HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-02-28285
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4''00 pm February 28, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (6) - Reeves, Sprague, Cox, Cannon, Berg, Connor
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Guttman
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
Asst. Supt. of Public Works - Fabbroni
City Engineer - Gray
(1') Asst. Civil Engineer - West
0 Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
CO Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Q American Flag.
MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the February 14, 1990 Board of Public
Works Meeting
Resolution
By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
RESOLVED, that approval of the Minutes of the February 14, 1990
Board of Public Works meeting be deferred until March 8, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Buildings, Properties and Transit Items
Commissioner Cannon requested the addition of Item D - Award of
Contract for Structural Steel - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Highway Items
Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item A - Hudson
Street Sidewalks - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols read a letter that he had received from the West
Hill Civic Association regarding the proposed street widening
project on Elm Street. The letter requested that a few Board
members act as facilitators in discussions between the West Hill
residents and the Department of Public Works. Mayor Nichols
requested that further discussion of this matter be held after
the Hearings of Persons before the Board.
Public Hearing for Assessments of Sidewalk Repairs Hudson
Street
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments be
opened.
Carried Unanimously
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Feb. 28, 1990
No one appeared to address the Public Hearing.
Resolution to Close Public Hearin
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments be
closed.
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Donald Culligan of 627 Hudson Street addressed the Board
regarding the proposed sidewalk construction on the west side of
Hudson Street. Mr. Culligan requested that this sidewalk not be
installed for various reasons including child safety. He
suggested using some of the money that would have been used on
this project to install a blinking caution signal by South Hill
school, like Belle Sherman school has done, and to possibly
install a stop sign where Coddington Road meets Hudson Street to
slow traffic down. Mr. Culligan also congratulated City Engineer
Gray and Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni for their fine work on the
Hudson Street project.
Guy Gerard, a Fourth Ward resident spoke to the Board regarding
the Elm Street reconstruction project. He stated that he would
like to see Board members conduct public hearings instead of
staff members. He also mentioned that he would like the seating
arrangement changed so that when residents addressed the Board
they would be facing Board members instead of staff members.
Dorothy Bozzone of 317 Elm Street addressed the Board regarding
the Elm Street reconstruction project. Mrs. Bozzone stated that
the Elm Street residents were distressed because they had all
signed a petition against the reconstruction and it has not been
acknowledged by anyone except Robert Romanowski,
Alderperson. She also 1st Ward
felt that the
misrepresented when it was described as a project repaving pro ect ng
Mrs. Bozzone explained that the Elm Street residents would like
the original road project to be finished. She stated that after
the 400 block of Elm Street there are open ditches with no
curbing. Mrs. Bozzone commented that people already drive too
fast on this street and she feels that if the street is widened
it would only cause serious safety hazards.
Kathy Halden, who lives on the corner of Elm and Chestnut Streets
addressed the Board regarding the Elm Street project. She stated
that one of the reasons given for this
project
growth in the area within the next 15 - 20 years Was Ms. tHalden
commented that she cannot see where there is any more room for
growth in the Elm Street area inside the City limits. She also
Pointed out that Elm Street is not a major street that connects
to any State routes or that goes anywhere in particular like
Cliff Street does. Ms. Halden stated that the reconstruction
project was also going to allow ample room on the street for a
car to pull off the road to let passengers off, but feels this is
not necessary considering all of the houses on Elm Street have
driveways. Ms. Halden did suggest that a blinking light or speed
bumps be installed at the intersection of Elm and Chestnut to
slow speeders down.
John Whalen of 319 Elm Street stated to the Board that he felt
the speeding problem on Elm Street would only get worse if that
street was widened.
John Bozzone of 317 Elm Street commented that some of the houses
on Elm Street are already close enough to the street that they
have slush from the road splattered over them. He feels that the
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Feb. 28, 1990
widening of Elm Street would take away what small front lawn
space residents do have.
Paul Tess of 325 Elm Street addressed the Board stating that only
24 feet of pavement is required in a 30 M.P.H. zone for future
growth and for safety requirements. He feels that 27 feet is
excessive.
Mayor Nichols stated that he would like to see three members of
the Board of Public Works and three members of the West Hill
Civic Association meet with members of the staff along with the
1st ward Alderpeople to see if they could reach a mutual
agreement.
M Commissioner Cannon encouraged the Board to consider letting the
O Community Dispute Resolution Center facilitate this meeting.
Superintendent Thadani commented that he felt two of Mrs.
Bozzone's statements were untrue. He stated that he had spoken
CO to Mrs. Bozzone on the phone and had confirmed at that time that
Q he had received the petition. He also stated that the City
Engineer had explained the whole Elm Street project to the
residents that attended the informational meeting so they should
have been aware of what the project entailed.
Assistant Supt. Fabbroni stated that the informational meeting
was just the beginning of the process and that work was not going
to be scheduled right away if there was a conflict with the Elm
Street residents.
Commissioner Connor suggested that it may be useful in the future
to have the Board of Public Works members conduct public hearings
with the Department present to explain the project and answer
questions.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported on the following:
Bus Tour
There will be a bus tour of the public works facilities on
Saturday, March 3, 1990. The bus will be departing from City
Hall promptly at 8:00 am.
Letter to Editor
Superintendent Thadani read excerpts from a recent letter to the
editor which appeared in the Ithaca Journal that commended the
Ithaca Transit System. Superintendent Thadani expressed thanks
to Bernie Carpenter for the fine job he is doing.
Resolutions to B & A Committee
The consolidation of DPW facilities resolution and the resolution
regarding the court facilities were passed by the Budget and
Administration Committee of Common Council with minor amendments.
Trash Tags
Tomorrow is the first day of trash pick up with the new tag
system in place. Channel 7 News and the Ithaca Journal will be
going out in the morning to collect information for the stories
they will be running that day. Channel 9 from Syracuse will also
be down shooting footage of the trucks tomorrow. Commissioner
Berg has agreed to ride in one of the trucks that will be leaving
at 5:20 am.
Collegetown Clean Up Day
The Collegetown Neighborhood Committee is having a clean up day
April 28, 1990 and has requested free trash stickers in return
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Feb. 28, 1990
for community service. On a motion this matter was referred to
the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Six Mile Creek Committee
The Six Mile Creek Committee will be addressing the Board to
request the appointment of a gorge ranger for the summer. It is
believed that the person who had the job last summer has
requested to be appointed again, this year. The Committee will
also be addressing the Board regarding the purchase of water
plans around the water shed area.
Telephone System
All Mode has submitted an initial proposal for the new telephone
system for City Hall.
No Smoking Signs
More no smoking signs will be going up around the City which
indicate that according to New York State Law smoking is
prohibited in public places effective January 1, 1990.
Elm Street
Members from the engineering staff and the West Hill Civic
Association have already met and are scheduled to meet again on
March 7, 1990 at 9:00 am to go over specific details of the Elm
Street project.
Catch Basin Signs
The Department of Public Works has been requested by the
Conservation Advisory Council to put dumping notices on the catch
basins. They want school children to place these signs on the
catch basins in conjunction with the Earth Day activities and
have been referred to Attorney Guttman regarding liability
issues. Cornell University has requested that these notices not
be placed around their campus. Commissioner Reeves stated that
this issue is on the Committee of the Whole agenda for next week.
Snow and Ice Removal
The Department of Public Works received 23 complaints in the
month of February of 1989 regarding snow and ice removal. All of
the property owners were notified and all of the owners complied.
In 1989 -1990 the Department has received 47 complaints, 11 owners
were notified and complied, 9 sidewalks were cleared before
notification even reached the owners and 27 sidewalks were
cleared by higher temperatures and sunshine before anything could
occur on them.
REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT
Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni reported on the following:
Trash Tags
The City will be leaving their own tags on garbage which is not
properly tagged giving residents the option to properly retag
their garbage next week without receiving a penalty.
Cascadilla Wall
Work is still ongoing but has become difficult due -to the
weather.
Stewart Park Restrooms
The restrooms at Stewart Park are nearing completion.
Centennial Plantings
The Centennial Committee has allotted their remaining funds to
the Shade Tree Committee in trust to beautify the entrances to
the City such as Stewart Park, Route 13, East State Street and
such. The plantings are scheduled for the first part of this
year.
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BPW Minutes
Feb. 28, 1990
Snow and Ice Removal
The City crews are doing everything they can to clear away the
ice and snow. We are nearing the end of the salt budget due to
the numerous ice storms we've had this winter.
HazcTrdous Communications Report
The consultant that was hired to point out hazards in the
workplace has completed approximately 20% of his work.
GIAC Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal in the GIAC building is scheduled to be
completed before GIAC's summer program. In the worse case
scenario it will be done in the fall, but in any case the summer
program will not be affected.
CO REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER
0 City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Route 13 Widening
m New York State Department of Transportation has given their go
ahead for the widening of Route 13 from Wegmans to Clinton
Street.
Bridges
The Stewart Avenue bridge grant money has been received. The
Thurston Avenue project design is complete and the project will
go out to bid shortly. Both of these bridges will still need to
be painted after the projects are done. The Cayuga Street bridge
paperwork is still being processed.
Hudson Street
A Hudson Street pre- construction
should be starting their work in
meeting was held today and NYSEG
mid March.
I
Bids were received on February 15,.•1990 for furnishing one (1)
Truck Tire Changer.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the bid from Willcox Service Center be rejected as
not meeting specifications, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one (1) Truck Tire
Changer be awarded to Finger Lakes Tool Sales of Lansing for
their low bid of $10,047.00 meeting specifications.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for DPW Mid -range Trucks
Bids were received on February 15, 1990 for furnishing four (4)
Mid -range Trucks for the Department of Public Works.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing four (4) mid -range
trucks be awarded to Stadium International of Binghamton for
their low bids as follows: Two (2) mid -range cab and chassis at
$14,877.00 and $16,877.00 (truck bodies to be bid at a future
date); and two mid -range dump trucks at $22,293.00 and
$21,093.00, all differences based on trade -in values of present
vehicles.
Carried Unanimously
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90 - _Proposa
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BPW Minutes
Feb. 28, 1990
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, local Earth Day celebrations will take place in Ithaca
on Saturday, April 21, 1990 and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is supportive of the Earth Day
organizers' quest to protecting the environment and educating the
public about environmental protection measures, and
WHEREAS, the use of the Ithaca Transit System offers a cleaner -
air alternative by reducing the amount of pollution, saves energy
resources and relieves traffic congestion which strongly
emphasizes the environmental benefits of mass transit, and
WHEREAS, to further assist the Earth Day organizers with their
campaign to educate the public on environmental protection, the
Transit System Manager has proposed offering free bus service for
Saturday, April 21, 1990 to coincide with Earth Day activities;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Transit System Manager, approves the proposal for free
Ithaca Transit Bus Service on April 21, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Structural Steel
Bids were received on February 28, 1990 for furnishing Structural
Steel for the Department of Public Works.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing Structural Steel be
awarded to Triangle Steel Inc. of Ithaca for their low and only
bid of $9,250.00.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Hudson Street Sidewalks
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has held several public
information meetings and public hearings regarding the
installation of sidewalks on the west side of Hudson Street from
South Hill School to Hudson Place; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to remove
the installation of sidewalks on the west side of Hudson Street
between South Hill School and Hudson Place from the scope of the
Hudson Street Reconstruction project.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved paragraph be added to the
resolution:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs City staff to
make every possible effort to save as many of the existing trees
on Hudson Street as possible.
Carried Unanimously
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Feb. 28, 1990
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved paragraph be added to the
resolution:
RESOLVED, That this Board requests the Ithaca City School
District to install a sidewalk behind South Hill School to
Grandview Court.
Carried Unanimously
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
O Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the bills listed on the following Abstract be
approved for payment:
m
Q Abstract #4
General Fund.. • ..........................$ 39,856.89
Water and Sewer Fund ......................... 11,454.08
Joint Activity Fund ................... 0.00
Capital Projects .............................. 17,654.72
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Reeves asked Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni if the
Environmental Assessment form for the Cascadilla Creek /Route 13
and Willow Avenue foot bridge has gone through the Conservation
Advisory Council yet. Asst. Superintendent Fabbroni stated that
he had sent it out today and asked for their comments to be back
by March 21, 1990 so the Board could act immediately after.
Commissioner Cannon wanted to make sure that the signage issue
for the parking garages has been added to the Committee of the
Whole agenda and Commissioner Reeves confirmed that it had.
Commissioner Cannon also stated that the Commons Advisory Board
was opposed to changing the existing building height limits in
the downtown business district and is more interested in seeing
the City work on planning issues and promoting health to the
downtown area.
Commissioner Berg stated that
resolution calling for building
the downtown business district.
the Planning Board passed a
heights to be set at 75 feet in
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
C. o
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
Benjami. Nichols
Mayor
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