HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-04-12BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Mayor Gutenberger
Commissioners - (6)
4:00 P.M.
April 12, 1989
Cannon, Cox, Daley, Sprague, Stone, Reeves
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Dougherty
Asst. Superintendent of Ppblic Works - Fabbroni
Deputy City Controller - Cafferillo
Common Council Liaison - Nichols
City Clerk - Paolangeli
Asst. City Attorney - Beers - Schnock
Purchasing Agent - Clynes
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Guten erger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
O to the American Flag.
�- MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of March 22, 1989 Board of Public Works
m Meeting
Q
By Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 22, 1989 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Highway Items
Commissioner Sprague requested that Item G - Hudson Street
Reconstruction Resolution be added to the agenda.
Water and Sewer Items
Commissioner Cox requested that the following items be added
to the agenda:
1) Item 17 C - Award of Contract for Power Winch Resolution
2) Item 17 D - Award of Contract for Universal Pipe Cutter
Resolution
3) Item 17 E - Award of Contract for Trailer Mounted Pipe
Pusher - Puller Resolution
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Guten erger announced that today, April 12, 1989, is
the last official meeting for Commissioner Stone and offered
a resolution for the Board's consideration.
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, Charlotte Stone has admirably served this Ithaca
community as a commissioner of the Board of Public Works since
1982, and during her tenure the Department of Public Works has
benefited greatly by Charlotte's guidance, wisdom, dedication,
and sense of humor, and
WHEREAS, Charlotte has been involved in many public improvement
projects including construction of the Waste Water Treatment
Plant, Youth Bureau facility, Dryden Road Parking Garage, the
reconstruction of Floral Avenue, East State Street, and Cliff
Street, and the implementation of the city wide recycling
program; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That on behalf of the entire community, the Board
of Public Works hereby commends and applauds Charlotte Stone
I
115
1. 161
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BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989;
for her seven (7) years of service and extends its heartfelt
gratitude for a job well done.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Gutenberger presented a framed copy of the resolution
to Commissioner Stone.
Commissioner Stone thanked Mayor Gutenberger and stated that
her term. on the Board of Public Works has been very vexing,
fun, interesting and never dull. She thanked the Board of
Public Works and stated that she will miss them all very much.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD:
Street Lig ting
Commissioner Reeves read the following letter to the Board
of Public Works from Lew Durland, Coordinator of the Ithaca
Energy Commission in regard to street lighting:
"I regret that I can not attend this evening's meeting of
the Board of Public Works. However, I wish to reiterate my
request that the Board approve item 13 C on the agenda, that
of replacing the City's mercury vapor street lights with high
pressure sodium street lights. The proposal has the unanimous
support of the Energy Commission.
The proposed change would save the City $25,000 a year, would
maintain or increase the existing lighting output and would
cost the City nothing to implement. The 768,000 Kilowatt -hours
per year of electricity saved would equal 10% of the annual
energy produced by the proposed Fall Creek hydropower plant.
In my four years on the Energy Commission, I have not seen
another proposal that would benefit the City so much. I
respectfully request that the proposal be approved."
Beatrice Novidor -579 Maple Avenue, Elmira, New York (representing
partnership Nates' Floral Estates) asked the Board of Public
Works to consider an extension of payment of her water and
sewer bill, due to a recent water leak, which caused their
bill to escalate drastically.
Motion to Refer to Committee of the Whole
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the request from Beatrice Novidor for an
extension of payment of the water and sewer bill for Nates'
Floral Estates which is due April 17, 1989 be referred to
the Committee of the Whole for their next meeting on April
19, 1989 and that any late penalty be waived until after their
determination.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Parks Use
Commissioner Reeves asked Assista
about the issue of commercial and
Parks and stated that information
of the Whole meeting on April 19,
Carried Unanimously
at City Attorney Beers - Schnock
non - commercial uses of City
is needed for the Committee
1989:
Encroachment - 132 University Avenue
Commissioner Reeves as -e Assistant Attorney Beers - Schnock
if the encroachment request fdr 132 University Avenue has
been resolved.
Assistant City Attorney Beers - Schnock stated that the encroachment
was for steps and explained that they are working on this
request. The City Attorney's 'office is now waiting for an
appropriate policy determination from the City Engineer's
office.
BPW Minutes
April 12, 198911'7
-3
REPORT OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON:
Farmers' Market
Alderperson Nichols reported that on April 5, 1989 Common Council
approved a proposed twenty -year lease for the Ithaca Farmers'
Market. Due to the length of the proposed lease, a public
hearing is mandated, and a final vote is needed. In order
to accommodate the need of the Farmers' Market to operate
prior to the final decision, Council also passed a resolution
asking the Board of Public Works to approve a continuation
of last years lease agreement for sixty (60) days, under the
same terms and conditions, until the new lease is in place.
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Farmers' Market be given permission
to use the site at Steamboat Landing under the same terms
and conditions that applied for the same site last year for
a period of no more than sixty (60) days, effective April 15, 1989.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Cox asked Alderperson Nichols to summerize the
(� terms and conditions of last years lease.
0 Alderperson Nichols explained that the Farmers' Market had
made many improvements on the site and that they were not
charged for their lease agreement for 1988. He stated that
c] once the new lease is in effect they will be paying for the
Q entire summer. The way the lease agreement is written, the
Farmers' Market will be paying for any use they make as of
now. Other conditions of the lease agreement are they must
provide sanitary facilities, water, and will be charged for
traffic control.
Commissioner Daley reported that a major part of the rationale
for not charging the Farmers' Market for the 1988 lease agreement
was the fact that many improvements had been made on the
site by the market.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Carried Unanimously
Appointments
Superinten ent of Public Works Dougherty reported that he
has made the following appointments:
Charles B. Bailor, to the position of Auto Mechanic
at Streets and Facilities at an hourly rate of $7.37,
effective April 10, 1989;
Foster Gray to the position of Waste Water Treatment
Plant Operator at Engineering and Utilities, at an annual
salary of $15,304, effective December 27, 1988;
Ronald W. Lynch, to
and Facilities, at
on April 10, 1989;
Creig A. Hebdon to
at Engineering and
$18,146, effective
the position of Maintainer at Streets
an hourly rate of $7.70, effective
the position of Engineer Technician,
Utilities, at an annual salary of
April 24, 1989;
and he asked the Board's concurrence.
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the appointments
as presented by Superintendent Dougherty.
Carried Unanimously
Superintendent Dougherty explained that the appointment date
of December 27, 1988.'for the Waste Water Treatment Plant
Operator, Foster Gray, was due to the fact that the transition
from trainee to operator is effective the date of New York
State License as long as he /she has been in training for
at least one year. Mr. Gray's license was dated December 27, 1988.
118
BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989
-4-
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT:
Assistant Supt. of Public Wor s Fa broni reported on the following:
1. Spring Clean -up - The City is moving into the next phase of
our recycling Program and into our actual Spring Clean -u.p.
We are going to try out a different handling system. Spring
Clean -up will be for yard waste only at this time.
2. Recycled Wastes - The City will be recycling approximately
70% of the waste from the bridge painting operations. We
are looking at ways to use these materials so they do not
become hazardous materials.
3. Plastics - The City is now planning to expand the recycling
program to plastics in August 1989. The brochures and
advertising materials for public information and education
will be developed soon.
4. Replanting of Trees on the Commons - The older and damaged
trees on the Commons will Fe removed and replaced this
spring.
S. Street Trees - The trees for street planting will be
eelliver�ithin the next 2 -3 weeks.
6. Clean-up Along Creeks and Brid es - The DPW is cleaning
up trash along the creeks and the lake shore. A number
of community groups will assist in lighter clean -up. The
City will provide bags and the full bags will be picked
up on the following Monday.
7. Cascadilla Creek Clean -up - Cascadilla Creek will also have
a clean -up project along the north side. Several groups
such as the Boy Scouts, Dewitt Jr. High, Middle School, etc.
are going to participate in the clean -up.
8. Yard Waste Spring Clean-up - Spring Clean -up (for yard
waste only ) will be April 24 thru April 28, 1989 and will
be advertised by the media over the next two weeks. Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni explained the program and the pick -up
procedure. Accepted items for Yard Waste Spring - Clean -up
will be:
1.
Leaves
and grass in bags
for
composting
2.
Loose
brush and branches
up
to 6" in diameter
3.
Large
branches cut in 3
foot
lengths
NO CONSTRUCTION WASTE: ONLY YARD WASTE THAT CAN BE
COMPOSTED OR CHIPPED
The materials from yard waste will be used for our tree
planting, garden beds, and at Cass Park.
9. Six -Mile Creek - The DPW has been cleaning out the gravel
build-up in Six -Mile Creek between Albany and Cayuga Streets.
10. Stream Funds - The City will be applying to Tompkins County
for Stream Funds this year.
11. Cascadilla Wall - is nearly completed for 1989.
12. Sewer Treatment Plant - The Sewer Treatment Plant Project
ran about 1 -year over the projected time but was approximately
i million dollars under the budgeted amount.
Discussion followed in regard to the trash collection. Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni explained that residents can put out yard wastes
in plastic bags throughout the year for regular pick -up. This
special yard waste clean -up will be the first attempt to get
residents to recycle yard wastes.
BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989
-S-
Alderperson Nichols asked Asst. Supt. Fabbroni about future
plans for Stewart Park.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni responded that plans are to finish the
roofing on the boat house. The boat house will be ready for
the opening of the park. The primary project will be the
stabilization of the banks.
HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Hudson Street Sidewalks
The installation of si ewalks on a portion of the west side
of Hudson Street in the vicinity of the South Hill School
would greatly increase the safety of the school children.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works orders that sidewalks
be installed on the west side of Hudson Street from Hillview
Place to Hudson Place, and be it further
0 RESOLVED, That the usual procedure be established for the
payment of the costs of installation and be it further
RESOLVED, That any unusual costs that are the result of movement
CO of the bank and water main, will not be borne by the property
< owner, only the installation of the sidewalk itself, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the sidewalks be ordered constructed in conjunction
with the reconstruction of Hudson Street in the vicinity of
the school.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Flashing Light at South Hill School
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS additional safety features are apparently needed at
the school on Hudson Street near Crescent Place, and
WHEREAS the most logical time to install these lights is during
the reconstruction of the street, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the reconstruction project for Hudson Street
include a flashing light for school children at this location.
Carried Unanimously
Street Lights
The Energy Commission has recommended that the City change
its street light system from mercury vapor lights to high
pressure sodium lights to save energy.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, New York State Electric and Gas has presented a
proposal to the City that indicates the annual cost savings
to be the approximate amount of $25,000 and
WHEREAS the City agrees that this effort should be made to
save energy, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the program presented by NYSEG be approved
and that NYSEG be directed to make the change in the street
lighting system, and be it further
120
BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989
-6-
RESOLVED, That the City retains the right to approve the schedule
of changeover and to designate the particular light bulbs to
be used.
Disucssion followed in regard to the energy savings of kilowatt
hours for the City of Ithaca.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Street Trees
Bid s were received on March 28, 1989 for furnishing street
trees.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
RESOLVED, That the bid for an alternate red horse chestnut
be rejected, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following be awarded based on the low bidders:
Northern Nurseries, Inc., of Fair ort, NY
20 Golden Taintree @ 132.00 eac
20 Sargent Cherry @ $118.00 each
1 Little Leaf Linden @ $209.00
10 Elm @ $149.00 each
3 Japanese Zelkova @$216.00 each
Schictel's Nursery, Inc., of Orchard Park, NY
5 Globe Maple @ $155.00 each
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Utilit Tractor
Bids were receive on April 8 , for furnishing one
utility tractor.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
RESOLVED, That the bid for furnishing one utility tractor
be awarded to I.D. Equipment Company of Ithaca, for their
low bid of $8,980.00.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Tractor Loader
Bids were received on April 1989 for furnishing one tractor
loader.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Stone
RESOLVED, That the contract be awarded to S.C. Hansen, Inc.,
for their low bid of $20,600.
Carried Unanimously
Hudson Street Reconstruction
The reconstruction o Hudson Street has been in the active
design stage for several months and meetings have been held
with interested residents of the area. These meetings have
produced a number of viable requests and suggestions. In
addition, investigations have indicated more work should be
done such as storm sewer replacement. The finish design and
the bidding procedures of the project, as it now stands, would
limit potential bidders, restrict the construction schedule,
and possibly produce a completion date that would carry over
into 1990.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS the Hudson Street Reconstruction Project has grown
in scope, and
WHEREAS to bid this project in the near future would seriously
limit the construction schedule and probably limit the number
of interested bidders, and
BPW Minutes
April ,12, 1989
-7-
WHEREAS to limit the project bidding and construction flexibility
in such a way would undoubtably increase the construction
costs and might even reduce the caliber of the finished product,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Hudson Street Reconstruction Project start -up
date be established as April 1, 1990, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the design phase continue to produce plans,
specifications and contract documents ready to go to interested
potential bidders by December 1, 1989.
Discussion followed on the floor in regard to reasons for
delaying the project. Superintendent of Public Works Dougherty
explained the bidding process. The City is attempting to
develop procedures to allow for the design phase of reconstruction
projects to occur 1 -year before the project starts.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
M Carried Unanimously
O
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
Firefighters Parking
m Resolution
Q By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
WHEREAS the contractual agreement between the City and the
Paid Firefighters Association requires that the City provide
free parking for on -duty employees at the #9 Fire Station,
and
WHEREAS the parking cannot be logistically provided on the
Fire Station site, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Paid Firefighters at #9 Fire Station be
allowed to park free of charge in the Dryden Road Parking
Garage only when on duty, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent be directed to establish
procedures with the Fire Chief.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES, PARKS ITEMS
Commons Lighting and Electrical Capacity
Many complaints have been received regarding inadequate lighting
and a lack of electrical capacity to serve the present day
needs of the Commons.
Resolution
By Commissioner Stone: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
RESOLVED, That the Board requests Common Council to appropriate
$5,000 for the purpose of retaining a consultant to design
a complete lighting and electrical system for the Commons,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That if such an appropriation is made, the Superintendent
of Public Works be authorized to engage a consultant.for this
purpose.
Discussion followed in regard to who should design this project.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Yard--Waste Clean -u
Sta as recommen ed that the City initiate a program of
collection of yard wastes in the City.
121
122
BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Stone
WHEREAS the collection of yard wastes by the City would be
a logical service to the residents and
WHEREAS such a collection of these materials will not be deposited
in the landfill, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the week of April 24, 1989 be designated for
a special pick -up of yard wastes under rules promulgated by
the Superintendent of Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Communit Gar ens Water Service
T e Community Gardens group as been using City water at their
Third Street site for a number of years. The amount of water
used and the methods of providing this water to the site have
grown in amount and complexity. In 1988 the amount of water
used was metered for the first time and resulted in a bill
of approximately $800.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
WHEREAS the City has shown that it is a staunch supporter
of the Community Gardens activities and
WHEREAS a water bill of this amount is not an expense that
should be borne by other water users in the City and
WHEREAS the Board of Public Works feels that Water and Sewer
funding is not an appropriate means for paying this bill,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council decide who should pay for the
service to the Community Gardens from other than :.he Water and
Sewer fund.
Discussion Followed on the floor.
Mayor Gutenberger stated that the Federal Grant does not require
the provision of water and that the City Attorney is looking
into this matter. A legal opinion is necessary before Common
Council can make a decision.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Community Gardens Water Meter
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
WHEREAS a bill in the amount of approximately $800 is pending
for 1988 water usage for the Community Gardens and
WHEREAS Community Gardens were not notified ahead of time
that they would be required to pay for water usage, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Board directs the Superintendent of Public
Works to have the water meter installed on the water service
to the Community Gardens when Yequested.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Cox stated that there seems to be some disagreement
among Board members and cannot support this resolution. He
feels this is the wrong thing to do.
BPW Minutes
April 12, 1989 123
Commissioner Daley gave an explanation of the resolution and
stated that this means it is likely to take two months for
Common Council to resolve the issue. He stated that if we
wait two months to turn the water on, there may be community
gardeners who have no access to water. This resolution allows
the Community Gardens to use the water before June or July.
Supt. of Public Works Dougherty reported that he advised the
Board that the meter would not be installed until a decision
of payment has been determined unless he is directed to do
SO.
Commissioner Reeves stated that she felt it was not fair to
place an additional burden on the Community Gardens of turning
the water on and does not support this resolution.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (2) - Daley, Cannon
Nays (4) - Cox, Sprague, Stone, Reeves
0
P*_ Motion defeated
Award of Contract for Power Winch
CO Bids were received on Fe ruary 28, 1989, for furnishing one
Q power winch.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Stone
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one power winch
be awarded to Syracuse Supply of Vestals Nye fot"'their low and
only bid of $19,165.00.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Universal Pipe Cutter
Bids were receive on Fe ruary 23, 1989 or furnishing one
universal pipe cutter.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Stone
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one universal pipe
cutter be awarded to Jones Water Supply of Binghamton, NY for
their low and only bid of $4,439.10.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Trailer Mounted Pi e Pusher - Puller
Bids were receive on-February 23, 1989 for furnishing one
trailer mounted pipe pusher - puller.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Stone
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one trailer mounted
pipe pusher - puller be awarded to Paul J. Kelly Company of
Clarence Center, Ny. for�,theit March.8, 1989 revised and low bid
of $11,132.86.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Carried Unanimously
Au it Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstracts be
approved for payment:
Abstract #7
General Fund . . . . . . . . $ 78,302.83
Water and Sewer Fund . . . . . . . $ 8,808.62
Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . $ 25,043.32
.
Capital Projects . . . . . . . . $ 15,228.63
BPW Minutes
1.24. April 12, 1989
-19-
Abstract #62
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital
Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14, 448.54
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS
Recycling Task Force
Commissioner Reeves reported the Recycling Task Force met on
Monday, April 3, 1989. She reported that Tompkins County
is investigating the possibility of a household hazardous
waste collection in the fall of 1989. T.ompkins County is
also looking for a new recycling person.
Youth Bureau Board
Commissioner Cox reported on the Youth Bureau Board Meeting
on April 10, 1989. They discussed the issue of 0 $ M for
the proposed second rink at Cass Park, reimbursement for the
Empire State Games and rates for swimming at Cass Park this
summer.
Conservation Advisory Council
Commissioner Daley reporte that the Conservation Advisory
Council met on April 10, 1989 and have requested the Board
of Public Works and the Committee of the Whole minutes be
sent to the Chair.
Downtown Parking Committee
Commissioner Daley reported that the new Downtown Parking
Study Committee met on Monday, April 10, 1989. The purpose
of this first meeting was to alert the consultants to any
nuances of Ithaca that they may need to be aware of. The
committee will meet again in approximately five (S) weeks.
Commons Advisory Board
Commissioner Cannon reported that the Commons Advisory Board
met Friday, April 7, 1989. The committee is concerned with
the condition of existing bike racks and the need for more
bike racks on the Commons.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:20 P.M.
�X
Calllsta F. Paolangeli / J9 11n C. Guten erger, ayor
City Clerk