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•
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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;
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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
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