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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 270 2 BPW Minutes 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. 271 3 BPW Minutes 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. 4 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 273 5 BPW Minutes 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 Fee 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