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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-08-300 m . Q r -BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. August 30, 1989 PRESENT: Commissioners (5) - Reeves, Sprague, Cox, Cannon, Daley ABSENT: Mayor Gutenberger (excused) In the absence of the .,,Mayor Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. OTHERS PRESENT: Acting Deputy City Clerk - Holcomb Asst. City Attorney - Beers - Schnock Deputy City Controller - Thayer Purchasing Agent - Clynes Common Council Liaison - Nichols City Engineer -Gray PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chair Reeves led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of the July 26, 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 26, 1989 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) - Reeves, Sprague, Cannon, Cox Abstained (1) - Daley Carried Approval of the Minutes of the August 16, 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting The approval of the August 16, 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting was postponed until the September 13, 1989 meeting. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Highway Items Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item 13C - Award of Contract for Granite Curbing - Resolution. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Gutenberger requested Vice Chair Reeves to convey to the Board that due to other unexpected time commitments, Joseph Spano will not be able to serve on the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Gray reported on the following: Mitchell Street The curbing is about 70 per cent completed today (August 30, 1989) and the remainder should be finished tomorrow. The street should be completed and back in service shortly after Labor Day. Hillview Place The setting of curbs and laying of the gravel base has resumed on Hillview Place and the curbing will start soon. 191 192 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 Willard Way The Department of Public Works will start working on Willard Way as soon as the crews have completed Mitchell Street and Hillview Place. Tree Removal and Pool Closing The Department of Public Works is working on tree removal and are preparing to close Cass Park Pool this week. Water Tanks The contractor has finished his work on the water tanks. The Maple Avenue tank is.now in the process of being filled with water. Quarry Street Retaining Wall The stone facing on the Quarry Street retaining wall is in progress at this time. The masonry work is slow work and will continue for approximately one month. Stewart Avenue Bridge The Stewart Avenue Bridge project is proceeding and the contractor is on schedule. The sub - structure work is nearly completed and the deck grating should start in about another week. ' Fire Stations There are serious problems with underground utilities at the South Hill site. Most of the underground utilities will need to be re -laid. Lake Street Lake Street has a lot of private work in progress which has had an impact on our public work. We are trying to adjust grades and coordinate some proposed work with some of the private contractors. A meeting has been scheduled for next week to look into some coordinated work. The City is working on sidewalks near the area of Gun Shop Hill. BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES ITEMS: Department of Public Works Operations Report The Board of Public Works received a report from former Superintendent Dougherty and Acting Superintendent Fabbroni outlining the concept for consolidation of Department of Public Works functions. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed this report and found that the Department functions need a centralized location to avoid duplication of activities and to serve the public more efficiently, and WHEREAS, many Department functions are located in City Hall which could better perform their activities from a central public works facility, and WHEREAS, the relocation of these functions would permit more available storage space to other City departments at City Hall; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works endorses the concept submitted by the former Superintendent and Acting Superintendent for consolidation of the Department of Public Works functions. Carried Unanimously O m Q 3 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 HIGHWAY ITEMS: License Fees Review The Board of Public Works reviewed a proposal from the City Engineer requesting the establishment of a minimum fee for license and encroachment agreements. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, after reviewing this proposal, the Board agreed that staff research time is usually far greater than the cost of the agreement for the private property owner based on current estimates; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works agrees that all license and encroachment fees should have a minimum annual charge of $50.00, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works- respectfully requests that Chapter 33 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code reflect the changes outlined above, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the City Clerk to send a copy of this resolution to the Charter and Ordinance Committee for review with a note that there seems to be a contradiction in the wording. Assistant City Attorney Beers - Schnock explained that the Board of Public Works has consistently issued building encroachment agreements. She stated that Chapter 33, with respect to the encroachment permits, has been interpreted to mean permits as opposed to revokable agreements or encroachments involving property rights between the City and the property owner. The Building Commissioner issues permits for marquees, canopies, or more temporary types of structures or signage on the property. Vice Chair Reeves stated that as on this matter, since there is not should we refer this to the Board the Whole for discussion or should Ordinance Committee. Discussion followed on the floor. far as procedure is concerned that wording in the Charter, of Public Works Committee of it go only to the Charter and Commissioner Daley stated that he thinks that the intent of the Board of Public Works is clear and that it is now up to Charter and Ordinance Committee to review and clarify with proper language. Vice Chair Reeves stated that in the Charter, permits are defined but agreements are not. She will send a letter along with the resolution asking for a definition of permits, agreements, and who shall be responsible for their approval. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (4) - Reeves, Sprague, Cox, Daley (Cannon out of room) Carried Encroachment Request at 414 Spencer Road A request was received from J. Frederick and Julia M. Welling of Houston, Texas, property owners of 414 Spencer Road for an encroachment agreement at that same address. 193 194 4 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, after reviewing this request, the Board decided that the building proper should be permitted as an encroachment agreement, and the overhanging roof and drive - through should be granted through a license agreement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment for the building proper and a license agreement for the overhanging roof and drive - through according to usual terms, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that prior to any revocation to the above agreements, the Landmarks Preservation Commission be given the opportunity to review such agreements, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. Vice Chair Reeves explained that this property is on the corner of Spencer and Meadow Streets and that the drive - through overhang is on City property. City Engineer Gray suggested that the Board of Public Works do a license agreement. Commissioner Cannon asked the Board if the reason for an encroachment agreement was that the owners were going to dispose of the property. Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock explained that this was the usual form request from an attorney and explained that the property was subject to a purchase offer at this time. Commissioner Daley reported that this property does have some historical value due to the stone pillars. The Landmarks Preservation Commission wanted to make sure that they would have some opportunity to comment. Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock asked if it was the intent of the Committee of the Whole to bind the City and the property owners by this resolution, or was the intent to make it just a recommendation for consideration or is it intended to make it a condition of the agreement. Commissioner Sprague answered that he would hope that it would be just a consideration and not contingent. Commissioner Daley said that it would-be binding only on the City not on the property. Commissioner Sprague stated that he does not understand the meaning of the way it is worded in regard to any revocation of the above agreements. Commissioner Daley responded that the Board can revoke a license if in the opinion of the Board that that space that is now an encroachment is necessary for widening the street or some other necessary improvements to the intersection. We can revoke a license but we cannot revoke an emcroachme,nt, which is the reason for having a license rather than an encroachment. Commissioner Daley wanted the Landmarks Preservation Commission to at least review it to make sure that in that process we didn't just decide to remove some structure that might have some historical merit to it. We can't control what the owner does, only whether the City decides to tear it down. 195 5 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 City Engineer Gray asked if it would be cleaner if you leave that out and just request that the property be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission for its consideration if that's what you are concerned about. _Award of Contract for Granite Curbing Bids were received on August 30, 1989 for furnishing granite curbing as shown on the bid sheet. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing granite curbing be awarded to Syrstone Inc., of North Syracuse, for their low bid per unit prices. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Octopus Signal Light The Board of Public Works received a memo from Alderperson Peterson urging signalization improvement at the Octopus. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board received input from the Traffic Engineer regarding the present traffic signal and noted that any traffic device installed would be on an interim basis before actual New York State Department of Transportation improvements are enacted, and WHEREAS, the DoT has offered the City assistance in improving signalization at the Octopus to refine the existing traffic flow; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works supports the concept of improving existing traffic flow at the Octopus and directs staff to contact the DoT for suggestions on doing so. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Sludge Disposal Agreement The Special Joint Sub - Committee met on August 22, 1989 and discussed sludge disposal concerns with Tompkins County Solid Waste staff. Further discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Cox stated" that he certainly would not want to saddle the owner with any obligations to chase around with the Landmarks Preservation Commission if the owner wanted to tear the porch or that overhang down. Common Council Liaison Nichols stated that the owner is asking for the encroachment because it is on City property. If he wants to tear it down them he presumably no longer needs an encroachment. O Commissioner Cox stated that the owners are going to sell the property, this is just cleaning up some legalities. 7 Co A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Q Carried Unanimously _Award of Contract for Granite Curbing Bids were received on August 30, 1989 for furnishing granite curbing as shown on the bid sheet. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing granite curbing be awarded to Syrstone Inc., of North Syracuse, for their low bid per unit prices. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Octopus Signal Light The Board of Public Works received a memo from Alderperson Peterson urging signalization improvement at the Octopus. Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board received input from the Traffic Engineer regarding the present traffic signal and noted that any traffic device installed would be on an interim basis before actual New York State Department of Transportation improvements are enacted, and WHEREAS, the DoT has offered the City assistance in improving signalization at the Octopus to refine the existing traffic flow; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works supports the concept of improving existing traffic flow at the Octopus and directs staff to contact the DoT for suggestions on doing so. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Sludge Disposal Agreement The Special Joint Sub - Committee met on August 22, 1989 and discussed sludge disposal concerns with Tompkins County Solid Waste staff. 1961 6 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the SJS has recommended that they join with the County to appeal to New York State concerning a recent ruling that declares sewage treatment plant sludge a non - recyclable material, and WHEREAS, the SJS requests that the County consider exempting and giving a waiver to the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility concerning the recently enacted tipping charge, and WHEREAS, City staff and the County Solid Waste staff can arrive at an agreement concerning leachate from Caswell Road hauled to the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, thus possibly lowering the charges based on individual load strengths; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works concurs with and endorses the Special Joint Sub - Committee's recommendations resulting from their meeting on August 22,.1989. City Engineer Gray stated that there is a request before the County's Public Works Committee on September 8, 1989 to raise the question about whether sewage sludge is a recyclable profit. The County Solid Waste Acts all along basically regarded that this is something that should be recyclable. There is included in the resolution that the County Board passed, a $40 tipping fee for next year. There is a waiver for recyclable materials but the County, to date, does not consider sewage sludge to be recyclable. Their request in here for the exemption, is that they are asking that the County consider sewage sludge to be recyclable and if they do that then we ,would be exempt from paying the $40 tipping fee. In the process of discussing monies that we would pay them, the discussion of leachate came up. The Caswell Road facility has leachate coming in and it is a very mild to a weak sewage. We agreed that we would make that determination. The agreement was just based on its strength and we should make the determination and charge them accordingly. The dollars that they will save won't begin to reflect what we'll end up paying for the disposal of sewage sludge. It is not a one - for -one trade. Commissioner Cox remarked that he is having trouble understanding why the County would waive tipping fees on recyclable material. If it is recyclable why is it going to the landfill. City Engineer Gray responded that if recyclable materials arrived that was separated from other materials, it would not go into their landfill - -it will be recycled. That is not clear in their resolution but he inferred that from the way it was written. City Engineer Gray said there is a resolution that was passed by the County in 1982 and another one in 1986 or 1987 when the City agreed to build the septage facility to handle Countywide septage, including leachate. The County agreed to be the lead agent in the resolution of sludge disposal as a Countywide matter. The problem for the SJS and the City as a 70% bill payer is that the bills for disposing of sewage sludge" are going to come due long before the County gets around to resolving this matter. The County has their hands full sighting the landfill, getting through the baling station, and just recycling. Further discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 19'7 7 BPW Minutes August 30, 1989 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report_ Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That bills listed below on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #16 General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 82,208.02 Water and Sewer Fund. . . . . . . . . . $ 7,464.28 Joint Activity Fund .. . . . . . . . . . $ 15,597.33 Capital Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . $370,160.62 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. C� " �- Connie J. Holcomb Ti Reeves, Chairman Acting Deputy Clerk and be it further 0 RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously m Commissioner Reeves announced that she will be away until Q September 20, 1989 and Commissioner Daley will chair the Committee of the Whole Meeting on September 6, 1989 in her absence. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. C� " �- Connie J. Holcomb Ti Reeves, Chairman Acting Deputy Clerk