HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-05-10133
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. May 10, 1989
PRESENT:
Commissioners (S) Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague
OTHERS PRESENT:
Supt. o Public Works - Dougherty.
Asst. Supt. of Public Works - Pabbroni
City Engineer - Gray
Asst. City Attorney - Beers Schnock
Deputy City Controller - ,.Cafferillo
City Clerk - Paolangeli
Purchasing Agent - Clynes
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Guten erger le all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag.
MINUTES:
M Approval of Minutes of April 26, 1989 Board of Public Works
0 Meetin
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the minutes of April 26, 1989 Board of Public
7 Works meeting be approved as published.
m
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Gutenberger requested that Item 13 -A Public Hearing for
Sidewalk Repairs be the first item on today's agenda.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Hi' wa Items - Commissioner Sprague requested that Item 13-C-
Award of Contract for City Sidewalk Construction - Resolution,
be added to the agenda.
No Board member objected.
Report of Special Committees
Commissioner Cannon requested that Item 18 -B - Engineering
Summer Students- Resolution,4be added to the agenda.
No Board member objected.
Public Hearing - Sidewalk Repairs
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Commissioner Daley: Secon e by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the public hearing on Sidewalk Repairs be
declared open.
Carried Unanimously
William Tompkins - 216 University Avenue, Ithaca, New York
addressed-
resse the Board of Public Works and stated he has received
a condemnation notice from the City of Ithaca regarding the
sidewalk in front of his property. He stated that the sidewalk
does have some spawling but does not agree that the width between
joints is excessive and cited several sidewalks throughout
the City in need of repair.
Discussion followed in regard to regulations and standards
for sidewalks in the City of Ithaca.
Engineer Gray explained that the City is aware that there are
many sidewalks in need of repair. He further explained that
the City sidewalks are divided into segments. They are inspected
and repaired one segment at a time.
BPW Minutes
May 10, 1989
134 -2-
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the, Board of Public Works requests Mr. William
Tompkins of 216 University Avenue and the City of Ithaca Engineering
Department staff to work out a method acceptable to the staff
for patching the existing sidewalk and correcting deficiencies.
Carried Unanimously
Laurence Vollel - House Manager, Omega Tau Sigma House, 200
Willar Way, Ithaca, NY. Ms. Vollel addressed the Board of
Public Works in regard to the condemnation notice for sidewalk
repairs and requested an extension to enable them to work through
their alumni for funds for repairs.
Discussion and questions followed on the floor.
Mayor Gutenberger requested that the President of the alumni
contact the City in regard to the sidewalk repairs.
Engineer Gray responded to the questions from the Board members
and stated that the Board of Public Works will award the contract
for sidewalks today (May 10., 1989) and it will take sixty days
to work through the contract. The sidewalk contracts should
be completed by July 1, 1989. If an extension is granted to
September 1, 1989 for sidewalk repair and it is requested that
the City do the work, it will not be done under the 1989 contract.
Engineer Gray stated that the City could issue a permit to
Omega Tau Sigma House as an indication of intention to do the
repairs. The permit is for thirty (30) days and the work must
be started within the thirty day period.
Mayor Gutenberger stated that it will not be necessary for
the Board of Public Works to grant an extension to Omega Tau
Sigma House today as long as they contact the City Engineers
office and make arrangements to get a permit for the sidewalk
repairs in the appropriate time.
Recommendations of Engineer Gray will be followed by Omega
Tau Sigma House.
Shelby Hilderbrand - 102 Willard Way, Ithaca, NY, addressed
the Board of Public Works with questions regarding the condemnation
notice he has received for sidewalks on his property. He reported
that one section of his sidewalk that needs replacement is
due to the removal of a tree by the City staff. Mr. Hilderbrand
requested that a City of Ithaca staff member come out and explain
the items sited for removal or replacement to him.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Mr. Hilderbrand will meet with the City of Ithaca staff in
regard to the sidewalk repairs.
Bruce Laine - House Manager of the Seal and Serpent Fraternity -
305 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY - requested an extension of
the condemnation notice for sidewalk repairs on their property.
He explained that an extension is necessary to enable approval
for funding from their Alumni Incorporation Board. The Board
will not meet until June 8, 1989. The President of the Board
has requested that the fraternity seek proposals from area
contractors to present to the Board.
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant a one -week
extension of the deadline of the condemnation notice to the
Seal and Serpent Fraternity.
Carried Unanimlusly
,May 10, 1989
135
-3-
Supt. of Public Works Dougherty reported that he has received
thirteen (13) letters concerning sidewalks and they are a part
of this Public Hearing. He reported that they are requesting
extensions for sidewalk repairs.
Motion to Refer to the Committee of the Whole
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner'Daley
RESOLVED, That the correspondence regarding sidewalks received
by the staff be entered into the record as part of this public
hearing and referred to the Committee of the Whole with the
"power to act" on an individual basis on each of these requests
at their meeting on May 17, 1989.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Daley requested that the Board of Public Works
answer as many of the following requests as possible today
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Ro A ona - 132 College Avenue addressed the Board of Public
Works in regard to the odd -even parking policy in the City
of Ithaca. He stated that he understands that the main reason,
other than cleaning, for this policy is to prevent parking
in front of houses for extended periods of time.
Mayor Gutenberger responded to Mr. Agona that the streets are
public streets and that his concerns have been noted. He stated
that it is a difficult issue that is currently being addressed.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Daley reported that the Charter and Ordinance
Committee is currently looking at a proposal in regard to parking.
He stated that a new parking enforcement person has recently
been hired and the Board of Public Works is waiting to see
the results of the increased enforcement.
Commissioner Reeves stated that she does not think the Board
of Public Works objects to criticism and asked Mr. Agona for
some feed back or what his idea would be to eliminate or help
with the parking problem. (i.e., what he would like to see
instead of the current procedure.).
Mr. Agona responded that possibly an increase in the length
of time a car can be parked without being moved would be helpful.
Commissioner Daley suggested that Mr. Agona contact Alderperson
Booth, Chairman of the Charter and Ordinance Committee, in
regard to the parking regulations. Parking regulations are
being discussed by the Charter and Ordinance Committee at this
time.
before 6:00 P.M.
(Y}
Name
Address
Q
Elliot Carlin
121 Heights Court
Phi Sigma Kappa
702 University Avenue
—�
John Hicks
203 Highland Road
Lane
m
Lawrence Quillian
10S Westborne
402 N. Cayuga Street
Q
Jerry Hersh
Betty D. Friedlander
110 Triphammer Road
Carl Sagan
900 Stewart Avenue
Cornell
Various (11 locations)
Franklin Moore
116 Dearborn Place
Kappa Delta
109 Triphammer
Resolution to Close Public Hearin
By Commissioner Daley. Seconaea
y Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the public hearing
on sidewalk repairs be declared
closed.
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Ro A ona - 132 College Avenue addressed the Board of Public
Works in regard to the odd -even parking policy in the City
of Ithaca. He stated that he understands that the main reason,
other than cleaning, for this policy is to prevent parking
in front of houses for extended periods of time.
Mayor Gutenberger responded to Mr. Agona that the streets are
public streets and that his concerns have been noted. He stated
that it is a difficult issue that is currently being addressed.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Daley reported that the Charter and Ordinance
Committee is currently looking at a proposal in regard to parking.
He stated that a new parking enforcement person has recently
been hired and the Board of Public Works is waiting to see
the results of the increased enforcement.
Commissioner Reeves stated that she does not think the Board
of Public Works objects to criticism and asked Mr. Agona for
some feed back or what his idea would be to eliminate or help
with the parking problem. (i.e., what he would like to see
instead of the current procedure.).
Mr. Agona responded that possibly an increase in the length
of time a car can be parked without being moved would be helpful.
Commissioner Daley suggested that Mr. Agona contact Alderperson
Booth, Chairman of the Charter and Ordinance Committee, in
regard to the parking regulations. Parking regulations are
being discussed by the Charter and Ordinance Committee at this
time.
136
BPW Minutes
April 10, 1989
-4-
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
New Deputy City Controller
Deputy ity Controller Ca ferillo introduced the new Deputy City
Controller, Steven Thayer, to the Board of Public Works.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Guten erger reporte t at Alderperson Nichols is absent
today due to the serious illness of his wife.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Appointments
Supt. of Public Works Dougherty reported that he has made the
following appointments:
Cindy Percey, to the position of Senior Account Clerk - Typist
at Streets and Facilities Division, at an annual salary of
$14,981, effective April 10, 1989;
David Krebs to the position of Auto Mechanic Helper, at Streets
and Facilities Division, at an hourly wage of $6.63, effective
May 1, 1989;
David Marsh, to the position of Auto Body Repairer, at Streets
and Facilities Division, at an hourly wage of $10.98, effective
May 8, 1989;
and he asked the Board's concurrence.
Resolution
By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the appointments
as presented by Supt. Dougherty.
Carried Unanimously
Award to the Asst. Superintendent of Public Works
Superintendent Dougherty reported that Assistant Supt. of Public
Works Fabbroni received an Award of Merit at a recent state
wide convention of Public Works Association for his work in
the state chapter as Chair of the Education Committee.
Supt. Dougherty stated that some of the schools that Asst.
Supt. Fabbroni has conducted have been extremely well received.
REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT:
Asst. Supt. of Public Works Fabbroni reported on the following:
Street Repairs
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that the Department of Public
Works will be paving four areas:
1) Three blocks of Second Street
2) Two blocks of Mitchell Street - from Cornell Street
to the City line - widening an area of Mitchell Street
3) Hillview from Aurora Street to South Hill Terrace
4) Willard Way from University Avenue to Stewart Avenue
He reported that he will have a more complete list of streets
to be paved shortly.
Replanting of Trees on the Ithaca Commons
The Department o Public Works as started replanting the trees
and shrubs on the Ithaca Commons, Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported
that replanting is necessary due to damage from a snow storm
in October 1988.
Brid e Work
The ri ge repair work has started for the 1989 season.
Storm Sewer Improvements
T e Department of Public Works and the City Engineer's office
are doing a study for storm sewer improvements for East State
Street on the east side of the Ithaca Commons.
llrrr 1v1111ULCJ
May 10, 1989 137
-5-
Spring Clean -up
Spring clean -up continues.
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER:
Engineer Giay reported on the following:
Third Street Si nalization
There have been requests from the,New York State Department
of Transportation to change the signalization at the Third
Strut intersection. The City Engineering Department can now
supply information for the project the NYSDOT is considering.
Meadow Street Drawings
The Meadow Street Drawings are not available to review as yet.
Hudson Street Drawings
The Hudson Street Drawings will be in the City Engineer's office
by June 9, 1989.
Bids on Sidewalks etc.
CY) Bids have come in on sidewalks and rehabilitation of the water
0 tanks.
Engineer Gray has requested a change in the budgeted amount
for rehabilitation of the water tanks due to an increase in
CQ the cost.
Stewart Avenue Bridge
Engineer Gray recommended that the Department of Public Works
do only the structural repairs to the Stewart Avenue Bridge
at this time and do the painting after more information is
available on the N.Y.S.D.O.T. regulations.
HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Hudson Street Reconstruction
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works
traffic light at the intersection
Road, and
by Commissioner Cannon
received a request for a
of Hudson Street and Coddington
WHEREAS, the Board feels that the installation of a traffic
light at this intersection is not necessary at this time, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request
for a traffic light at the intersection of Hudson Street and
Coddington Road.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for City Sidewalk Construction
Bids were received on May 9, 1989 for work under the City contract
program.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the contract of sidewalk construction be awarded
to F.J. Masonry, Inc. of Waverly, New York for their low bid
of $38,938.00, based upon engineer's estimate and unit prices
with final contract amounts not to exceed the construction
budget of $58,800.
Carried Unanimously
PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS:
All Wa Sto Intersections
y ommi.ssioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the discussion of all way stop intersections in the
City of Ithaca has been continual and
13R
BPW Minutes
May 10, 1989
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works asked for and received a
report from the Traffic Engineer concerning the all way stop
intersections at Court and Geneva Streets, Clinton and Geneva
Streets, and Utica and Lewis Streets, and
WHEREAS, after studying this report and reviewing the Traffic
Engineer's recommendations, the Board found that the amount
of traffic and history of accidents at Court and Geneva Streets
and Clinton and Geneva Streets still warrants the need for
an all way stop at those intersections, and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the all way stop report for Utica
and Lewis Streets, the Board found that the traffic volume
does not meet New York State's criteria for an all way stop,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works agrees that the all
way stops at Court and Geneva Streets and Clinton and Geneva
Streets should be left intact, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to remove
the all way stop at Utica and Lewis Streets, placing the stop
signs on Utica Street allowing Lewis Street the right of way,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works will notify the
Alderpersons in these Wards of their decision.
Carried Unanimously
SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Rec clin Violations at 117 Stewart Avenue
A request was received from Mr. Gerard C. Cox of 117 Stewart
Avenue for expungement of two recycling violations due to
newspaper found in the trash at that address. Mr. Cox explained
that the newspapers found were used and grease stained.
Resolution'
By'Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS,the Board of Public Works reviewed Mr. Cox's request
and agree that the citations were written in error since the
newspaper found could not be recycled, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, chat Mr. Cox's two recycling violations for newspaper
in the trash at 117 Stewart Avenue be expunged, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works look into establishing
a more systematic appeal process for recycling violations.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni spoke for the record. He stated that
the recycling ordinance in place calls for a special pick -up
charge for residents after the first violation. The Department
of Public Works has instituted a system where there could be
at least three such violations to allow room for education
and communication. Staff enforce the recycling violations
and are directed not to be over zealous in terms of the
newspaper issue because it is a very judgemental thing.
Violations are issued when a stack of newspapers are found
in the garbage not when an isolated sheet of newspaper is found.
Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that there are at least twenty
calls per week when residents have received reminder notices
for newspapers in their trash..
He reported that since the City started mandatory recycling
last June 1988, 95 -100 violation notices have been issued and he
asked the Board, as they look at the appeals, that they find
some 'findings of fact' when they decide to expunge the special
charge. There will be many excuses that the Department of
Public Works hears daily.
May 10, 1989
139
-7-
Supt. of Public Works Dougherty stated that the Board of Public
Works has had a history of dealing 'properly' with residents
complaints regarding expungement of water and sewer charges.
He further stated that the Board already realizes the number
of excuses that residents give in regard to penalty charges.
The Board will have to get to the point where they approach
the recycling violations in the same manor as the water and
sewer violations. Supt. Dougherty stated that in regard to
the last 'Resolved' of this resolution, he does not know how
much more systematic the Board of Public Works can get.
Discussion followed on the floor in regard to the process for
appeal of the violation notice for recycling.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Cannon, Cox, Reeves and Sprague
Nays (1) Daley
Carried
O WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Water and Sewer Hook-up Bills
—� Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
m WHEREAS, the practice of the DPW when installing water and
Q sewer hook -ups has been to give an estimate based on traditional
schedules and
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the board of Public
Works that this practice no longer reflects the actual costs
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works feels that the City should
no longer be bearing these costs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That all requests.for water and sewer hook -ups will
_be billed at actual costs plus 2So overhead and administrative
costs.
Discussion followed in regard to the actual costs for hook -ups
for water and sewer.
Supt. Dougherty stated that the costs should include the actual
cost for the street patch also.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Rehabilitation of Water Tanks
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, bids have been received and reviewed for painting
and repairs to the Maple Avenue and Cliff Park water tanks,
and
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has recommended that the project
budget be changed from $60,000 to $100,000 and the contract
awarded to the low bidders, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for rehabilitation of the Old West
H111 and East Ithaca Water Storage Tanks be awarded to Atlas
Painting and Sheeting Corporation for their low bid of $81,000,
contingent upon approval of the modified budget by the Budget
and Administration Committee and Common Council, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the source of finds shall be an intra- budget
transfer of $40,000 from F8341.43S (Transmission and Distribution
Maintenance) to F8344.47S (Maintenance of Standpipes).
140
BPW Minutes
May 10. 1989
Commissioner Daley asked City Engineer Gray if this increase
to $100,000 was for the entire project.
Engineer Gray explained that the increase was for the other
additional expenses for this project.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Audit, Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstracts be approved
for payment:
Abstract #9
General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 56, 771.05
Water and Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,835.76
Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,767.68
Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,176.10
Abstract #63
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital
Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,681.13
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
Engineering Summer Students
Resolution
By ommissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Daley
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has requested authorization to hire
up to two summer students under-the Cornell Tradition program,
whereby Cornell will reimburse 50% of the salary cost, and
WHEREAS, the Engineer's projections show that adequate funds
are available within the staff salaries line due to staff
changes during 1989, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Engineering Office is authorized to hire
up to two summer students and that funds will be provided by
an intra- office transfer of $3,800 from line A1440.110 (staff
salaries) to A1440.435 (contractual "services), contingent on
the necessary approvals of Budget and Administration and
Common Council.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Recycling Tas Force
Commissioner Reeves reported that the Recycling Task Force
.met on Monday, May 1, 1989. The Task Force is looking for-
a new chairperson as Maryanne Kozak has resigned. She reported
that Tom Shelly, who represents-landlords, gave a very interesting
view of his side of the recycling program and how he handles
the many properties that he has charge of. She reported the
Task Force discussed other possibilities of education that
could be done to help the education process.
0
m
. Q
✓l 11 III1IL%A b� J
May 10, 1989
141
Commissioner Reeves reported that May 31, thru June 2, 1989
there will be a workshop at Cornell University for recycling
practitioners. This is in cooperation with the New York State
Association for Recycling, the Department of Environmental
Conservation, Cooperative Extension and the New York State
Solid Waste Combustion Institute.,,
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.
allista F. Paolangeli
City Clerk