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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BPW-1990-01-10BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 10, 1990 NOTES Present: Commissioners Berg, Cannon, Cox, Reeves, (Commissioners Connor and Sprague excused); Council Liaison Blanchard, Acting Supt. Fabbroni, City Engr. Gray, Mayor Nichols, City Attorney Guttman, Planning & Development Director Van Cort, City Chamberlain Parsons, Alderperson Daley. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. The following were deletions to the Agenda: 1. Selection of Vice - Chairman. 7. Composting - report of SJS meeting. 1. 1990 LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor Nichols discussed his 1990 Board of Public Works liaison assignments. They are as follows: Capital Projects: Commons Advisory Board: Conservation Advisory Board: Hydropower Commission: Interim Parks Commission: Planning Board: Six Mile Creek Committee: Special Joint Subcommittee: Youth Bureau: Commissioners Reeves and Berg Commissioner Cannon Commissioner Connor Commissioner Sprague Commissioner Connor Commissioner Berg Commissioner Cannon Commissioners Cox and Sprague* Council Liaison Blanchard Commissioner Cox *It was noted that one more Commissioner was needed for this committee. Mayor Nichols noted that he will try to be present for committee meetings. The Board then selected committee assignments and audit assignments, which are as follows: Buildings & Properties, Transit: Commissioner Creeks, Bridges and Parks: Commissioner Cox Highways: Commissioner Sprague (W Parking and Traffic: Commissioner Solid Waste: Commissioner Water and Sewer: Commissioner Cox (W BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 10, 1990 Audits: January /February: March /April: May /June: July /August: September /October: November /December: Commissioner Reeves Commissioner Cox Commissioner Sprague Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner The Board also decided to delay selection of a Vice Chairman until the regular meeting when a full Board will be present. 2. ITHACA INDUSTRIAL PARK Planning and Development Director Van Cort was present for discussion. He noted that Common Council has approved $580,000 for this project and that the few remaining details are being worked out. He also noted the following schedule for this project: January 10, 1990 January 17, 1990 February 28, 1990 March 7, 1990 March 21, 1990 May 1, 1990 June 1, 1990 BPW Committee discussion BPW resolution authorizing Open bids Award of contract Contract signing and start Garden area to be available occupancy by gardeners Project should be completed bidding of project of construction for early except for paving Thys showed the BPW drawings of this project. Discussion followed about if this work could have been done in- house. Thys noted that this was not budgeted for, and Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted that the proposed time frame would not have allowed it. Discussion followed about the Community Gardens and how this project will affect them. After carefully reviewing the drawings, the BPW agreed to endorse this project and will authorize the bidding of this project. 3. PENALTIES ON MISCELLANEOUS BILLS City Chamberlain Parsons was present for discussion. She noted her previous proposal for a flat 10% late penalty charge, which the City Attorney (Ralph Nash) had problems with. She now proposed a 12% per annum charge or $1.00 per month, whichever is greater. City Attorney Guttman felt the City needed to be able to justify these charges. Commissioner Cannon felt the $1.00 per month was too low and suggested $3.00 per month. Discussion Page - 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 10, 1990 followed. City Chamberlain Parson noted that these charges eventually become part of the owner's taxes, but before then it is difficult to collect. Discussion followed about the water and sewer charges, and it was noted that these charges are exempt from this proposal because it is already a flat fee of 10% in the Charter. Discussion followed about large bills and paying schedules for these bills if this charge would be on unpaid balances only, which it would. It was noted that these late charges would be imprinted on each bill. The BPW endorsed this concept of 12% per annum late charge or $3.00 per month, whichever is greater. 4. RSVP REQUEST FOR FREE PARKING The BPW received a request from the RSVP group for free parking in the Woolworths Parking Lot for their tax counseling training for the elderly. Commissioner Reeves noted that this was approved last year. Commissioner Cannon noted that the BPW cannot reserve spaces but can allow free parking. The BPW agreed (w to arrange for this group to have free parking in the Woolworths Parking Lot from January 17th - 22nd. 5. COUNTY BAG -TAG PROGRAM Several residents were present to discuss this issue. Acting Supt. Fabbroni asked the BPW to read and review his handout entitled "Landfill Tipping Fees" and noted that he would like their reaction. Mr. Guy Gerard noted his frustrations with this program and was concerned about the enforcement. Mayor Nichols noted that the City could delay instituting the tag system, but he sees no other alternative with the increased tipping fees. Council Liaison Blanchard noted that she agreed with some of Mr. Gerard's concerns, but felt this program would encourage recycling. She also asked how the County arrived at the 35 pound bag limit. Acting Supt. Fabbroni responded that the County researched this and found this to be the average size bag. It was noted that neighbors could pool their garbage if they did not use 35 pounds. Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted a meeting with County representatives on Thursday, January 18th from 3 to 5 pm in the third floor conference room to discuss this bag -tag program and also a meeting at the Women's Community Building for City residents. Representatives from the Conservation Advisory Council and Collegetown Neighborhood Council were also present to voice their concerns. The CNC asked who was responsible for the garbage when there is buildings with both merchants and renters. (W It was noted that the property owner is responsible. He also asked about the two public trash cans in Collegetown - will they be exempt from this. The cans will be investigated. He also Page - 3 (W BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 10, 1990 suggested the idea of a recycling center, which Commissioner Cannon agreed was a good idea and felt the City should investigate having a number of these centers. Mayor Nichols noted that the County investigated this bag -tag program so they would not have to be put in the taxes. Discussion followed about the County charge sales tax. Acting Supt. Fabbroni noted that mass mailings will be done to all City residents, and the news media will also be used. The BPW endorsed the bag -tag concept. 6. NORTHSIDE LAND USE COMMITTEE REPORT Alderperson Daley was present to discuss this. He noted that a number of entities were interested in part of this site, the Science Center, Senior Citizens, the current neighborhood and various private individuals. He noted at the most recent meeting, the committee resolved to encourage the DPW to move as one and to start this rapidly. He also noted that the Pogo Parcel was discussed and the upgrading of the utilities was also discussed. He noted that this committee will be meeting again on January 30th at 3:30. THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:40 PM TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS. After the Executive Session, the BPW approved the personnel transactions proposed by Acting Supt. Fabbroni. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm. Notes by Lisa Cornell Administrative Secretary Page - 4