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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-09-13M Regular Meeting 1 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. 199 200 2 BPW Minutes 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 201 3 BPW Minutes 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 202 4 BPW Minutes 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. 5 BPW Minutes 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 203 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 Q 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 203 204 6 BPW Minutes 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 0 . m ' Q ,. 7 BPW Minutes 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 205