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.
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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
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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,
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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