Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-06-28-BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. June 28, 1989 PRESENT: Mayor Gutenberger Comiuissioners(5): Cannon, Cox, Sprague, Daley, Reeves OTHERS PRESENT: Assistant Superintendent - Fabbroni Common Council Liaison - Nichols City Clerk - Paolangeli City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy City Controller - Thayer Assistant City Attorney - Beers - Schnock City Chamberlain - Parsons Purchasing Agent - Clynes V O PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gutenberger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Co MINUTES• Q Approval of Minutes of the June 14, 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting The approval of the Minutes of the June 14, 1989 Board of Public Works meeting were postponed until the July 13, 1989 meeting. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Hicxhway Items Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item 13A, Curbing. No Board member objected. Parking and Traffic Commissioner Daley requested the addition of Item 14C, Release of Funds for Sign Machine. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Sign at Mulholland Wildflower Preserve Mayor Gutenberger referred to a letter from Commissioner Reeves in regards to the sign at the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve and a note from Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni that the sign is ready. He said that he will set up a time for the unveiling of the sign. Update on Route 96 Mayor Gutenberger stated that he has spoken with Richard Simberg at the NYS DoT Regional Office and the report is done. It needs one more review by Albany. He stated that it will be hand delivered to the City within the next two weeks. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Letter Ree arding Privitization of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Alderperson Nichols distributed to Board members a letter from him regarding the issue of privitization of the wastewater treatment plant. The letter was as follows: June 28, 1989 TO Board of Public Works FROM: Ben Nichols, Council Liaison Whatever problems may exist in the present or future operations of the water and wastewater treatment plants should be 159 160 4 2 June 28, 1989 dealt with directly, within the framework of the City's continued direct control and operation of these public utilities. The provision of services that affect the lives and well -being of our citizens are too important to take any chances with their operation by private parties. Further we should not use the device of "privitization" to bypass the protections provided to our employees by Civil Service Law. I feel that this principle is so important that Common Council should state a firm policy that its public utilities will not be turned over to private operations. I will put a resolution to that effect on the agenda of Council's July meeting. I hope that prompt action by Council will result in the Board's use of its time more effectively in its consideration of any changes needed in the operation of the water and wastewater treatment plants. My proposed resolution will deal only with policy and is not related in any way.to any individual personnel issue. Alderperson Nichols explained his recommendations to the Board. Discussion followed on the floor. Comm. Cox stated that he thinks that it is a mistake to take such a stance. He stated that he thinks it is the Boards intent to examine the issues and determine whether it is in the best interest of the City to keep it in the present condition or whether it might be better contracted out. Comm. Reeves stated that she believes Alderperson Nichols needs to hear the pros and cons on the issue from the Board. She does not think this is the time to voice an opinion until he has heard both sides of the issue. Alderperson Nichols stated that he understands the Commissioner's view and he respectfully disagrees with them. He stated that at least three years ago, when he was Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee of the Board, the Superintendent suggested the idea and the committee discussed it briefly. The Superintendent then withdrew the suggestion and he thought it was a dead issue. He further stated that his intent is not to forestall a discussion but to put the Board under the situation where it knows what the boundary conditions of that discussion are so that the time is not wasted. Mayor Gutenberger said that the whole matter of privitization is an issue that is receiving attention all over the country. He said that personally he is opposed to the privitization of public jobs and public projects. However, it is an issue that he thinks should be looked into, that the City has the obligation to the public to see if there are other more efficient ways to manage and spend taxpayer dollars. He further said that he does not agree that it would be time wasted. It might be a.valuable exercise either to find out that it might work and then discuss it or if it won't work, then we have-some information to make that decision. REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT: Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni made the following reports: Second Street Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that the Second Street job is almost complete. The next phase will be base paving. M m Q r] June 28, 1989 Mitchell Street - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported the Mitchell Street was started last week and they are hoping to complete the whole project by July 28th. Stewart Avenue Bridge - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that the Stewart Avenue Bridge is slated to be closed within a couple of weeks and will not be re- opened until the end of October. He has a press release on his desk to this effect and there will be a memo sent to all interested parties. In -house Bridge Program - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that the in -house bridge program is nearing completion over Green Street and they are now working on a section over the creek and are also completing the work on the Buffalo Street Bridge. Brick Work on Stewart Avenue - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that they are doing some brick work on Stewart Avenue between Buffalo Street and the Cascadilla Bridge crossing. Court Facility Up -grade - Asst. are working in -house on a plan upgrade City Court facilities. become involved in this shortly of the building, etc. Supt. Fabbroni stated that they to satisfy the requirements to He noted that the Board may as far as considering expansion Meeting with Planning Department - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that the City Engineer and he met with the Planning Department on Tuesday and they went over a number of common issues. They plan to meet with the Planning Department at least quarterly as a way of touching base on issues that concern both departments. Recycling - Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported that in August they are going to start the pick up of plastics and yard wastes. They have done some testing and they feel that they can handle the situation. He stated that there will be publicity going out regarding plastics and yard wastes as part of recycling. He said that they are not intending to ask that be added to the mandatory part of the ordinance at this time. What they are suggesting is that they pick up the items, leave the reminders about separating those items, but not incorporate it into the mandatory ordinance until they are ready to enforce it, which might be 6 or 8 months down the line depending on what their experience is. Appointment of Engineering Technician Asst. Supt. Fabbroni requested the approval of the appointment of Robert J. Tinker as an Engineering Technician in the Engineering and Utilities Division as recommended by City Engineer Gray. He explained to the Board the need for this appointment. Resolution By Comm. Daley: Seconded by Comm. Reeves RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the appointment of Robert J. Tinker as an Engineering Technician and requests the Budget and Administration Committee and Common Council to establish the salary of Mr. Robert J. Tinker at $22,960, that being Step 7 on the CSEA Administrative Unit Plan. Commissioner Cox asked if there was a competitive search done for this position. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni stated that there was an advertisement and a number of interviews were held and this is the candidate that came out of that process. . A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously BUILDING AND PROPERTIES ITEMS: Farmers' Market Plastic Roofs It has come to the Board of Public Works' attention that vendors at the Farmers' Market at the Steamboat Landing site are using plastic roofs which are not tied down and are left up week after 161 1-62 a 4 June 28, 1989 week. Resolution By Comm. Cannon: Seconded by Comm. Sprague WHEREAS, these plastic roofs detract immensely from the Market's appearance, and WHEREAS, these plastic roofs could pose a safety problem to the Market's customers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Farmers' Market to remove the plastic roofs each week at their Steamboat Landing site. Carried Unanimously Ithaca Times Encroachment Request By Comm. Cannon: Seconded by Comm. Daley WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has favorably reviewed the plans for exterior renovation of the Ithaca Times building presently being remodeled on North Cayuga Street, and WHEREAS, the existing exterior stairway to the first floor level would require an encroachment agreement, and WHEREAS, the proposed balcony would require a revocable annual license agreement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment for the life of the existing stairway, and be it further RESOLVED, That an annual license be granted in an amount to be determined by the Board for the encroachment of 144 square feet of the balcony over the City property. Carried Unanimously HIGHWAY ITEMS• curbing By Comm. Sprague: Seconded by Comm. Cox WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and Common Council budgeted $25,480 in Account No. 5111 -486 for 1989 for concrete curb and gutter, and WHEREAS, the $25,480 represents an amount sufficient to replace curbing on Second Street, Willard Way, Dryden Road, and other miscellaneous projects, and WHEREAS, the delay and financing of Hudson Street leaves unexpended CHIPS monies in part to totally fund granite curbing for Hillview and upper Mitchell Street projects, and WHEREAS, approximately $64,000 total is needed to replace 3200 feet of curbing, only $16,900 of which is presently available through 1988 encumbered funds; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Budget and Administration Committee and Common Council the additional allocation of $48,000 to be committed to granite curbing for Hillview and Mitchell Street from available CHIPS funds. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Cornell University Parking Plan Cornell University is proposing and revising a parking plan which is causing concern throughout the community. Resolution By Comm. Daley: Seconded by Comm. Cox WHEREAS, this parking plan may increase parking rates for Cornell 163 5 June 281 1989 employees and students, and WHEREAS, this increase in parking rates may encourage Cornell employees and students to park all day on City streets, and WHEREAS, the City streets in this area are already overburdened with all day commuters; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that Cornell University consult with the City and seriously take into consideration the parking problems that already exist in this area due to all day parkers when they revise their parking plan. Carried Unanimously Request for Parking Permits in Metered Zones A request was received from Sta -Home Healthcare of 115 South Quarry Street, for four (4)'parking permits in metered zones. O Resolution By Comm. Daley: Seconded by Comm. Reeves WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works sympathizes with the agency's plight, and m Q WHEREAS, other requests of this nature have been denied since the Board cannot, by State law, issue special parking privileges to any group; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the request of Sta -Home Health Care be denied. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (5) - Reeves, Sprague, Cox, Cannon, Gutenberger Nay (1) - Daley Carried Release of Funds for Sign Machine By Comm. Daley: Seconded by Comm. Cox WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has budgeted for a total of $20,000 to date toward the puKchase of a new sign machine, and WHEREAS, price reductions and materials improvements make possible an improved system of sign production and maintenance, now therefore be it RESOLVED, By the Board of Public Works that $20,000 in Capital Reserve #23 be released for the following equipment purchases and /or substitutions 1. Sign Machine $ 12,500 2. Pressure Sensitive Sign Applicator and Beginning Inventory 2,250 3. Graffiti Pressure Washer Removal 4,500 4. Pullers and Push Pullers 750 $ 20,000 Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES, PARKS ITEMS _Youth Bureau Summer Jobs Program The New York State Conservation Corps has approved a grant for the Youth Bureau to rehabilitate the steps near Bridal Veil Falls in Six Mile Creek. The work will be done by the Youth Conservation Corps. Resolution By: Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS the restoration of these steps will improve the safety of visitors to this area as well as enhance the natural beauty, and 1.6,E R June 28, 1989 WHEREAS the youths involved in this project will learn basic employment skills, safety and responsibility for natural areas, and WHEREAS the future use and restoration of the area surrounding these steps is still uncertain, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works supports the rehabilitation of the steps in Six Mile Creek by the Youth Conservation Corps, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests a detailed description of the future goals for this area before any more work is undertaken. Discussion followed on the floor. Permission was given for a sign from the N.Y.S. Conservation Corps to be placed at the entrance to the project, while the project is underway. The sign will be removed when the work is completed. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS Request for ExnunQement of Late Penalties on Water and Sewer Bill 214 -216 West Lincoln Street A request was received from Broome Developmental Services for expungement of the late penalty for the water and sewer bill at 214 -216 West Lincoln Street. They contend that they never received the December bill, and are asking expungement of $44.52. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, after reviewing this request and verifying that the address on this bill was correct, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the request of Broom Developmental Services for expungement of the late penalty fee of $44.52 from their water and sewer bill. Carried Unanimously 701 Hector Street A request was received from Allen Ekman for expungement of $27.36 late penalty charge for the water and sewer bill at 701 Hector Street. Due to an address ,error in the Chamberlain's Office, Mr. Ekman never received his bills, but an innocent party did and paid them. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS the error that caused this mix -up appears to be the City's fault due to an address change, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the request of Allen Ekman to expunge the ..late penalty of $27.36 from the water and sewer bill at 701 Hector Street be granted. Carried Unanimously 404 West State Street A request was received from Sal Pirro to expunge the late penalty of $4.32 from the water and sewer bill at 404 West State Street. The bill was sent to the address on file in the Chamberlain's Office, but came back as "undeliverable ". The Chamberlain's Office then mailed it to another address where the bill was received late. 165 7 June 28, 1989 Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS this bill was sent to the address which was on file and believed to be correct since Mr- Pirro did not file an address change, now therefore be it ' RESOLVED, That the request from Sal Pirro for expungement of the late penalty of $4.32 from the water and, sewer bill at 404 West State Street be denied. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Water Meters Bids were received on June 22, 1989, for furnishing water meters. Resolution (Y� By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague O RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing water meters be awarded to Badger Meter, Inc. -� Carried Unanimously (o REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES < Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #12 General Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$48,454.89 Water and Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,736.70 Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,252.85 Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,750.01 and be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS Hydropower Commission Commissioner Sprague reported that the Hydropower Commission has created a committee to evaluate the developer bids for the Van Natta's Dam Hydropower Project. The committee met Tuesday, June 27, 1989 and the bid deadline will be July 14, 1989. Planning and Development Board Cornell Parking Plan Commissioner Daley reported that Mr. William Wendt, from Cornell's Parking and Traffic Division, did not appear at the Planning and Development meeting on Tuesday, June. 27, 1989 as Cornell has not finalized their parking plan at this time. Commissioner Daley reported that several items were discussed in regard to parking and traffic in the Cornell University area. NEW BUSINESS Recommendations from Alderperson Booth Asst. Supt. of Public Works Fabbroni reported that Alderperson Booth would like the Board of Public Works to consider the following recommendations: 1. The possibility of placing a stop sign at the Mitchell and State Street intersection; 16G 0 June 28, 1989 2. To consider a skateboard facility in the City of Ithaca because Charter and Ordinance will be addressing the possibility of banning skateboarding on City streets. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Callista F. Paolange4i City Clerk C. Gutenberger .�