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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-06-14151 -BOARD OF PUBLIC'WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. June 14, 1989 PRESENT: Mayor Gutenberger Commissioners (5) Cannon, Cox, Daley, Reeves, Sprague OTHERS PRESENT: Supt. of Public Works - Dougherty Asst. Supt. of Public Works- Fabbroni (Y) City Engineer - Gray O Common Council Liaison - Nichols Asst. City Attorney - Beers - Schnock City Clerk - Paolangeli 7 City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy City Controller - Thayer Q Purchasing Agent - Clynes PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gutenberger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. MINUTES• Approval of Minutes of May 24 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 24, 1989 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: New Business Item Mayor Gutenbeger requested that an item regarding an Employee's Retirement be added to the agenda. No Board Member objected. REPORT OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON Tree Ordinance Alderperson Nichols reported that the Charter and Ordinance Committee is meeting on June 15, 1989 and will be presenting a Tree Ordinance for adoption. He stated that he was not sure that there was approval from the Board of Public Works. Commissioner Reeves stated that there has been a minor change in the wording of the ordinance that she will present to the Charter and Ordinance Committee. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Appointments Supt. of Public Works Dougherty reported that he has made the following appointment: Lisa Cornell, to the position of Administrative Secretary in the Superintendent's office at an annual salary of $16,499, effective June 13, 1989; and he asked the Board's concurrence. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon 152 BPW Minutes June 14, 1989 2 RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the appointment of Lisa Cornell to the position of Administrative Secretary at an annual salary of $16,499, effective June 13, 1989. Carried Unanimously Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, Lisa Cornell was recently permanently appointed to the position of Administrative Secretary in the Superintendent's Office and WHEREAS, Lisa has brought to the office and to the Board of Public Works functions her expertise, dedication and talents and WHEREAS, Lisa functions as a lead person in meeting the public as a representative of the Department and, in doing so, has increased the public image of the Department, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works with the recommendation of the Superintendent requests Common Council to increase the salary of Lisa Cornell by 4% ($660) to more adequately compensate her for her level of performance in her position. Carried Unanimously Special Joint Sub - committee of the Board of Public Works Supt. Dougherty reported that the Special Joint Sub - committee of the Board of Public Works is in need of two (2) members. Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Cox volunteered to serve as a member of the SJS Committee and one more member will be added before their next meeting. REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT: Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported on the following: Green Street Bridge Painting The painting of the bridge over Green Street will be completed this week and the detour for traffic will be removed. Southside Repairs The second access stairway to the second floor of Southside is being repaired so that the Day Care Center can operate their summer program. Road Work There is extensive road work at this time on Second Street, Hillview between South Hill Terrace and Turner Place, and we expect to start repairs on Mitchell Street from Cornell Street to the Town of Ithaca line next week. Willard Way Willard Way will be the last of our gxavel base work for this year and will be' started when the Engineering Department has completed their plans for the detours on the Stewart Avenue Bridge project. w Ballfields The Department of Public Works started working on the Babe Ruth ballfields in April 1989. Due to the wet conditions of the fields they have been unable to complete the fields in time for the beginning of the Babe Ruth ball games as their season starts on June 151 1989. Asst. Fabbroni reported that due to the wet conditions, many of the fields are in poor condition. He stated that it is impossible to mow them without creating ruts. BPW Minutes 153 June 14,1989 Exercise Trail The Exercise Trail at Cass Par}, i`s being extended and there will be on -going changes. Asbestos Removal Asbestos removal is in progress at the boathouse at Stewart Park. The teen room at GIAC is closed until the asbestos materials have been removed. Oiling and Stoning of Streets The first phase of oiling and stoning of streets will soon be starting in the area of Cascadilla Creek and in the North Cayuga Street area. M REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Gray reported on the following: Water Tank Protects The Engineering Department is currently working on the Water Tank m . Repainting Contract and the Maple Avenue Tank-will be started on Q June 26,1989. Stewart Avenue Bridge The City has just been issued the notice to proceed on the Stewart Avenue Bridge project. The work will start as soon as we have held the pre- constructipn conference and we have the contractor's scheduled. Quarry Street Wall The Quarry Street wall project is to start June 14, 1989. It will be necessary to shut down the parking along the street in this area for approximately a four week period while the wall is being excavated. Van Natta Dam The Van Natta Dam Hydro - rehabilitation request for proposals is out and the engineering office is providing support to planning. Street Permits The Engineering Department has issued many Street Permits over the last two weeks. There is a lot of utility work and properties being upgraded, new services for buildings, etc. at this time. Sidewalk Contract The Sidewalk Contract will be starting on June 26, 1989. There have been many sidewalk permits issued for up- grading. New Fire Stations Contract The New Fire Stations Contract schedule has been started. Six Mile Creek Engineer Gray stated that it might be useful if the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee met with the Board of Public Works for discussion and exchange of ideas for the up- grading of the Six Mile Creek area. Discussion followed in regard to the duration of street permits. HIGHWAY ITEMS• Ithaca Times Encroachment Request The Ithaca Times is requesting a renewable revocable license agreement for a proposed balcony and an encroachment agreement for the existing stairway at their property at 109 =111 North Cayuga Street. 154 BPW Minutes, June 14, 1989 4 Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the request of the Ithaca Times be granted and that the City Attorney be requested to prepare the usual encroachment agreement. Discussion followed on the floor. Supt. Dougherty stated that we normally would prepare the usual encroachment agreement for an existing stairway but when they want to create an encroachment, as in the case of this balcony, we usually give them permission on the license agreement which is renewable annually at a fee. Further discussion followed in regard to the need for a license for the balcony and an encroachment for the stairway. Tabling Motion By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Times Encroachment Request Resolution be tabled. Carried Unanimously Streetlight at Sunrise Road and Taylor Place A request has been received to install a street light at the intersection of Sunrise Road and Taylor Place. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That this request be approved and be it further RESOLVED,That the staff be directed to purchase and install our own pole and fixture. Carried Unanimously Mayor Gutenberger asked if the no parking signs on Campbell Avenue had been removed. Supt. Dougherty reported that the signs that were to be removed had been removed and that there are special parking restrictions in that area. ITEMS: A request has been received from the Immaculate Conception School to provide additional restrictions on parking in front of their property on P1ain.Street between'Buffalo and Court Streets. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, the east side of Plain Street between Buffalo and Court Streets is an active school bus loading zone during the school day and WHEREAS, the continual violation of the "No Parking" restri-etion in this area presents a hazard to the school children, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Traffic Engineer be directed to investigate the situation and to provide signage that expedites the towing of illegally parked vehicles. Discussion followed in regard to the need for an investigation. Supt. Dougherty stated that an investigation is necessary as there are several choices for signage and explained some of the options. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: BPW .Minutes 155 June 14, 1989 5 5 Carried Unanimously Stop Sign at Seneca Street and Schuyler Place Alderperson Killeen has requested the installation of a stop sign on Seneca Street at the Intersection of Schuyler Place. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, Seneca Street at this intersection is now a through street with stop signs on Schuyler Place and WHEREAS, traffic does not warrant the installation of a stop sign (Y� on Seneca Street, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the request of Alderperson Killeen be denied. Discussion followed on the floor. m Q A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, PARKS ITEMS: Cass Park Concession Stand The Ithaca Amateur 'Softball Association (IASA) has requested permission to assign its interest in the concession stand in the lighted ball field area of Cass Park. Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, The agreement with the City has always provided the IASA with the exclusive right of operating this particular concession stand, and WHEREAS, the requested assignment of the interests of the IASA in this concession stand will continue to provide income to the IASA, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the request of the IASA be approved as outlined in its memorandum of agreement with the proposed operator. Carried Unanimously Dewitt Park Skateboarding The issue of skateboarding in Dewitt Park has again been brought to the attention of the Board. Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, it has been the policy of the City of Ithaca that Dewitt Park be maintained as a quiet oasis in the center of Town and WHEREAS, the agreement made in 1856 between the First Presbyterian Church and the Village of Ithaca specifically stated in part, "...and to restrain by law trespassing thereon, or any other act a thing which would be a nuisance, or tend in any way to deprive the citizens of Ithaca of any of their rights or privileges granted by said Simeon Dewitt in carrying and dedicating said premises as a public walk and promenade," and, WHEREAS, the use of skateboards in Dewitt Park is in the opinion of this Board of Public Works a nuisance to most people r attempting to enjoy the serenity of this Park, now therefore be it 1561 BPW Minutes June 14, 1989 R RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reaffirms its ban on the use of skateboards in Dewitt Park Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Daley stated that in 1988 the Board passed a resolution stating in regard to a need for a place for skateboarders to go. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommit to a speedy consideration of a location for a skateboard park. Commissioner Cox stated that he does not feel that the City has an obligation to provide a skateboard park and supports the resolution as worded. He stated that the park should be a quiet place, the Veteran's Memorial is located there and it is inappropriate to have skateboarding there. Commissioner Reeves stated that she does not feel that the City should provide a place for skateboarding but that the City should work with some other community groups to discuss the issue of locating a place. Commissioner Cannon asked if the City was going to provide a place for youth hockey along with a place for skateboarding. He stated that the issue of a place for skateboarding came up last year and it is very difficult to organize around as it is not a sport that is organized or supervised. He stated that the skateboarders are all over the parking helix, public streets, sidewalks, etc. and it is a question of safety. Nobody has provided these kids with an outlet for skateboarding. Council Liaison Nichols stated that he felt that a place for skateboarding is not an issue that the Board should be designing. He stated that we should be asking the Youth Board or Youth Bureau for recommendations. A vote on the amending resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (2) - Cannon, Daley Nays (3) - Cox, Reeves, Sprague A vote on the main motion resulted as'follows: Motion Defeated Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Proposed Pipe Line Right- of -Wav CNG Transmission Corp., has requested a 50' right -of -way for construction of a gas transmission line across City property up stream from the Burns Road. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by'Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, the construction of the proposed transmission line on City property would have an adverse effect on a wooded area of the City watershed, and WHEREAS, the construction of the pipe line could impede our ability to prevent a gravel build -up in our reservoir, now therefore be it O m Q BPW Minutes June :14, 1989 7 RESOLVED That the request of CNG Transmission Corp., be denied. Carried Unanimously Water & Sewer Improvements - Town of Ithaca as Lead Agency The Town of Ithaca has presented the Engineer's Report on the proposed 1989 Water and Sewer improvements. They have asked that the Board of Public Works concur'in the designation of the Ithaca Town Board as lead agency in the environmental review of this type 1 action. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Ithaca Town Board has requested this concurrence and WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has worked very closely with the Department of Public Works, planning and designing these improvements, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works concurs with the lead agency designation of the Ithaca Town Board in this matter. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstracts be approved for payment: Abstract #11 General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,300.75 Water and Sewer Fund. . . . . . . . . . .$18,574.77 Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 2,371.94 Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 8,759.21 Abstract #64 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 3,418.45 and be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: Planning and Development Board Commissioner Daley reported that the Planning and Development Board met on Tuesday, June 13, 1989 and passed a resolution in regard to the Lead Agency status for the Environmental Review of the West Hill Master Plan. There will be a scoping session for preparing an assessment early in July. Commons Advisory Board Commissioner Cannon reported that he had missed the Commons Advisory Board meeting and asked about the proposal for the lighting on the Ithaca Commons. Supt. Dougherty responded that the firm Stearns and Wheler has been hired to provide us with a design for the Commons. Bus Roadeo Commissioner Reeves reported on the Bus Roadeo that was held on Sunday, June 11, 1989 at Cass Park. She reported that six transit systems participated. The first place winner was David Wilson from the Oneonta Transit System, Second Place was Sue Stark from Ithaca, third place Ray Davis from Cornell University, 15'7 a. 5 8 BPW Minutes June 14, 1989 8 Transit. Commissioner Reeves was also a judge for the Bus Roadeo event. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Gutenberger presented a resolution to Superintendent of Public Works, Jack Dougherty. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, John A. Jack Dougherty began his career with the City of Ithaca on February 13, 1950, and WHEREAS, Jack will retire from his position as Superintendent of Public Works on June 16, 1989, after serving thirty -nine (39) years with the Department of Public Works, and WHEREAS, Jack contributed greatly to various projects such as the formation and organization of the Construction and Maintenance Division now known as the Streets and Facilities, the implementation of the Asphalt Overlay Program for street maintenance, refinement of emergency response system for the department and increased citizen involvement in construction project decision making, and WHEREAS, through Jack's experience, knowledge and sense of humor the Department of Public Works has significantly benefited, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby thanks Jack Dougherty for his thirty -nine (39) years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Ithaca; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works confers upon Jack a lifetime membership in the Municipal Golf Course and may he use it in good health. Carried Unanimously Superintendent Dougherty responded to the Board and stated that it has been a pleasure working with the current Board of Public Works and all past members. He stated that he has great respect for the BPW and thanked them. Superintendent Dougherty reported that Asst. Supt. Fabbroni has been asked to assume his duties until the position of Superintendent of Public Works has been filled. Mayor Gutenberger reported that the Superintendents Search Committee is in the process of interviewing applicants. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M. Callista F. Paolang i City Clerk