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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-02-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:50 p.m. February 10, 2014 PRESENT: Vice-Chair Jenkins Commissioners (4) – Acharya, Darling, Goldsmith, Morache OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Lavine Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer – Whitney Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities – Benjamin Director of Engineering – West Common Council Liaison – Fleming Executive Assistant – Gehring Director of Parker – Nagy Alderperson – Brock EXCUSED: Mayor Myrick DAC Liaison – Roberts ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Commissioner Acharya requested the addition of item 9.5, Trash Tag Controversy. Director of Engineering West requested the addition of Item 8.2A, entitled “Award of Contract for Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade – Contract 3B, Electrical – Capital 724 – Resolution.” Item 9.6 entitled “BOHA Ithaca Police Historical Sign Dedication” was added as well. No Board member objected to the above. Mike mentioned the letters received from the Hot Truck and Louie’s Lunch. The letters would be added under New Business. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Myrick was not present. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS FROM PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: David Kornreich, City of Ithaca, addressed the Board regarding odd/even parking. He registered complaints that the City has not maintained his street over the winter even though he has had to move his car every night. He expressed concern that the lack of leaf removal would cause backing up the storm drains and gutters. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Acharya responded to the public comment, thanking Mr. Kornreich for his comments, and stated he would provide the subcommittee addressing odd/even parking with Mr. Kornreich’s concerns. REPORTS Superintendent and Staff Asst. Supt. Benjamin reported that crews had been busy clearing snow; ice has been a problem with the extreme cold weather; and Fall Creek was beginning to clear up from the ice jams though Cascadilla Creek was still full of ice. Asst. Supt. Whitney reported averaging three water main breaks per week, in addition to one each weekend. Alderperson Fleming asked what residents could be told to prevent frozen pipes that cause water main breaks. Discussion followed regarding the number of breaks this year compared to previous years. Board of Public Works Page 2 February 10, 2014 Regular Meeting APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the December 9, 2013, and January 27, 2014, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Goldsmith RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 9, 2013, and January 27, 2014, Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes be approved as published. Carried Unanimously VOTING ITEMS: Buildings, Properties, Refuse and Transit: Award of Contracts for Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade – Contract 3B, Electrical – Capital Project 724 By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache WHEREAS, bids were received on February 6, 2014, for Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade including general construction and electrical work, and WHEREAS, Common Council established Capital Project 724 for Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade, and WHEREAS, Power and Construction Group, Inc., of 96 West River Road, PO Box 30, Scottsville, New York, submitted the lowest qualified responsible bid for electrical work in the amount of $1,393,041.50, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the contract for electrical work related to the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade is hereby awarded to Power and Construction Group, Inc. of Scottsville, New York for their bid of $1,393,041.50, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute this contract, and that the Superintendent of Public Works be and hereby is authorized to administer the same. Director of Engineering West explained that staff was still reviewing the submitted bids for the general construction contract, but they have a desire to award the electrical contract to keep the project moving forward for completion by Thanksgiving 2014. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously DISCUSSION ITEMS: Appeal of Snow Removal Bill for 618 South Plain Street Commissioner Jenkins stated she was inclined to reduce the bill for sidewalk clearing. Asst. Supt. Benjamin expressed admiration for the neighbors looking out for each other; however, the work was done by the city and should be billed. Commissioner Morache noticed that significant snowfall occurred on December 15, 2013, but the sidewalk wasn’t plowed until December 18th, which was plenty of time for the property owners to clear the walks. Commissioner Acharya expressed his opinion that the city should be stricter in enforcing the 24 hour rule for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the work plan for the sidewalk snow plow throughout the city, noting crews move around the city after each snow event. Commissioner Goldsmith proposed that the bill be cut in half because the resident was 95 years old. He further said the rationale for reducing the bill amount might be to promote helping neighbors. The Board agreed to vote on a resolution containing a 50% reduction in the fee at the next meeting. House at 967 East State Street Former Supt. Bill Gray joined the Board for the discussion of this item, and explained his recommendation to purchase the property at 967 East State Street. He stated that plans for during the construction of the new water plant were almost complete, and in order to continue working, including necessary lab work, the house could also be utilized as a contractor office. He stated a new entrance to the water plant could be created through this property after construction was completed, or the property could be sold. He noted that two neighborhood Board of Public Works Page 3 February 10, 2014 Regular Meeting meetings were held to inform residents of the options, and most residents on Water Street would be happy with a new entrance to the water plant, though residents on East State Street do not want the driveway on their street. If Board is willing to consider this option, staff should notify the neighborhoods that the option would be discussed at a public meeting. Discussion followed on the floor regarding notification of the residents, delaying the decision about what to do with the house after construction is complete (i.e. demolition or sale), and that only management would use the house during construction of the water plant. City Attorney Lavine joined the Board. Supt. Thorne noted that the list price of the property was approximately $200,000, but that $400,000 was requested which would include construction of the property after the water plant is complete. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the types of lab work that was required, and whether the house would be an appropriate location and have the equipment necessary. City Attorney Lavine stated that if the City does purchase the house and makes the decision to demolish the house after the water plant was complete, a site plan review would need to be re- opened for the water plant. Discussion followed on the floor regarding requirements for the site plan and zoning. Commissioner Morache expressed support with purchasing the house, contingent upon Board of Zoning Appeals approval, and he would appreciate having information sessions for residents along with public input. Former Supt. Gray noted that the use of the house would replace 2-3 construction trailers that would have been rented during the construction of the water plant. He further stated that the property would also be utilized as staff parking rather than having staff park in the construction site. Alderperson Cynthia Brock joined the Board for this discussion. She stated that the purchase of the property could be an opportunity to create a new entrance to the water plant that would be connected to a main road, noting that large deliver trucks currently have trouble turning from East State Street onto Water Street then into the water plant driveway. However, there is a feeling of loss of the stately homes on East State Street since Collegetown Terrace was constructed. She noted that there are several gaps between the houses along East State Street, so adding another large driveway would be an impact on the neighborhood. Alderperson Fleming expressed mixed feelings about purchasing the property, noting that adjacent residents are concerned about construction vehicles and deliver trucks coming and going next door to them. Asst. Supt. Whitney expressed concern about where staff and office space would be maintained during construction due to safety issues. Former Supt. Gray agreed to distribute a public notice for the next Board meeting to invite public comment. Asst. Supt. Whitney noted that if the house is purchased, he would like to replace the large water and sewer mains that run through the property under the driveway. Asst. Supt. Benjamin agreed and added that work on the storm drain was needed as well. Dredging of Creeks after Ice Jam Supt. Thorne provided an update about the ice jams from early January 2014. He stated that a lot of the ice jams were caused because the creeks had not been dredged for a long time. During a recent meeting with Jeanne Foley from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, he was provided guidelines to apply for permits to dredge Fall Creek and Cascadilla Creek. He stated that staff would be working on obtaining the permits. Sidewalk Program Update Director of Engineering West explained the press release that was distributed regarding the hiring of a Sidewalk Program Manager, which would be funded through program proceeds. He stated the manager would work with residents to develop a work plan in each district. He noted that a public meeting would be held after the next Board of Public Works meeting. Board of Public Works Page 4 February 10, 2014 Regular Meeting Discussion followed on the floor regarding an appeals process for sidewalk assessments, not necessarily just sidewalk credits. Former Supt. Gray recommended that the Board of Public Works and Engineering should be responsible for building sidewalks, whereas Common Council and the City Attorney should be responsible for appeals and assessments. Asst. Supt. Whitney mentioned the driveway to the Cliff Park Water Tank that is owned by the resident, but the City uses the driveway as an easement. He suggested the City pay the assessment amount for the driveway. No Board member objected. “Forever” Trash Tags Commissioner Acharya began the discussion regarding whether the City should offer a longer period of time for residents to use up old trash tags at the beginning of each year, create a “forever” trash tag, or do nothing. Asst. Supt. Benjamin responded that staff is not in favor of having a “forever” trash tag because the cost of trash removal increases each year and there is a fear that residents will stock up on tags. Commissioner Goldsmith stated that when he exchanged ten old tags for nine new tags, more money was wasted in completing the tricky transaction than if he’d had “forever” tags. Commissioner Acharya suggested the Board wait to hear Mayor Myrick’s opinion about trash tags. He and Commissioner Morache expressed support for a “forever” trash tag. The Board agreed to bring this topic back for the next Board meeting. New Business BOHA Ithaca Police Historical Sign Dedication Supt. Thorne explained that Police Chief John Barber requested that a sign be installed at a location on West State Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Street where an Ithaca Police Officer lost his life in the line of duty. He stated that a sign post would have to be installed at the location, with a black and white sign approximately 2 feet by 2.5 feet. Commissioner Morache expressed concern about cluttering up the right of way. Discussion followed on the floor regarding using a sign as a memorial for a fallen officer. The Board agreed the topic should be brought back for further discussion at the next Board meeting. Parking Update This topic was not discussed Food Truck letters This topic was not discussed ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Claudia Jenkins Executive Assistant Vice-Chair