also assist in creating a better working relationship
with staff from the NYS Dept. of Transportation.
Supt. Gray reported that staff from the Engineering Department are working to organize
the annual construction projects coordination meeting to discuss plans for the coming
construction seasn with other municipalities, NYSEG, and the State.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding construction projects the City has planned for
2012, possible topics of discussion for the Board, and ways to potentially alleviate some
traffic congestion during the summer construction season in the downtown area.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the September 28, October 19, November 14, and December 21, 2011,
Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Jenkins: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 28, October 19, November 14, and
December 21, 2011, Board of Public Works meetings be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:
BPW Meeting Time and Location – Discussion
Mayor Myrick explained that because the security budget for 2012 was reduced by
$5,000, the Standing Committees of Common Council will start at 6:00 p.m. rather than
7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. As a result there will be an impact on the Board of Public
Works meetings. The Board discussed the following options:
• Continue to meet on Wednesdays but in the 2nd Floor Conference Room;
• Change the meeting day; or
• Continue meeting on Wednesdays but move to an earlier time.
The consensus of the Board was to continue to start the meetings at 4:45 p.m. but
move them to Monday evenings. Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday,
January 16, the Board decided to continue meeting on Wednesdays in January in the
2nd Floor Conference Room, and move their meetings to Monday beginning on February
6, 2012.
VOTING ITEMS:
Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit:
Recommendations to Divest Unused City Property, Part 4 – Resolutions
Resolution: Parcel 68.-2-9.2 – 700 Block East Seneca Street
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns parcel 68.-2-9.2, located on the south side of the
700 block of East Seneca Street, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel was obtained by the City in 1982 as an
opportunity to acquire green space, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned parcel has not been developed or maintained or
designated as park, and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works has indicated that this parcel is not
currently used in any way for City public works functions or purposes, and that he does
not anticipate a need to use this parcel for any such purpose in the foreseeable future,
and
WHEREAS, continued City ownership of this parcel represents a liability and requires
that the City incur expense for maintenance and upkeep without the generation of
revenue (e.g., in the form of property taxes) or enjoyment, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby determines that the
aforementioned property is not needed for City of Ithaca public works purposes, and be
it further
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Regular Meeting
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby recommends that the Common
Council consider sale of parcel 68.-2-9.2 located on the south side of the 700 block of
Ease Seneca Street, unless its continued ownership by the City is needed in order to
serve a non-public works function or purpose.
Commissioner Wykstra advocated for removing this resolution from consideration by the
Board until after the East Hill neighborhood association had an opportunity to submit
input on the proposal. Supt. Gray stated that the Planning and Economic Development
Committee, and Parks Commission want to submit their recommendations to the Board
as well.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding removing this topic from the agenda until a
public meeting could be scheduled to obtain the necessary input from all concerned
parties.
Award of Plumbing Contract for City of Ithaca – DPW City Hall Generator
Installation – Resolution
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya
WHEREAS, four proposals were received on December 12, 2011 for a Plumbing
Contract for the installation of a new emergency power generator located at City
Hall located at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, and
WHEREAS, Capital Project #471 – City Hall, Streets and Facilities, and Ithaca
Police Department generators includes funding to purchase and install new
emergency power generators at those locations, and
WHEREAS, the apparent low bid of Donahue – Halverson of Ithaca, New York
was withdrawn as of December 14, 2011, and
WHEREAS, the second apparent low bid of RKG Plumbing & Heating, Inc. of
Ithaca, New York, was withdrawn as of January 14, 2012, and
WHEREAS, Petcosky & Sons Plumbing & Heating, 421 Commerce Road, Vestal,
New York. 13850 has submitted the apparent low bid for Plumbing Construction
work of $13,750.00 now therefor be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for Plumbing Construction work related to the City
Hall Generator Installation is awarded to Petcosky & Sons Plumbing & Heating,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to enter into
and administer these contracts.
Carried Unanimously
Water and Sewer:
Resolution to Amend Addendum V, Contract for Services Between City of Ithaca
and O'Brien and Gere Engineers for City of Ithaca Water Supply Project
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commissioner Morache
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works passed a resolution on December 16, 2009,
authorizing an expenditure of an amount not to exceed $375,000 for preliminary design
services to carry the water supply project to the approximately 30% design point as
outlined in O'Brien and Gere's letter proposal of December 11, 2009, and
WHEREAS, the work has taken longer due to an emergency project to clear the raw
water intake as well as coordination efforts with related engineering work undertaken to
meet New York State Department of Environmental Conservation deadlines for reports
on the stability and safety of the city's water supply dam on Six Mile Creek, and
WHEREAS, these additional efforts are outlined in O'Brien and Gere's budget update
letter dated November 22, 2011, recommending an amendment to the budget and
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Regular Meeting
scope of work for Addendum V, and this amendment is recommended by staff, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes an amendment to
Addendum V of the Contract for Services between the City of Ithaca and O'Brien and
Gere Engineers which incorporates the change in budget to raise the not-to-exceed
figure from $375,000 to $475,000, and amends the scope of services to incorporate the
services outlined in O'Brien and Gere's letter dated November 22, 2011, which
generally consists of:
• Evaluation of Hydro electric generation potential
• Improved interconnection with the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water
Commission's transmission main
• Evaluation of alternative solids handling systems for water treatment residuals
• Emergency dredging of the raw water intake
• Preliminary design of Sixty Foot Dam improvements needed for safety
improvements
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to sign the
amendment following consultation with the City Attorney.
Amending Resolution:
By Commissioner Wykstra: Seconded by Commission Warden
RESOLVED, That the first Resolved clause be amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby authorizes an amendment to
Addendum V of the Contract for Services between the City of Ithaca and O'Brien and
Gere Engineers which incorporates the change in budget to raise the not-to-exceed
figure from $375,000 to $475,000, with funds drawn from existing Capital Project #511,
and amends the scope of services to incorporate the services outlined in O'Brien and
Gere's letter dated November 22, 2011, which generally consists of:”
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the status of the project and expected start
date for construction of the new building.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
At 5:50 p.m. the Board adjourned to the Second Floor Conference Room to continue the
meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 105-107 Elmwood Avenue - Discussion
Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained the appeal, and noted that the same property owners
own 105 Worth Street. Supt. Gray explained that property owners are responsible for
replacing all “Failed” portions of sidewalk whereas, if the owner waits for the City to do
the work, City crews would replace all portions of sidewalk marked “Failed” and
“Unsatisfactory.”
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the recommendations from staff, and
removing charges related to tree damaged sidewalk. The Board requested a resolution
for their next meeting.
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Regular Meeting
Appeal of Sidewalk Assessment for 401 Columbia Street
Discussion began regarding whether notice of the sidewalk assessment was on file prior
to the tax search being conducted. The Board approved the staff’s recommendation
and requested a resolution for their next meeting.
Appeal of License Fee for 339 Elmira Road (Old Salvation Army site)
Asst. Supt. Benjamin explained the appeal and staff’s recommendation that the owner
install sidewalk. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the recommendation. The
Board recommended that staff begin the process to install new sidewalk at this location.
Appeal of License Fee for 210 Hancock Street (Old P&C Store)
Commissioner Warden recused himself from this item due to conflict of interest.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the appeal. The Board approved the staff’s
recommendations and requested a resolution for their next meeting.
Appeal of License Fee for 344 Elmira Road (Garcia’s Restaurant)
Discussion was held regarding the appeal and recommendations from staff. Asst. Supt.
Benjamin expressed concern that the city should retain access to the box culvert
located next to the restaurant for maintenance purposes.
Supt. Gray explained the reason the city owns extra property along Elmira Road, and
suggested offering to sell most of those parcels to the adjacent property owners. The
Board agreed to retain the license fee for this property and for staff to begin the process
of selling the extra parcels of land along Elmira Road.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Kathrin D. Gehring Svante L. Myrick
Executive Assistant Mayor