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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 -2- 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