HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-01-172519
-BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 PM January 17, 1990
PRESENT: '
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) - Cox, Sprague, Reeves, Cannon, Berg
ABSENT:
Commissioner Connor
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting Supt. of Public Works - Fabbroni
City Engineer - Gray
Council Liaison - Blanchard
City Chamberlain - Parsons
City Attorney - Guttman
co Asst. City Attorney - Kennedy
0 City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Planning and Development Director - Van Cort
m Senior Stenographer - Holcomb
Q PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of December 27, 1989 Board of Public Works Minutes
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 27, 1989 Board of
Public Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
TIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Berg requested the addition of Item A - Request for
Free Parking at Woolworths' Parking Lot - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Solid Waste Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Landfill
Tipping Fees - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Water and Sewer Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item C - Town Sewer
for West Hill Fire Station - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item B - Special
Item - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reminded the Board that one member is still needed
to serve on the Special Joint Subcommittee. Commissioner Cox
asked Acting Supt. Fabbroni to research the agreement with the
SJS and see if it is possible to amend the agreement, replacing
a Board member for a member -at- large.
260
2 BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
_County Bag Tag System Enforcement
Guy Gerard, a Fourth Ward resident addressed the Board with his
concerns regarding enforcement of the County Bag Tag System. Mr.
Gerard feels that there will be numerous problems enforcing
illegal dumping as there are already problems enforcing the
garbage ordinance that is presently in effect. Mr. Gerard stated
that he will be lobbying for an Ordinance Enforcement Agent to
site garbage violations on private and commercial properties and
he asked the Board to consider this proposal. The Board agreed
that this should be discussed further at the Committee of the
Whole meeting.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Guttman reported on the following:
414 Spencer Road
Attorney Guttman stated that he has received another encroachment
request for the 414 Spencer Road property and suggested that it
be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Board concurred.
REPORT OF ACTING SUPERINTENDENT:
Acting Supt. Fabbroni reported on the following:
Transit Facility
Acting Supt. Fabbroni and Transit Supervisor Carpenter went to
New York City and spoke with the Urban Mass Transit
Administration people. Things still look favorable for the
combined transit facility. Acting Supt. Fabbroni stated that he
would like to discuss the plans and proposals further with the
Committee of the Whole. He also commented that the City will be
making applications for Section 3 monies for this project.
City Hall Heating and Cooling System
Acting Supt. Fabbroni handed out a report that was prepared by a
consultant regarding different options and recommendations for
upgrading the heating and cooling system in City Hall. He
suggested that this be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Stewart Park Plantings
The Department of Public Works is pursuing numerous improvements
around the Youth Bureau building and the entrance to Stewart Park
as well as the replacement of the Weeping Willows at Stewart
Park.
Stewart Park Restrooms
The Stewart Park restrooms are almost completed.
Cascadilla Creek
Work on the Cascadilla wall is ongoing.
Sludge Handling
Acting Supt. Fabbroni stated that the increased costs of sludge
handling is a direct result of the tipping fees the County is
charging.
Arbitration Award
The City has received an arbitration award requesting that an
employee be reinstated. Acting, Supt. Fabbroni is working with
Attorney Guttman and Personnel Administrator Walker on this
matter:
Acting Supt. Fabbroni expressed his thanks for the Board's
support, understanding and patience during his tenure as Acting
Superintendent. He gave a quick run down of completed projects
as well as projects that are still ongoing. Commissioner Cox
expressed the Board's gratitude to Larry for everything he has
done for the BPW.
261
BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER:
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Hudson Street Project
Bids for the Hudson Street project are due back on January 23,
1990._ There appears to be as many fifteen bidders.
Elm Street
Elm Street work is progressing.
Fire Stations
The fire stations are almost complete.
Sidewalks
Hudson Street sidewalks will be installed shortly. Bills for
the 1989 sidewalks will be going out soon.
M
0 HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Public Hearing for Sidewalk Repairs in Connection with the Hudson
—� Street Project
CO Resolution
Q By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That January 31, 1990 at 4:00 pm be established as the
date for a public hearing on sidewalks, at which time the owners
of property receiving a notice will be given the opportunity to
show cause before this Board of Public Works why the sidewalk
abutting their premises should not be repaired by the City at the
owner's expense and the expense thereof collected in accordance
with Section 5.30 of the City Charter.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Free Parking at Woolworths FarKlnq Lot
David Smith, representing RSVP has requested free parking for the
tax preparation volunteers while they are providing their
services in City Hall.
Resolution
By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That this request be granted and that free parking for
the tax counselors be provided in the Woolworths Parking Lot
during the period of January 16 - 22, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Ithaca Industrial Park Authorization to Bid Project
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, Common Council has authorized $580,000. for the
construction of the Ithaca Industrial Park, and
WHEREAS, The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency/ Community Development
Agency has completed its review and approval including a Negative
Environmental Declaration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the bidding
of this project.
Planning and Development Director Van Cort addressed the Board in
regard to the BPW's role in this process. City Controller
Cafferillo explained the budget breakdown of the project.
Further discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the
resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
262
4 BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Landfill Tipping Fees
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives has
resolved that all refuse haulers in the County begin paying a
$40. per ton tipping fee on March 1, 1990, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has also mandated a fee per container
system be instituted to recover the cost of the new tipping fee
while encouraging recycling and overall reduction of waste
generation and
WHEREAS, the City has budgeted for $350,000. revenue for
offsetting tipping fees and administrative expenses in the
approved 1990 City Budget; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Department of Public Works to proceed with implementation of the
fee per container system in coordination with the City
Chamberlain, City Controller, Tompkins County DPW, and other
interested parties. The estimated cost-of the stickers is $10.
for a sheet of twelve stickers.
Discussion followed on the floor in regard to the costs of the
stickers and the means of advertising that will be used to
promote the system. Commissioner Berg stated his concerns for
the lower income citizens who may not be able to afford such a
system. He also voiced his concern that the public was not asked
how they felt about this process. Commissioner Berg asked for
confirmation that the City was actually mandated to implement
this process. Acting Supt. Fabbroni stated that he was at the
County meeting that mandated the fee per container system. The
County did not require the City to start the system on March 1,
1990 but they would still charge the $40. per ton fee beginning
March 1st. Commissioner Berg questioned the legality of this
decision. Acting Supt. Fabbroni replied that the question of
legality has never been completely answered. Acting Supt.
Fabbroni stated that this system seems to be the best answer to
this problem, taking into consideration that the tipping fees are
projected to rise steadily over the years. In regard to
gathering the public's input, Acting Supt. Fabbroni commented
that it was difficult getting the public involved when the staff
did not have the complete details. City Controller Cafferillo
stated that the City is investigating other methods of paying for
the landfill tipping fees but for the short term this process
appears to be in the City's best interest. A vote on the
resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
Descrivtion of Problem
Tompkins County has resolved to collect $40. per ton tipping
fees starting March 1, 1990. yIrr addition, Tompkins County has
mandated that fee per container ( "bag- tag ") system be utilized to
directly charge the generator the cost of refuse disposal and
further encourage recycling. The City of Ithaca and Village of
Cayuga Heights have been given whatever time it takes to
institute their respective systems realizing however, that they
will be charged the $40. per ton tipping fee starting March 1,
1990 like everyone else.
263
5
BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
Discussions through the 1990 budget review with the Board of
Public Works and Common Council have resulted in no specific and
better system acceptable to the County to date.
To put any system into place is a minimum two month process,
approximately one month to identify outlets acceptable and
audit,able to the City Controller and City Chamberlain and
approximately one month to give the public an opportunity to
absorb the media communications and purchase tickets.
Description of the System Proposed
Tompkins County will shortly be holding a number of
information meetings to describe the total system. To date, no
one document has described the system other than the recent
county -wide mailing labeled . "Let's Talk Trash ". A meeting will
be held especially for City of Ithaca representatives on January
18, 1990, 3 to 5 pm in the third floor conference room.
O Moving forward with the information gleaned from numerous
staff meetings, committee meetings, and Board of Representative
meetings of the past two months, the following system is proposed
CO to be instituted to recover landfill expenses for 1990. Since
Q the timetable is very short leading up to March 1, 1990 it seems
advisable to proceed with the bag -tag system and discuss
alternated systems for 1991 as costs are projected to double at
that time.
1) Tags (stickers) are currently being printed for the City
of Ithaca use. It is estimated that 400,000 stickers are needed
based on our annual garbage landfilled. These stickers are two
part, one half being on an all weather adhesive, the other half
to be removed on the process of collection. The sticker can be
used on either loose garbage bags or on a garbage can. The
County has estimated costs based on a 35 pound per bag or can
average, and $.02 per pound landfill expense, thus explaining the
$.70 per sticker basic charge. The system will allow each hauler
to add administrative fees to this basic charge to recover
handling fees.
The tags will be sold twelve (12) to a sheet with an
identifying number on each sheet for audit purposes. Each tag
has a blank where name and address will be filled in to answer
many of the enforcement concerns raised. The tags will be sold
by each hauler, the City of Ithaca included.
2) The sales will be coordinated by the City Controller and
City Chamberlain. It is anticipated that order sheets for
stickers would go out to all City property owners. After an
initial sales period with special sales locations and hours
including some nights and weekends, long term convenience centers
would be established much like transit tickets are currently sold
to provide a convenient location in the neighborhood. While it
is anticipated that the bulk of sales and resales would be
through the City Hall Chamberlain's Office, it is necessary to
make this convenient to the public, particularly those most
difficult to reach through the media. For-this reason, the
following municipal or private outlets are proposed:
Fire Station #9
City Hall
Fire Station #7
Community Service Building
GIAC
Southside
Streets and Facilities Maintenance Facility
Any private vendor who prepays for stickers to resell as a
customer convenience.
264
M
BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
3) Monthly distribution and cash records will be maintained
by the Sanitation Working Supervisor for fee collection weekly
and monthly audit by the City Chamberlain.
4) Intensive publicity will be done with repeat mailings
and media spots over a three to four week period from late
January to late February to educate and alert the public.
Submitted by: Lawrence P. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S.
Acting Superintendent of Public
Works
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS
Appointment of Chief Operator at Water Filter Plant
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has reviewed the list of eligible
candidates for the position of Chief Water Treatment Plant
Operator provided by Civil Service and has recommended Charles
Baker for the position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Charles Baker be hired to the position of Chief
Operator, at a starting salary of $32,000. per year within Grade
One of the Executive Unit starting in February of 1990, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works forwards this resolution
to the Budget and Administration Committee for their review and
approval.
Carried Unanimously
Retirement of Water and Sewer Director
Walter J. Happel, Jr. retired from the City of Ithaca on January
12, 1990 after serving 39 years with the Department of Public
Works.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Walt began his career with the City on September 24,
1951, and
WHEREAS, Walt was instrumental to the Water and Sewer Division by
contributing extensive labor in his early years, earning himself
extensive experience and knowledge, and
WHEREAS, His early work and experience matured into leadership
assignments and earned him the respect of his peers, and
WHEREAS, Walt gave his time and experience unselfishly through
hard work, interrupted evenings and sleepless nights, to the City
and surrounding communities who called on him, and
WHEREAS, Through Walt's experience, knowledge and sense of humor,
the Water and Sewer Division has become the top notch
organization that it is today; now, therefore, be it
w
RESOLVED, That the board of Public Works hereby thanks Walt for
his 39 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of
Ithaca.
Carried Unanimously
265
7 BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
Town Sewer for West Hill Fire Station
The City Engineer requested that the Town of Ithaca extend sewer
service to the new West Hill Fire Station. In negotiations that
followed the City agreed to pay $7,000. for its share of avoided
cost to the Fire Station project,. 'Cornell University agreed to a
$25,000. payment spread over twenty years to reflect future
benefits to its adjacent land. The Town picks up the balance of
$28,000. to make up the $60,000. project budget. The special
Joint Subcommittee has" reviewed and passed the following
resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Joint Capital Project be established for the
construction of the West Hill Fire Station sanitary sewer, at a
maximum authorized cost of $60,000., and be it further
RESOLVED, That the financing,plan for such project be established
as follows:
0 Town of Ithaca $28,000.
O Cornell University 25,000.
City of Ithaca 7,000.
co $60,000.
Q and be it finally
RESOLVED, That the Cornell share of $25,000. be advanced by the
joint owners, at their proportionate shares of involvement.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, The Town has bid a contract for extending a sewer to the
West Hill Fire Station, and
WHEREAS, The SJS has reviewed and approved the project such that
joint owner will advance the Cornell share in accordance with
their resolution of November 14, 1989; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts the resolution of
the SJS dated November 14, 1989 and recommends the payment of up
to $7,000. to the Town of Ithaca for the installation of sewers
to serve the West Hill Fire Station.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be
approved for payment:
Abstract #1
General Fund ...........................$ 47,872.69
Water and Sewer Fund ................... 0.00
Joint Activity Fund .................... 9,783.76
Capital Projects ....................... 249,010.82
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
Penalties on Miscellaneous Bills'
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works has reviewed and endorsed a
2 f ()
8 BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
proposal from the City Chamberlain to institute late penalties on
miscellaneous bills; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes a late
penalty rate of 12% per annum or $3.00 a month, whichever is
greater, on unpaid balances of miscellaneous bills after a 30 day
due date, and be it further
RESOLVED, That these changes be forwarded to the Charter and
Ordinance Committee for their consideration and incorporation
into the Board of Public Works Rules and Regulations of the
Ithaca City Charter.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Selection of Vice Chair for 1990
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
position of Vice Chair of the Board of Public Works.
Commissioner Cox nominated Commissioner Reeves for the position
and his nomination was seconded by Commissioner Cannon who also
expressed the Board's appreciation for the fine work Commissioner
Reeves has done in the past as Vice Chair. The motion was
carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS•
DPW Personnel Transactions
James Kelly
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, James Kelly, Refuse and Recycling Working Supervisor,
has taken on numerous additional-responsibilities related to
recycling, marketing, collection and enforcement including four
additional employees within the past two years, and
WHEREAS, The position has evolved more appropriately to an
Assistant Supervisor of Refuse and Recycling; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, By the Board of Public Works that the position of
Assistant Supervisor of Refuse and Recycling or the equivalent be
established by the Civil Service Commission at a starting salary
of $23,500., and be it further
RESOLVED, To eliminate the Refuse and Recycling Working
Supervisor position once the above new position has been
permanently filled.
Carried Unanimously
Frank Gardner
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, Mr. Frank Gardner has rendered the City 31 years of
untiring and dedicated service and responsibility, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gardner is presently compensated at a level $57. +/-
above the bottom step of the entry grade for a supervisor, and
WHEREAS, an adjustment is in ,order based on performance,
responsibility, reliability," knowledge and service; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Board of Public Works to increase Mr. Frank
Gardner's annual salary to $33,050.
Carried Unanimously
9 BPW Minutes
Jan. 17, 1990
James Miller
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, Mr. James Miller was asked to assume special technical
duties to expedite a number of in -house projects such as, the new
Cass Park maintenance building, the Southside addition, and the
chemical handling additions at the Cass Park pool during the
temporary appointment of Mr. Fabbroni.as Superintendent of Public
Works, and
WHEREAS, he performed these added duties in a thorough,
professional, and timely manner; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Mr. Miller be awarded a one time $1,000. payment
for these additional duties performed from June 16, 1989 through
January 19, 1990. .
Carried Unanimously
O SPECIAL BUSINESS:
Larry Fabbroni - Thank You
Larry Fabbroni has assumed the duties of Superintendent of Public
m Works since June 16, 1989 and has done so in a quiet, confident
Q and competent fashion.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner
WHEREAS, Larry has managed to carry out
Superintendent of Public Works in addition
maintaining the operations of the Streets
Division, and
Sprague
the duties of
to effectively
and Facilities
WHEREAS, Larry has admirably served the Ithaca community and
among his many accomplishments were the Stewart Avenue Bridge
Reconstruction, gravel basing of Wait Avenue and Mitchell
Street, the Hudson Street Reconstruction planning and
neighborhood meetings, began the organization of the County bag -
tag system for the City trash collection, and most important, the
merger of the City and County Recycling Program; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That on behalf of the entire community, the Board of
Public Works hereby commends and extends its sincere gratitude to
Larry for his service, dedication and loyalty during his tenure
as Acting Superintendent of Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Cannon and Seconded by Commissioner
Cox, the Board of Public Works adjourned into executive session
to discuss personnel matters.
ADJOURNMENT:
on a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.
1.,0'X.'K-c. R.
Connie J. Holcomb
Senior Stenographer
1�
Benja in Nichols
Mayor
267