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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