HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-01-31269
-BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 PM January 31, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) - Cox, Sprague, Reeves, Cannon, Berg, Connor
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
City Engineer - Gray
City Attorney - Guttman
Council Liaison - Blanchard
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Transit Supervisor - Carpenter
Asst. Civil Engineer - West
Alderperson Daley
Alderperson Cummings
(j7 Alderperson Schroeder
m Alderperson Hoffman
m PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Q Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the January 17 1990 Board of Public Works
Meeting
Approval of the Minutes from the January 17, 1990 Board of Public
Works Meeting was postponed until the February 14, 1990 meeting.
` ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings and Properties Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item B - DPW
Relocation Design Study - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Highway Items
Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item C - Sidewalk
Assessments for 1989 - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item A - Request to
use Stewart Park Pavilion - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Committee
of the Whole Meetings - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD:
Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments be
opened.
Carried Unanimously
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Jan. 31, 1990
Heinz Biesdorf of 702 Hudson Street addressed the Board to
express his opposition to the proposed construction of sidewalks
on the west side of Hudson Street. Mr. Biesdorf feels that the
sidewalks would not be used frequently,and maintenance of the
sidewalks would present a problem. He feels that the
construction of these sidewalks would be a waste of time and
money.
Donald Culligan of 627 Hudson Street concurred with Mr. Biesdorf
in regard to pedestrian traffic on the west side of Hudson
Street. He was concerned about the placing of surveying stakes
around the Oak Hill Manor property and Marion property which
indicated that trees would have to be removed to accommodate the
new sidewalks. He urged the Board to reconsider the construction
of these sidewalks.
Sarah Suplee of 218 Hudson Street spoke to the Board regarding
the 25% overhead fee the City charges residents to complete
sidewalk repairs. City Engineer Gray explained why the 25% fee
was imposed and told Hudson Street residents to feel free to hire
a private contractor if they could get a better price.
Paul Marion of 620 Hudson Street expressed his opposition to the
construction of sidewalks on the West side of Hudson Street in
the South Hill School area. Mr. Marion feels this sidewalk is
not needed because most of the children who live south of the
school cut through the Grandview Court apartment complex and do
not walk on the side of the road even in the winter months. He
also voiced his concerns over the maintenance of the sidewalks,
particularly the Carpenter lot which is currently vacant and the
Pentecostal Church property which does not have 24 hour
maintenance people.
Barbara Sylvester of 128 Hudson Street addressed the Board
regarding the sidewalks in front of her residence. Ms. Sylvester
feel that her sidewalks are in excellent condition except for one
slate which does need to be replaced. She requested that someone
take another look at her sidewalk. Ms. Sylvester also requested
that the Board consider replacing the stairs that go down to
Hudson Street that'are bad condition with ramps. She feels that
this would be much easier for senior citizens and mothers with
small children and strollers.
Linda Schutt of 136 Hudson Street commented that she was one of
the first advocates of the Hudson Street sidewalks because she
walks that side of the road everyday, but said she did not want
the sidewalk constructed if it meant removing the trees on the
Oak Hill Manor property.
Marty Preston of 636 Hudson Street who currently does not have
sidewalks voiced her concern about the proposed sidewalks on her
property. Ms. Preston stated that in order to install these
sidewalks two healthy trees would have to be removed, her chain
link fence would have to be taken down and moved and a well would
have to be constructed around a large Maple tree. She estimated
that the new sidewalks would cost her approximately $1,600. She
also voiced her opposition to the 25% overhead fee and requested
that the fee be waived in her situation as the new sidewalks are
in conjunction with the Hudson, Street project and not sidewalk
repairs.
Gene Battaligni of Oak Hill Manor addressed the Board to voice
his opposition to the Hudson Street sidewalks. Mr. Battaligni
expressed his concern over the number of trees that would have to
be removed and also stated that maintenance of these sidewalks
would be a problem for the nursing home since they do not have 24
hour or Sunday maintenance people. He stated that the sidewalks
would have little or no value to the nursing home.
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Jan. 31, 1990
On a motion by Commissioner Cox, seconded by Commissioner Sprague
the Public Hearing on Sidewalk Assessments was closed.
Further discussion on the sidewalk assessments will be addressed
at the Committee of the Whole meeting and notification will be
sent-to the citizens that attended today's meeting.
Susan Cummings, 2nd Ward Alderperson addressed the Board with Mr.
Stanley Scharf of 214 South Hill Terrace. Mr. Scharf has a child
that must cross Aurora Street two times a day, after the crossing
guard has left, to catch the Boynton school bus that stops on
Hillview Place. Mr. Scharf is concerned for his child's safety
because of Aurora Street's heavy traffic problems. He suggested
installing a button operated traffic light to cure the problem.
Commissioner Cox asked why the bus could not let the children off
on Aurora Street, Mr. Scharf stated that he has discussed this
with the school district and they replied that they would not do
it. Mayor Nichols suggested that this be referred to the
Committee of the Whole meeting and that City staff discuss this
matter further with the school district staff and keep Mr. Scharf
informed of the situation. On a motion made by Commissioner
Q Cannon and seconded by Commissioner Berg this matter was referred
to the Committee of the Whole to be discussed at the February 7,
1990 meeting.
Guy Gerard, a Fourth Ward resident voiced his dismay regarding
Board of Public Works procedures and attitudes. He stated that
being on the Board of Public Works is a privilege and he would
like to see the Board members more involved in projects instead
of relying on staff members to do the behind the scenes work.
Joe Daley, 2nd Ward Alderperson and former Board of Public Works
Commissioner addressed the Board to encourage them not to pass
the proposed resolution that would limit public discussion at the
Committee of the Whole meetings. He suggested trying to limit
the number of people that speak like the Board of Zoning Appeals
does, allowing only the people who live within a certain limit of
the project or are directly affected by the decision speak. He
also stated that he had spoken with Mr. Yarrow Nelson regarding
the Bicycle project and assured him that the Board was taking his
requests seriously. Alderperson Daley feels, that the Bicycle
Commission has been very responsible in trying to accommodate
both the Department of Public Works concerns and the Hudson
Street neighbors' concerns as well, and he does not feel that the
bicycle path would substantially alter the Hudson Street Project.
City Engineer Gray stated that he would like to discuss this
further with Alderperson Daley.
Commissioner Cannon spoke in response to Mr. Gerard's comments
about the Board of Public Works and expressed his frustration in
serving on a Board that receives little respect from the public.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON
Alderperson Barbara Blanchard reported that the Planning and
Development Committee did not vote on the bicycle route request
on Hudson Street because they wanted to discuss this further with
City Engineer Gray. It was her impression that the Bicycle
Commission is not intending to drastically change the Hudson
Street project.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
Commissioner Reeves asked Attorney Guttman for a report on the
ice climbing on City property issue. Attorney Guttman replied
that there are many issues that the Board should look in to
before granting such a request. At a minimum, Attorney Guttman
recommended that the Board have any person interested in ice
climbing sign an agreement stating that they are aware of the
risks involved in ice climbing and that they will waive any
2-72,
claims against the
even though people
City.
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BPW Minutes
Jan. 31, 1990
City. Attorney Guttman advised the Board that
sign this agreement they could still sue the
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Superintendent of Public Works Thadarii reported that he has made
the following appointments:
Steven Gulyas, has been promoted to the position of Mechanic
Supervisor, at an hourly rate of $8.96, effective January 21,
1990.
Donna Payne, to the permanent position of Senior Typist in the
Engineering Office, at an annual salary of $14,251., effective
January 22, 1990.
Shawn M. Murray has been reinstated to Refuse and Recycling,
effective January 29, 1990 as a result of an arbitration
decision.
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Hudson Street Bids
Hudson Street bids have been received and they are well within
the budget projections.
Elm Street
Work on the Elm Street design is being done in house and is
proceeding.
Fire Stations
Work on the fire stations is ongoing, #7 building is complete, #9
should be completed within three weeks and Central will proceed
through Spring. The new stations are progressing, the buildings
should be done by April and the outside work will be started
then.
Learning Web
The Engineering Office is being offered a High School student
through the Learning Web to work in their office and they will
also be applying for a work -study student from Cornell.
Parking Study
Frank Gombas is working with the engineering office on the
parking study for the 3rd and 4th Wards. Mr. Gombas will address
the Board regarding this matter at a future time.
Treatment Plant Outfall
Cornell University has contacted the Engineering Office and would
like to study the treatment plant outfall.
BUILDINGS. PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:"
Joint Transit Maintenance Administration Facility
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
WHEREAS, Staff from Cornell University, City of Ithaca and
Tompkins County have been exploring the possibility of a Joint
Transit Maintenance Administration Facility, and
WHEREAS, Staff has met with New York State Department of
Transportation (NYSDOT) and Urban Mass Transit Administration
(UMTA) representatives and presented them with a Conceptual Plan,
and
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Jan. 31, 1990
WHEREAS, NYSDOT has matching funds available for the design
phase, and
WHEREAS, The local cost would be shared, 50% Cornell University,
25% City of Ithaca, and 25% Tompkins County; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the Common
Council to appropriate an amount not to exceed $45,000. for the
City of Ithaca's share of the design costs, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Mayor, after the City
Attorney's review, to sign the appropriate agreements to
facilitate the design phase.
0) Discussion followed on the floor. Transit Supervisor Carpenter
stated that the total design cost for this project is $294,000.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
m
m DPW Relocation Design Study
Q Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has endorsed the concept for
consolidated Department of Public Works operations, and
WHEREAS, many groups are interested in the property which would
be vacant once this consolidation is completed; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, that the Architectural Firm of Trowbridge and
Trowbridge be engaged for an amount not to exceed $4,100., to
prepare a conceptual design relative to the proposed relocation
and consolidation of the Water, Sewer and Streets and Facilities
Divisions of the Department of Public Works, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Public Works finance such
conceptual design within existing Superintendent appropriations,
and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that should the Superintendent determine that the
required funds are not within the existing Superintendent budget,
the Board of Public Works requests that Common Council
appropriate an amount not to exceed $4,100. from unrestricted
contingency for such purpose.
Discussion followed on the floor.
resulted as follows:
HIGHWAY ITEMS•
Hudson Street Reconstruction
A vote on the resolution
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, bids were received and opened on January 23, 1990 for
the reconstruction of Hudson Street; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the contract for reconstruction of Hudson Street
be awarded to G. DeVincentis and Son Construction Company, Inc.
of Binghamton, New York for their low bid of $1,131,112.80.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed Hudson
Street bikeway. City Engineer Gray gave a quick run down of the
Hudson Street project as it relates to the bikeway. Mayor
Nichols asked City Engineer Gray if it would still be possible to
z7g
include the bikeway after
Engineer Gray responded that
design of the project. A
follows:
C:f
BPW Minutes
Jan. 31, 1990
this resolution was passed and City
the City would be able to change the
vote on the resolution resulted as
Carried Unanimously
Encroachment Request at 414 Spencer Road
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a request from Attorney
Bruno A. Mazza, Jr. regarding property known as 414 Spencer Road,
and
WHEREAS, Elnora J. Teeter is the current owner of said premises,
and
WHEREAS, as shown on a survey map prepared by Clarence W.
Brashear, Jr., dated August 3, 1989, all of the improvements on
the above - described premises are located within the bounds of the
property except that a corner of the building encroaches onto the
public street known as South Meadow Street and another corner of
the building encroaches onto the public street known as Spencer
Road, and a portion of the roof over the paved drive - through
which encroaches onto both South Meadow Street and Spencer Road,
and
WHEREAS, it appears that the continued existence of these
encroachments will not interfere with the use by the public of
South Meadow Street or Spencer Road; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment
for the said corners of the building and the roof overhanging the
paved drive - through according to the usual terms, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the
Encroachment Agreement on behalf of the City.
Carried Unanimously
Sidewalk Assessments for 1989
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the assessments for sidewalks built in 1989 by the
City of Ithaca be approved, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That said assessments be forwarded to the City Clerk
for notification to property owners.
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS
Earth Day - Request to use Stewart Park Pavilion
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
WHEREAS, organizers of the local Earth Day Committee have
approached the Board of Public *Works with a request to use
Stewart Park on Saturday, April 21, 1990 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
for the 20th anniversary celebration of Earth Day; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works accepts the reservation
request outside of the normal reservation period and waives the
large pavilion fee at Stewart Park and further directs staff to
open restrooms on this day for the Earth Day celebrations, and,
be it further
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7 BPW Minutes
Jan. 31, 1990
RESOLVED, that the Earth Day Committee be requested to forward a
copy of their insurance policy to the City Attorney's office,
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that food sales be allowed in Stewart Park during the
Earth Day celebrations but all other sales will be prohibited.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, that bills listed on the following Abstracts be
approved for payment:
Abstract #2
General-Fund ............ .....................$97,193.94
Water and Sewer Fund ......................... 20,858.69
Joint Activity Fund........... ............... 0.00
Capital Projects ............................. 1,387.37
Abstract #67
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital
Projects ................ .....................$58,748.60
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, that Item A, Committee of the Whole Meetings -
Resolution be referred to the next Committee of the Whole meeting
on February 7, 1990.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
AYES (3), Connor, Berg, Cannon
NAYES (3), Cox, Sprague, Reeves
Mayor Nichols voted Aye to break the tie.
ADJOURNMENT .
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
i wti
L
B n�a rhin Nichols
Mayor
Carried