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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