HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-09-13M
Regular Meeting
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: `
Commissioners (4) - Sprague, Cox, Daley, Cannon
ABSENT:
Mayor Gutenberger (excused)
Commissioner Reeves (excused)
September 13, 1989
In the absence of the Mayor and Vice -Chair Reeves, Commissioner
Daley chaired the meeting.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting Deputy Clerk - Holcomb
Asst. City Attorney - Beers - Schnock
co City Controller - Cafferillo
0 Deputy City Controller - Thayer
(� City Engineer - Gray
Acting Supt. of Public Works - Fabbroni
m Purchasing Agent - Clynes
Q Common Council Liaison - Nichols
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Daley led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American flag.
MINUTES•
Approval of the Minutes of the August 16, 1989 Board of Public
Works Meeting
The approval of the Minutes of the August 16, 1989 Board of
Public Works meeting was postponed until September 27, 1989.
Approval of the Minutes of the August 30, 1989 Board of Public
Works Meeting
The approval of the Minutes of the August 30, 1989 Board of
Public Works meeting was postponed until September 27, 1989.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Creeks, Bridges, and Parks Items
Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item 15 -A-
Program to Reduce Impact of Flooding - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Acting Chair Daley reported that Mayor Gutenberger is unable to
attend today's meeting and asked that he act as Chair.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS THE BOARD:
Dick Jayne - from Village Real Estate, addressed the Board about
the encroachment on the property at 414 Spencer Road. He stated
this is a corner property and there is an encroachment problem on
both streets in regard to the right -of -way. Mr. Jayne stated
that Mr. McKay is now attempting to sell this property and what
the City is saying is that a license must be purchased each year.
He stated there is also a problem as the contract states that
upon sixty days notice the owner of this property can be forced
to tear down the carport, at the owners expense. Mr. Jayne
described the property and the portion that encroaches on the
right -of way 7 -1/2 feet.
Jim McKay - Owner of the property at 414 Spencer Road gave
background information on his property. He explained that this
house was built in the 1920 when Meadow Street was the Old
Spencer Road. Mr. McKay stated that he cannot understand why
there is an encroachment problem now if the land was there before
it became a City property.
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September 13, 1989
Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock explained the procedure for an
encroachment agreement and stated that it was based on the
current survey and current existing conditions on the property.
She reported that she has not been given any history, as far as
appropriations by the City, or any other information concerning
title or description of the property. She explained that an
encroachment does exist now in the right -of -way as the right -of-
way exists at this time; a property owner does not acquire a
right to encroach by what might be termed as adverse possession
or by a prescriptive easement, in part because of the nature of
the highways and streets.
Acting Chair Daley requested that Jim McKay or his attorney
contact Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock in regard to the
encroachment at 414 Spencer Road. He stated that if there is a
need for an adjustment, based on the findings that are presented
to her, it will again be brought before the Board of Public Works
for action. Acting Chair Daley explained that the Board acted on
the information that was presented to them and that if there is
additional information, it should be presented to the City
Attorney's office for review.
Commissioner Cox stated that the Board may be delaying a
transaction and asked what Mr. McKay wants from the Board.
Mr. Jayne responded that they want different wording in the
contract. He stated that the fact that the owner would be
required to tear this property down on sixty -days notice is
unreasonable. The house has been there for a long time and it is
unlikely that one block section of Meadow Street is every going
to be a thoroughfare to any place. He explained that the
concrete pillars are a safety factor and they do not interfere
with traffic.
Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock stated that the way the
encroachment exists now, the owner could be directed to tear it
down now without any notice as it is an encroachment on City
right -of -way.
Acting Chair Daley stated that he wants this to be referred to
Mr. McKay's attorney and the City Attorney. He stated that the
Board of Public Works voted based on the information that was
presented to them and until there is other evidence that we can
deal with he doesn't think that this Board can make any changes.
Further discussion followed in regard to this encroachment.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Encroachment Request - 108 Water Street
Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock reported that she has an
encroachment request for a paved driveway that encroaches on
the property at the Water Filtration Plant. She explained that
this situation involves encroachment on City property as opposed
to streets or highways and the analysis is different.
City Engineer Gray gave a brief description of the 108 Water
Street property.
+ Resolution to Refer to the Committee of the Whole
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the Encroachment Agreement request for 108 Water
Street be referred to the Committee of the Whole for review at
their meeting on September 20, 1989.
Carried Unanimously
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September 13, 1989
REPORT OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON:
Festival Lands
Common Council Liaison Nichols reported that discussions on the
Festival Lands is still, ongoing arld a motion was sent to Common
Council. It was debated and Mferred back to committee. He
stated that any recommendations that the Board of Public Works
wishes to make would still be in order. Common Council Liaison
Nichols explained the present situation is that the Finger Lakes
State Commission is essentially saying that they want the plan
that they proposed without any changes.
Discussion followed on the floor and Acting Chair Daley requested
that the issue of the Festival Lands be added to the Committee of
the Whole Agenda for the September 20, 1989 meeting.
REPORT OF ACTING SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Acting Superintendent of Public Works Fabbroni reported on the
Q following:
Mitchell Street
The paving of Mitchell Street will be done on Thursday, September
CO 15, 1989. The paving completes this project with the exception
of some driveway work and grass trimming.
Cornell Street
The Department of Public Works will be paving Cornell Street from
Mitchell Street down to State Street.
Second Street
The Department of Public Works will be paving Second Street soon
to complete that project.
West Clinton and Cherry Street
The portion of West Clinton and Cherry Street that the City built
about ten years ago will be paved.
Hillview Place
The curbing on Hillview Place will be in progress Thursday and
Friday, September 14 and 15. Hopefully the paving will start on
Hillview next week.
Willard Way
The paving on Willard Way will be the remaining project to be
completed this season.
University Avenue
There is a suggestion by the City Traffic Engineer that we might
possibly have two -way traffic on University Avenue that was
instituted during the construction of Willard Way. There has
also been a suggestion that we reinstate parking on one side or
the other of University Avenue and keep the traffic two -way after
the construction is completed.
Stewart Park
The Department of Public Works is in the process of sodding over
the Gabbions at Stewart Park. He is hoping that this gesture
meets some of the requirements of the master plan and will enable
us to proceed with the bank stabilization for the remainder of
the bank that is washing away.
4.: Southside Community Center Stairwell
The interior work on the stairwell at Southside Community Center
for the second access to the second floor is nearly completed.
Computers
The Department of Public Works is looking into the purchase of a
new computer system. The accounting department at the
Department of Public Works has outgrown their system. Acting
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September 13, 1989
Supt. Fabbroni is now looking at proposals from computing centers
for a compact base system.
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER:
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Sidewalk Proiects
The sidewalk program for this year is nearing completion.
School Signs
The school signs that the Board of Public Works requested at the
Catholic School and the all -way Stop at Utica and Lewis Streets
are now in place.
Collegetown Signs
We are re- installing signs in Collegetown.
Mitchell and State Streets Intersection
We are looking into methods for anchoring in the pavement on the
Mitchell and State Street intersection.
Maple Avenue Water Tank
The Maple Avenue Water Tank is now in service.
Quarry Street
The Quarry Street project is proceeding and masonry facing is in
progress at this time.
Stewart Avenue Bridge
The Stewart Avenue Bridge project has been slow and the new
grating has just been received. The project may not be completed
by the October 1989 deadline. "
New Fire Stations and Renovations
The New Fire Stations and the renovation work is proceeding. The
renovation work is about 40% completed and the new fire stations
are about 15% completed at this point.
1.
Hudson Street Maps
City Engineer Gray reported that there has been discussion in
regard to preparing maps for the property takings on Hudson
Street and they will be trying to set up an information meeting
for the neighborhood.
Commissioner Sprague asked the status of the Haller Boulevard
Water Tank.
City Engineer Gray responded that there has been investigations
into bolted steel tanks. The City- is functioning without the
Haller Boulevard water tank at this time but it could potentially
hamper fire fighting. Engineer Gray stated that in the long run,
he would like to place another tank outside the Town and adjust
the pressure zone. This would require coordination with the
Town's efforts. At the present time there still are questions
and research going on in regard to the Haller Boulevard water
tank.
Commissioner Daley reported that he and Mayor Gutenberger- have
been in touch with NYSEG and NYSEG will be switching priorities
in the southside. Meadow Street, Titus Avenue, State Street and
Albany Street will be the firsf area done`on their conversion and
should be started soon. The project is to be completed in May
1990.
Commissioner Daley asked Acting Supt. Fabbroni if he was able to
arrange a neighborhood meeting in regard to the street lighting.
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September 13, 1989
Acting Supt. Fabbroni responded that he has been trying to
contact the representative from NYSEG to make arrangements for a
neighborhood meeting.
HIGHWAY ITEMS•
Request for Additional Lighting - Southside Area
A petition was received from residents in the Clinton, Plain, and
Cleveland Streets area requesting additional lighting.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works have met with three
representatives of this neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the City is in the process of a five -year City -wide
lighting conversion with NYSEG, and
WHEREAS, to improve lighting in this area, staff suggests cutting
tree limbs and installing new light fixtures; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to contact NYSEG for their
suggestions to improve lighting in this area, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff be directed to meet with the neighborhood
representatives to discuss possible immediate solutions to this
area's lighting needs.
City Engineer Gray explained that staff has developed a reduced
version of the NYSEG map and circulated copies for the Board to
review. He stated that he spoke with Don Reynolds from NYSEG
today. NYSEG received approval from the City on May 15, 1989 and
that the conversion would be completed by May 15, 1990. NYSEG
has requested corporate approval and it is Mr. Reynold's
understanding that it will take approximately one month for the
corporate approval and three months to order the lamping. The
current lighting fixtures are 175 watt mercury vapor lamps and
the new lamps that are scheduled to replace.them are 100 watt
high pressure sodium lamps. When the new fixtures are installed,
+- the City will get wattage savings and four times the lighting
level at the fixture. The new lighting will make a very
noticeable change with the program as it is planned.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
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BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
ITEMS:
Disposal of Used Transit
Buses
Bids were received on September 6, 1989, for disposal of used
Ithaca Transit Buses.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon:
Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the used
Ithaca Transit buses be sold to the
highest individual price
received on each bus as shown on the bid
sheet.
Item No. Description
Highest Bidder (buyer)
1 1977 Flxible
Nimco Shredding Co., Newark, NJ
2 1973 GMC
Swarthout & Ferris, Ithaca, NY
3 1976 AM General
Nimco Shredding Co., Newark, NJ
. m
4 1977 Flxible
Wooster Iron & Metal, Wooster, OH
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Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAY ITEMS•
Request for Additional Lighting - Southside Area
A petition was received from residents in the Clinton, Plain, and
Cleveland Streets area requesting additional lighting.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works have met with three
representatives of this neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the City is in the process of a five -year City -wide
lighting conversion with NYSEG, and
WHEREAS, to improve lighting in this area, staff suggests cutting
tree limbs and installing new light fixtures; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board directs staff to contact NYSEG for their
suggestions to improve lighting in this area, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff be directed to meet with the neighborhood
representatives to discuss possible immediate solutions to this
area's lighting needs.
City Engineer Gray explained that staff has developed a reduced
version of the NYSEG map and circulated copies for the Board to
review. He stated that he spoke with Don Reynolds from NYSEG
today. NYSEG received approval from the City on May 15, 1989 and
that the conversion would be completed by May 15, 1990. NYSEG
has requested corporate approval and it is Mr. Reynold's
understanding that it will take approximately one month for the
corporate approval and three months to order the lamping. The
current lighting fixtures are 175 watt mercury vapor lamps and
the new lamps that are scheduled to replace.them are 100 watt
high pressure sodium lamps. When the new fixtures are installed,
+- the City will get wattage savings and four times the lighting
level at the fixture. The new lighting will make a very
noticeable change with the program as it is planned.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
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September 13, 1989
CREEKS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS ITEMS:
_Program to Reduce Impact of Flooding
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
WHEREAS, the City is desirous of entering into a memorandum of
understanding with Tompkins County to match funds for a joint
City /County program to reduce the impact of flooding, and
WHEREAS, the City desires to use this funding for the Cascadilla
Creek Retaining Wall Project (west bank between Madison and
Hancock streets); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works endorses the concept of
entering into a memorandum of understanding and matching funds
for a joint City /County program to reduce the impact of flooding.
Acting Supt. of Public Works Fabbroni reported that the City has
received $10,500 grant monies from Tompkins County for this
program. He reported that one of the conditions of the grant is
that the City show evidence that they will match the funds. We
have received funds from the County for the past two years. He
explained that these funds are to be used on a specific section
of Cascadilla Creek Wall. He reported that the City has
completely finished the section of wall between Cayuga Street and
Adams Street on the east side with funds from previous years.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Sludge Disposal at the IAWWTF
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, the charge for sludge disposal by the County will
increase to $40 /ton effective January 1990, and will likely be at
least �80 /ton in January 1991 with the potential of being even
higher than that if we are required to haul sludge outside of the
County for short periods of time, and
WHEREAS, the alternative means of more economically disposing of
sludge by the County has not been a top priority due to the more
pressing problem of locating a new landfill, and
WHEREAS, the SJS has endorsed the concept of exploring
alternatives to landfilling the IAWWTF sludge in a time frame
that would enable the IAWWTF an alternative disposal method
sometime in the spring of 1990; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the SJS be authorized to proceed with the first
phase of planning and design for a sludge composting facility by
this Board contracting for professional services with Sterns and
Wheler, Cazenovia, NY, at a cost not to exceed $18,500. Said
phase will include the submittal of an application with the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation for such
composting facility.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Commissioner Cox explained that the City is faced with a
' tremendous increase in the cost of sludge disposal on
January 1, 1990 and the cost is likely to double the following
year. Tompkins County is obligated to continue to assume the
responsibility for ultimate sludge disposal by agreement. He
stated that we must make application to New York State before
January 1, 1990, or establishing a composting facility will be
difficult. Commissioner Cox stated that this resolution will
enable us to do a preliminary design on establishment of a City
composting facility and make application to the State for that
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September 13, 1989
facility. He stated if we proceed with these plans, it is likely
that the County will join us in the effort.
Acting Supt. Fabbroni reported that the City met with the County
and the landfill and the transfer, station are their priorities.
He stated that the City would like to be in the position of being
able, -to build their own composting facility.
Commissioner Cox said that the cost of a composting facility
will be a $3,000,000 to $4,000,000 investment.
Commissioner Cox stated that the $18,000 in this resolution
represents a preliminary design and the preparation of the
application.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract 417
General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,650.06
Water and Sewer Fund. . . . . . . . . . . .$18,623.41
Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 7,313.27
Capital Projects. . . . . . . . . .. . .$82,433.40
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS:
Youth Bureau Advisory Board
Commissioner Cox reported that the Youth Bureau Advisory Board
has vacancies on their Board and are looking for more
participation from the City. He stated that there is a bubble
planned to be placed over the GIAC pool. There is a sporting
goods exchange at the Youth Bureau on October 7, 1989.
Commissioner Cox stated that the Youth Bureau staff is very
pleased with the new sign in front of the building.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Connie J. Holcomb
Acting Deputy Clerk
Act
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