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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1989-09-27207 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting PRESENT: MayoY Gutenberger Commissioners (5) 4:00 Q.M. September 27, 1989 Reeves,:. Daley, Cannon, Sprague, Cox OTHERS PRESENT: Acting Supt. of Public Works - Fabbroni Deputy City Controller - Thayer Acting Deputy City Clerk - Holcomb City Engineer - Gray City Controller - Cafferillo PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gutenberger 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 Q Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 16, 1989 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of the Minutes of the _August 23, 1989 Board of Public Works Meeting Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 23, 1989 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Highways Commissioner Sprague stated there is a substitute resolution being presented for Item 13 -A - ,Request for Easement at 108 Water Street. Commissioner Sprauge requested the addition of Item 13 -C - Request for Allocation of Funds to Update Survey Equipment - Resolution. No Board member objected. Buildings and Properties Commissioner Cannon requested the addition of Item 12 -A- Acoustical Improvements at the C. Robert Cutia Youth Bureau Building - Resolution and Item 12 -B - Department of Public Works Computerization - Resolution. No Board member objected. Creeks, Bridges and Parks: Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of 15 -B - Stewart Park Restricted Contingency Funds - Resolution. No Board member objected. 208 2 Water and Sewer: Commissioner Cox requested the addition of 17 -C - Pending Position Vacancies in Water and Sewer Division - Resolution. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Route 96 Update Mayor Gutenberger reported that he had verbal communication with the NYSDoT on Monday, Sept. 25, 1989 and they indicated that the information supplied by the City of Ithaca to convince the DoT to change their recommendation from Plan A, as they recommended, to Plan A/89 Alignment seemed to be sufficient. The DoT has requested the City of Ithaca to reject the State's recommended Plan A and to endorse and request the State and Federal Government fund the Plan A/89 Alignment. He reported that a resolution is on the Planning and Development Committee's Agenda for tonight, September 27, 1989 and will go to Common Council Wednesday October 4, 1989. He reported that the verbal indications were fairly favorable and the arguments seemed to be persuasive. Hopefully, the DoT would then take the resolution requesting the Plan A/89 Alignment to Washington and convince Washington to do the A/89 Alignment and not the A. \..Vl "iL-1V 3.1 vaay�v..v � Jim Zifchock, Route 227, Trumansburg, NY, representing Fall Creek Laundromat addressed the Board in regard to a water bill penalty. He reported that his payment was postmarked in the Trumansburg Post Office on September 15, 1989, was hand canceled and time - stamped. The payment was again canceled in Elmira on September 16, 1989 and was rendered late by the City Chamberlain's office. Mr. Zifchock stated that he would like to appeal the late penalty. By Commissioner RESOLVED, That bill for Fall the Whole for Chamberlain be the meeting. ixel Daley: Seconded the issue of the Creek Laundromat their meeting o asked to bring th by Commissioner Cannon late penalty charge on the water be referred to the Committee of i October 4, 1989 and the City a original canceled envelope to Carried Unanimously The original canceled envelope (which Comm. Cannon went to the Chamberlain's Office for) was circulated for the Board to examine and it was determined that the cancellation stamp in Trumansburg was made on September 15, 1989. Motion to Withdraw Referral Resolution Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the Motion to Refer the issue of late penalty charge on the water bill for Fall Creek Laundromat be withdrawn. Carried Unanimously Further discussion followed on the floor. Expungement Request for Fall Creek Laundromat Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED That the Board of EuUlic Works expunge the penalty on the water bill for the Fall Creek Laundromat. Carried Unanimously 209 3 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 CNG Transmissions Corp. Request to Build Pipeline Through City Watershed Marc Wheeler, Attorney.- addressed the Board in regard to Item 15 -A, CNG Transmissions Corp. Request to Build Pipeline Through City Watershed. Mr. Wheeler reported that he has brought three representatives from CNG with him today and they will be available to answer questions from the Board during the discussion of this item on the agenda. REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Encroachment Request Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock reported that the City Attorney has received an encroachment agreement request for 601 South Cayuga Street and asked the Board to refer this request to the Committee of the Whole for their meeting on October 4, 1989. M 0 Motion to Refer to the Committee of the Whole Resolution By Commissioner Daley: Seconded -by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the encroachment agreement request for 601 South Co Cayuga Street be referred to the Committee of the Whole for their Q next meeting on October 4, 1989. Carried Unanimously Encroachment at 414 Spencer Road Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock reported that the encroachment situation for 414 Spencer Road is still under consideration in the City Attorney's office. She reported that Atty. Mazza has supplied a new map and new information for consideration. Commissioner Reeves reported Committee of the Whole Agenda City Attorney to attend th settled. that this item is listed on the for October 4, 1989 and asked Asst. e meeting so this matter can be Commissioner Cox asked Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock if the Board of Public works was holding up the closing on this property. Asst. City Attorney Beers - Schnock agreed that the closing cannot be completed until the encroachment issue is settled. REPORT OF ACTING SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Superintendent of Public Works Fabbroni reported on the following: Mitchell Street Mitchell Street is now completely paved and the City is working on the last driveway and lawns. There were a few criticisms in regard to the length of time Mitchell Street was closed. One of the complicating elements is that the City oiled and stoned the local off - the -way streets in Bryant Park during the last week and it was necessary to keep Mitchell Street closed to leave a place for parking. In some areas such as Harvard Place and Fairmount Avenue residents in Collegetown were using it as an "all- week" parking place and it was necessary to tow cars to complete the work. Cornell Street A sidewalk from Mitchell Street to Belle Sherman Annex will be installed. The Ithaca City School District is helping with the cost of materials for this project in the amount of $5,000. Hillview Paving The area on Hillview Place has been prepared for the base paving and will be completed next week. 210 4 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 Second Street Second Street has been prepared for base paving and will be completed next week. Bridge Work The City is currently re- painting the Adams Street Bridge and have received complaints of particles of paint flying in the air and in the creek. The City had an inspection by the DEC and they were satisfied with the method of collection of debris from the sandblasting. This is the system the City started this year of reclaiming the sand and the lead paint for use as a constituent in concrete and it has now passed its first inspection by the DEC. Stewart Park The Gabions at Stewart Park has been covered over with sod and will allow us to proceed with the next phase of the stream bank protection particularly in the area of the boathouse where there are indentations in the bank that are eroding. The City will seek to obtain a permit from DEC to do the stream bank work and at the same time seek a permit to dredge-the Lagoon at Stewart Park. Meadow Street The City is currently working on plans to put in a fifth lane on a section of Meadow Street. We are making a renewed effort to coordinate the State, Wegman's and Tops Contract for the paving and curbing. REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Gray reported on the following: Stewart Avenue — Bridge City Engineer Gray presented the Board with parts from the Stewart Avenue Bridge and reported that the project is proceeding and most of the deck has been replaced and the lower section has been repaired. The concrete fill work will be scheduled for next week and the re- opening of the bridge is scheduled for mid - October. Commissioner Daley suggested the target date for re- opening the Stewart Avenue Bridge be before October 13, 1989 as that is Home Coming Weekend for Cornell University. 4uarry Street Wall The Quarry weeks. Phot graphs be cotheetQuarry within Street next two three w Wall w were circulated to the Board. Elm Street The City is working on the drainage design for Elm Street. Hudson Street The City is now putting together the survey work for some of the "takings" of properties for some of the minor realignment work. Sidewalk Projects The City has installed 56 ramps this summer in the northeast area. New Fire Stations Engineer Gray circulated pictures of the New Fire Station sites. Mayor Gutenberger reported that signs indicating the construction sites of the new fire stations have not been installed and requested that the signs be erected as soon as possible. 211 5 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by commissioner ualey WHEREAS, $13,000 was budgeted for acoustical improvements at the City of Ithaca C. Robert Cutia Youth Bureau Building in 1989 restricted contingency funds, and WHEREAS, DPW staff has recommended engaging a consultant and implementation of a design to acoustically separate or dampen the gym noise from the remainder of the building, and WHEREAS, DPW staff has concluded that any sound treatment will be ineffective without the ,installation of drop ceilings to eliminate the current echoing off of metal ceilings; now, therefore, be it O RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests release of the $13,000 in restricted contingency funds to Account A- 20- 5 -1623- 435 in the amount of $3,000 to fund a consulting study to co recommend physical or other movable sound separation of the gym Q from the balance of the building and to Account A -20 -5- 1623 -483 in the amount of $10,000 to fund materials for drop ceilings, sound absorption panels, etc. to dampen the noise in office spaces and the common atrium. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained that it is necessary to install drop ceilings especially in the offices of the Youth Bureau Building as the current ceiling does not dampen gym noise but acts like an echo chamber. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Department of Public Works Computerization By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, the Controller's office has made available a Data General 2000 mini - computer for the Department of Public Works conversion and use in computerizing department functions and centralizing data storage, and WHEREAS, staff has researched the capabilities of Data General when coupled with IBM compatible MSDOS based workstations, and WHEREAS, a configuration and phasing of equipment has been recommended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works endorses staff's request to proceed with Phase I out of capital funds and additional contingency funds as may be released and allocated by B &A and Common Council. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained to the Board that the Department of Public Works computers were installed in 1983 and as the department has become more computer orientated the need for access to computers has increased. He reported that the only computer available to the Engineering Department and the Superintendents office is used as an active work station. In the Streets and Facilities Department a computer was purchased for the supervisors of the department and is used exclusively by staff other than the supervisors. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained that the DPW Department need to have their systems updated to use as management tools. Acting Supt. Fabbroni further explained that he has developed a two stage conversion for installing the necessary computer system and stated that he would like to take his proposal to B & A immediately to get approval for the first phase. 6 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 Mayor Gutenberger explained the budget process and stated that he would like the Board and staff members to view the 1990 budget before priorities were made for the end of 1989 and suggested the DPW hold their request for one month. Acting Supt. Fabbroni responded that this first phase is essential in regard as to how the department is run as presently they do not have access to computers. City Engineer Gray reported that the DPW has been working on this request for several months and explained that they considered this part of 1989 as they have been working on this request since January 1989. In terms of what the department is trying to do, this seemed like a reasonable time. City Controller Cafferillo asked Engineer Gray if the first phase of this proposal will operate independent on its own without the second phase and if it would fulfill requirements and obligations that the DPW has to date. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained that what he is suggesting might be a Board decision for the second phase but the first phase is an essential start. City Controller Cafferillo explained that the Police Department has made a request to upgrade its computer system software with additional hardware and have a consultants study currently on- going. The Capital Project has to be amended when the results of that study are completed and the $17,000 could be upgraded to $26,000 in that same issue if the two items are completely independent of one another. He stated that it might be realistic to request the first phase and put the second phase off until the budget has been received. Further discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously HIGHWAY ITEMS• Rectuest for Easement at 108 Water Street A request was received for an easement agreement from Mrs. Vivian F. Laube at 108 Water Street. Mrs. Laube's paved driveway crosses the City's Water Filter Plant's property, and this driveway cannot be relocated. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, staff has looked at the above property and determined that the City would not want to ever build a structure on this property because it is over a 24" raw water main, and WHEREAS, the City driveway at the very northwest corner encroaches on Mrs. Laube's property; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves an easement for the driveway of the 108 Water Street in exchange for a driyeway easement to the City of approximately the same square footage along the northwest portion of the property at 108 Water Street, and provided that Mrs. Laube supply an updated survey showing the location and dimensions of the current driveways, granite curb line, underground utilities, and meter pit, and upon the usual terms and conditions handled through the City Attorney. Carried Unanimously 7 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 Request for Budget Funds for Light Meter The City Engineer has requested that adequate funds be set aside in the 1989 budget for the purchase on one light meter. This meter would be used to address. Aany questions concerning light levels in the City. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague:''` Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, throughout the past year, many requests, questions and concerns have come up regarding lighting in the City which could more easily be answered with the use of a light meter; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves this request for funds in the 1989 budget and the addition of line 5182 -418 (Tools). co Q Discussion followed on the floor. �. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: .� Carried Unanimously m Request for Allocation of Funds to Update Survey Equipment Q The Engineering Office is requesting to update the survey equipment used in the office. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, incorporating the use of newer electronic and laser distance measuring equipment in the Engineering operations will improve efficiency and reduce manpower requirements, and WHEREAS, the project design and construction support for the Department of Public Works projects can be done better with fewer man hours using the proposed equipment, and WHEREAS, source of these funds may be allocated through various available funds; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request from the Engineering Office to update survey equipment using funds from the 1989 budget, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Budget and Administration Committee to allocate $10,000 from Southwest Drainage Study Restricted Contingency Funds; $3,000 from Capital Project #225, Hudson Street Reconstruction; $3,000 from Capital Project #223, Elm Street Reconstruction; and $4,000 from General Fund appropriations. Mayor Gutenberger requested that this request for allocation of funds be put off for one month. City Engineer Gray responded that it is $20,000 worth of equipment, $4,000 against the budget and $16,000 against existing funds. Discussion followed on the floor. Further Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - (4) Reeves, Cannon, Daley, Sprague Nays - (2) Cox, Mayor Gutenberger Motion Carried 213 214 8 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 CNG Transmission Corp. Request to Watershed The board of Public Works passed a denying a request to build a pipelir CNG Transmissions have reviewed presented a modified version to the Board's concerns. Build Pipeline Through City resolution on June 14, 1989, to through the City watershed. their initial request and Board to try and satisfy the Resolution By Commissioner Cannon:. Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the Board's previous denial of this proposal was due to the adverse effect on the wooded area of the watershed and the possible inability to remove gravel build -up in Six Mile Creek, and WHEREAS, CNG Transmissions has presented a proposal and map dated September 13, 1989 which would allow construction 50 feet east of the centerline of the present 150 foot NYSEG right -of -way thus limiting the amount of clearing which would affect the quality of the City's wooded area, and WHEREAS, CNG Transmissions has also proposed to bury the pipeline 8 -9 feet under Six Mile Creek thus allowing the removal of gravel to be continued; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the revised proposal as presented by CNG Transmissions Corp. to build a pipeline through the City of Ithaca watershed, and be it further RESOLVED, That this approval is granted pending further approval of said pipeline by the Conservation Advisory Council. Discussion followed on the floor. Acting Supt. of Public Works Fabbroni reported that he spoke to Betsy Darlington, Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council and she reaffirmed that through some communication the CAC became involved in the public hearing and by her observation the DEC had covered all the points that the CAC wanted. The CAC felt that CNG had responded to all their concerns in the proposal statement. Betsy Darlington will provide the Board with a letter to the effect that CNG had responded to the concerns of the CAC in their proposal statement. Mayor Gutenberger asked Acting understanding is correct that correspondence and had not received Mayor stated that according to the granted pending receipt of approval Council and CAC is only an advisory authority to approve anything. Supt. Fabbroni if his he had received verbal written correspondence. The resolution this approval is by the Conservation Advisory council and they do not have Commissioner Cox responded that, he does not want to re -open the matter and stated that we have been advised by the CAC and that should be sufficient to go ahead with the resolution. Further discussion followed on the floor. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the last Resolved be stricken from the resolution. Attorney Marc Wheeler explained that he does not know how well the Board tracked the CNG pipeline proposal during the approval process and stated that there was a requirement for Federal approval which was obtained in May and then there was a 9 215 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 requirement that the Public Service Commission approve this. He stated that in the context of that approval there was a Public Hearing in Albany, New York and .a representative from CAC was involved in the Public Hearing. There was testimony presented and a stipulation agreement was reached. The order of the administrative law judge approving this project for the Public Service Commission was :based on the stipulation that included DEC and CAC. Attorney Wheeler stated for this Board's information, CAC was involved in this project early on in the Public Hearing stage and perhaps its a simplistic view, but thinks that if there had been legitimate concerns, while they were involved in the hearing at the Public Service Commission level, those concerns would have probably been relayed. Main Motion as Amended 0 A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows. Carried Unanimously [n Stewart Park Restricted Contingency Funds Q By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Daley WHEREAS, the 1989 Department of Public Works Budget for Stewart Park included $40,000 for improvements and major maintenance in Restricted Contingency funds, and WHEREAS, the staff has identified the attached list of priority maintenance and upgrade need for Fall 1989; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests release of the $40,000 in Stewart Park Restricted Contingency funds; $12,236 to Account A20 -5- 7112 -435, $27,764 to Account A -20 -5- 7112 -483. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained that these funds are needed to replace the piping for the heating system in the boathouse at Stewart Park. Discussion followed in regard to the repairs on the bathhouse and the boathouse in 1989. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Reauest for Exp_ungement of Late Penalty on Water and Sewer Bill- 105 Honness Lane A request was received from Mr. Robert E. Terwillegar, 105 Honness Lane, for expungement of the late penalty on his water and sewer bill. The late penalty was due to an address mix -up, as Mr. Terwillegar failed to notify the City of a current address while he was out of State. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed this request and found that the confusion regarding his address was due to Mr. Terwillegar's being out of the State temporarily, and WHEREAS, the Board feels that Mr. Terwillegar should have notified the Chamberlain's Office prior to leaving the State and upon return so that they would be able to forward his bill to the correct address in a timely fashion; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the request of Mr. Robert E. Terwillegar of 105 Honness Lane, for expungement of the late penalty on his water and sewer bill be denied. .Carried Unanimously 10 BPW Minutes Sept. 27, 1989 Expungement of Bill for Replacing a Fire Hydrant Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, bill #14399 to Lake View Boat Haulers in the amount of $2,220.76 for replacing a fire hydrant was recalculated by the Insurance Company representing this agency equaling a total of $2,410.19, which has already been paid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That bill #14399 be expunged, and be it further RESOLVED, That a new bill in the Lake View Boat Haulers, Inc. for V amount of $2,410.19 be issued to replacing a fire hydrant. Carried Unanimously 10111 Hesolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Director of Water and Sewer Operations will retire on January 12, 1990 with 38 years of service and the Senior Engineering Technician will retire on February 2, 1990 with 27 years of service, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes the impact of the loss of this valuable experience to the department and wishes to reduce the impact; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the board recommend the creation of parallel positions to allow the overlap of persons holding this position, providing that the parallel position lapses at the retirement of the existing appointees and be it further RESOLVED, That these positions be funded by appropriations from the Water Fund to Water Administration account F8311.110 and from the Sewer Fund to Sewer Administration account G8111.110 in the amounts of $8,800 and $13,100 respectively. City Engineer Gray explained that it necessary for the replacement for these positions to train with the persons who will retire. Engineer Gray further explained that he wanted the opportunity and the funds set aside to cover the additional positions that will be necessary during this transition. Commissioner Cox asked Engineer Gray what Civil Service and Personnel had to offer for assistance in the replacement of the retiring staff and staffing changes. City Engineer Gray responded that the usual approach is to request the positions to be advertised and the union then requests the positions to be filled in- house. Civil Service will make some determination based on the union's request. Engineer Gray stated that he expects these replacements to be made in- house but does expect two lower positions will be hired from the outside. Further discussion followed on the floor. Acting Supt. Fabbroni explained that it is necessary to prepare a replacement for the Director of Water and Sewer Operations position as a vacancy would leave the City vulnerable. City Engineer Gray responded that when the Director of Water and Sewer Operations retires he will make a temporary appointment to his position from within the ranks. 11 BPW T". ; routes Sept. 27, 1989 Motion to Table By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Daley RESOLVED, That the Pending Position Vacancies in Water and Sewer Division resolution be tabled. - Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Connie J. Holcomb Acting Deputy City Clerk 21'7 Abstract #18 General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$103,621.54 Water and Sewer Fund. . . . . . . . .$ 17,650.98 co Joint Activity Fund . . . . . . . . . .$ 5,041.85 O Capital Projects. . . . . . . . . . . .$ 68,908.80 and be it further (� RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Q Carried Unanimously City's Lands Committee Report Commissioner Daley reported that the City's Lands Committee met and are planning their second meeting for Tuesday, October 3,1989 at 3:30 p.m. He reported that Planning and Development Department has funds to hire a consultant help the Committee. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Connie J. Holcomb Acting Deputy City Clerk 21'7