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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-03-28301 "BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:OO,P.M. March 28, 1990 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) - Cox, Sprague, Reeves, Cannon, Berg, Connor OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Asst. Superintendent of Public Works - Fabbroni City Engineer - Gray City Attorney - Guttman Common Council Liaison - Blanchard Deputy City Clerk - Boyle O City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy City Controller - Thayer Transit Systems Manager - Carpenter m Commons Coordinator - Deming Q Alderpersons: Daley, Cummings, Booth, Johnson, Golder, Schroeder, Hoffman PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Approval of Minutes of the March 14, 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 14, 1990 Board of Public Works meeting be approved with the addition of Common Council Liaison Blanchard to the "Others Present" list. Carried Unanimously COMMUNICATIONS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Denise Russo of 209 Hudson Street urged the Board to support the resolution that will be presented by Alderpersons Daley and Cummings at the Special Common Council meeting tonight. Dick Booth, 3rd Ward Alderperson addressed the Board regarding the Cornell Street /Ithaca Road /Dryden Road intersection. Alderperson Booth explained how dangerous this intersection is and how difficult it is to get across it, especially for older citizens. He would like the City to look at some type of mechanism to help people across this intersection. Alderperson Booth also requested that the City research how successful the oil and stone method of street repairs has been. He noted that a lot of the stones appear to have come loose and are in lawns. Susan Cummings, 2nd Ward Alderperson commented that she has heard remarks about the stone and oil problem too. Alderperson Cummings also spoke in regards to the Hudson Street resolution. She is in favor of keeping Hudson Street at a 27 foot width the entire length of the Street. She feels that this would have less impact on the homes closest to the street. She also thanked the staff for all of the work they have put into this project. 30? 2 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON Common Council Liaison Blanchard reported that the Human Services Committee discussed the traffic enforcement officer resolution at their last meeting and was very supportive of the idea and would like it included in the 1991 budget. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF: Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported on the following: Northside Lands Consolidation We have received the contract from Peter Trowbridge and will be executing it over the next few weeks. Acting Asst. Superintendent Bernie Carpenter has been appointed Acting Assistant Superintendent until a new Assistant Superintendent is hired. GIAC Asbestos Removal The proposals that were received for the removal of asbestos from the GIAC building were too high so the department will be entertaining more proposals. This could delay the project until the fall but will not disrupt the summer programs. Youth Bureau Work needs to be done on the Youth Bureau Building in regards to the acoustical problems that exist due to the building's design. Southside Audrey Cooper has requested that the City prepare estimates of all of the repairs and changes that need to be made at the Southside building. GIAC Building GIAC would like the City to update the repair study that was completed on their building in 1987. Trash Tags The Budget and Administration Committee has requested that the Board review the half -tag proposal at their next meeting. The Department of Social Services has requested 758 trash tags, excluding the surcharge, for their clients. . Court Facilities The Budget and Administration Committee has recommended the site on Clinton Street, across the road from the Hall of Justice, for the new Court facilities. REPORT OF ASST. SUPERINTENDENT: Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Fabbroni reported on the following: Cascadilla Wall Work on the Cascadilla Wall is progressing. Tree Plantings Trees have been delivered to the Youth Bureau site and plantings will begin shortly. The Willow trees at Stewart Park will- be replaced this Spring. Paint Booth Work on the new paint booth at the DPW facilities is proceeding. Street Cleaning The Spring street cleaning has started and will continue for a 10 week period. 30 3 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 Oil and Stone Street Repairs The use of oil and stone for street repairs has been a very successful program. For budgetary reasons, this practice will be necessary to keep all of the streets in good repair. City employees will clean up the loose stone and debris if it is raked out to the edge of the street. Youth Bureau Building Dropped ceilings are being installed in the Youth Bureau office spaces to address some the acoustical problems. WHEREAS, this Board is committed.to the maintenance of streets within the City of Ithaca that provide safety for vehicular traffic and pedestrians while maintaining to the maximum extent possible the historic and residential character of neighborhoods, and WHEREAS, this Board has come to the conclusion that the best interests of the City and neighborhood would be served by making additions and changes to the current construction, traffic control, and street tree plans, and WHEREAS, the additions and changes listed below can be made without subjecting the City to liability for a road reconstruction that does not meet standards of safety, without significant economic costs to the City, and without the risk that the project will not be completed this year; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That staff is directed to make provisions for the following policies, changes and additions: 1. The maximum number of trees shall be saved; 2. Every attempt shall be made to preserve the life of those trees that suffer damage during the reconstruction; 3. A tree planting program be instituted at the first possible planting season; 4. The areas between the sidewalks and curbs shall be maintained as grass; 5. There shall be the minimal possible taking of private property; 6. There shall be a STOP sign installed near the top of the hill at the entrance to the City; Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni expressed his thanks for the support the Board has shown the department during his tenure. He commended the staff he is leaving behind and urged the Board to work cooperatively with them. M 0 Mayor Nichols requested that the Board move on to the item under "Special Business" so Commissioner Cox would have a chance to comment before he had to leave. m Q SPECIAL BUSINESS: Hudson Street Reconstruction Resolution By Mayor Nichols: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, this Board of Public Works has listened to the concerns of the residents of the Hudson Street neighborhood about the plans for the reconstruction of Hudson Street, and WHEREAS, this Board is committed.to the maintenance of streets within the City of Ithaca that provide safety for vehicular traffic and pedestrians while maintaining to the maximum extent possible the historic and residential character of neighborhoods, and WHEREAS, this Board has come to the conclusion that the best interests of the City and neighborhood would be served by making additions and changes to the current construction, traffic control, and street tree plans, and WHEREAS, the additions and changes listed below can be made without subjecting the City to liability for a road reconstruction that does not meet standards of safety, without significant economic costs to the City, and without the risk that the project will not be completed this year; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That staff is directed to make provisions for the following policies, changes and additions: 1. The maximum number of trees shall be saved; 2. Every attempt shall be made to preserve the life of those trees that suffer damage during the reconstruction; 3. A tree planting program be instituted at the first possible planting season; 4. The areas between the sidewalks and curbs shall be maintained as grass; 5. There shall be the minimal possible taking of private property; 6. There shall be a STOP sign installed near the top of the hill at the entrance to the City; 304 4 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 7. There shall be an all -way STOP sign at the intersection of Hudson and Columbia Streets; 8. The YIELD sign at the intersection of Hudson and Aurora Streets shall be replaced by a STOP sign; 9. The design of the curves shall have the minimum radius within the constraint of safety requirements; 10. The width of the street between Hillview Place and the City line shall be a 27 foot design, and 11. The width of the street between Columbia Street and Hillview Place shall provide a transition to a 27 foot width design; and, be it further RESOLVED, That in the future planning and design of major projects, such as the Elm Street Reconstruction, the early participation of the public will be sought in deciding the options to be considered as well as in the on -going process of choosing among specific design alternatives. Discussion followed on the floor with Mayor Nichols stating that major changes need to be made to the initial design of this project and traffic controls should be instituted. He also stated that policies should be established for the way projects are conceptualized and finalized. Mayor Nichols expressed the importance of the Board passing a resolution today and asked them to exercise their best judgement regarding this matter. He commented that Common Council will be addressing this issue tonight at a special session. Mayor Nichols explained that by passing the resolution before them the additional costs of construction would be approximately $45,000. If the plans have to be re -drawn and work delayed until mid -April the additional costs could escalate up to approximately $60,000. He also remarked that if this should happen construction may not be completed in time for the winter season. If the construction should be stopped at this point and re- started at a future date it could cost the City up to $500,000 in addition to the money that has. already been spent on this project. Commissioner Cox remarked that this project should go forward and agreed that decisions had to be reached today. He stated that he was willing to support this resolution but would not support the inclusion of the traffic control devices. He feels this should be thought out carefully and should not be tied in to the construction. Due to conflicting schedules, Commissioner Cox left the meeting at 4:45 pm. Further discussion followed with Commissioner Berg offering the following amendment: Amending Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That section #10 be deleted and section #11 be amended to read as follows: 11. The width of the street between Aurora Street and the City line shall be of an approximate 27 foot design but consistent with current widths. Discussion on the amending resolution followed with Superintendent of Public Works Thadani stating that if this amendment is included in the main resolution the project would be in an unsatisfactory format. .He explained that significant 0 CO Q 5 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 safety factors would not be addressed, and the staff would not be able to support it. He believes that if the amending language is added, it would not be possible to execute this project by the end of this year. He stated that the staff would be sacrificing their degrees, licenses arrd.� professional integrity by implementing a project like this. City Attorney Guttman, addressed the issue of potential liabilities. Mayor Nichols expressed his opposition to the amendment. He explained that with any project many things have to be considered such as the character and historic nature of neighborhoods, trees and green spaces in the City, public safety, traffic safety and the economic viability to the City. He further explained that not everyone will always get what they want, some compromises will have to be made. He stated that he is aware that there have been communication problems in the past regarding this project, but feels the main resolution is an attempt to make up for some of those problems. Amending Resolution A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (3) Berg, Cannon, Connor Nays (3) Reeves, Sprague, Nichols Motion Fails Main Motion A vote on the Main Ayes (4) Nays (2) Motion resulted as follows: Reeves, Sprague, Cannon, Nichols Berg, Connor Carried REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Gray reported on the following: Thurston Avenue Bridge The Thurston Avenue Bridge project is out to bid. Water Tank Proiects The water tank projects will go out for bid in April. The West Hill water tank is currently out of commission. East Hill Parking Study The East Hill Parking Study has started. Personnel from the engineering office has been out collecting data for this project. Traffic Signal Studv Data is currently being collected on Cayuga Street for the traffic signal study. Sidewalk Contract The sidewalk contract should go out to bid in April. The targeted area this year will be the downtown neighborhoods. Fire Stations Fire Station #7 and Fire Station #9 are 'approximately 90% completed. Fire Central is approximately 50% completed. Industrial Park Notice of award of the Industrial Park project should go out shortly. Ithaca City Court Site Selection Study The Board of Public Works, at their meeting of February 14, 1990, directed the Superintendent of Public Works to negotiate a 305 306 6 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 contract with a consulting firm for an analysis of various options for the renovation and /or expansion of the Ithaca City Court as mandated by the New York State Unified Court System. A site selection study for the Ithaca City Court has been prepared by Teitsch -Kent Architects, and reviewed and commented on by the Police Chief, City Court Judge, and District Administrative Judge for the Sixth Judicial District. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, based on these comments, the Board of Public Works concurs with the opinions of those above, that Option #2 - the construction of a new court facility on East Clinton Street across from the existing one, would offer the best solution to the long -term needs of the court, and WHEREAS, to maximize operational efficiencies and public security while minimizing security concerns, a connection between the Hall of Justice and the proposed Court Facility should be strongly encouraged; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends Option #2 as the best solution to the State's mandate with a secured connection, preferably underground, between the Hall of Justice and the proposed Court Facility for maximum public security, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works respectfully passes this recommendation onto Common Council for their consideration. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for 180 CFM Portable Air Compressor Bids were received on March 21, 1990 for furnishing one (1) 180 CFM Portable Air Compressor. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the bid of Rupp Rental and Sales be rejected as not meeting specifications, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one (1) 180 CFM be awarded to Mid -State Contractors of Syracuse for their low bid of $8,619.00 meeting specification. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Portable Welder Bids were received on March 21, 1990 for furnishing one (1) Portable Welder. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the bid from Rochester Welding be rejected as not meeting specifications, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the contract be awarded to Cottett's Welding of Syracuse for their low bid of $3,210.81 meeting specifications. Carried Unanimously Outdoor Dining Permit - Simeon's Restaurant The owners of Simeon's Restaurant on the Commons have requested that they be granted a permit to operate an outdoor cafe on the east and south sides of their building. 307 7 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That the owners of Simeon's Restaurant be granted a license to use approximately 70 square feet of the Aurora Street right of way for the period of May 1 through September 30, 1990 at a minimum fee of $25.00 pending review of the Environmental Assessment Form. Discussion followed on the floor regarding future procedures of issuance of outdoor dining permits for the Secondary Commons and future permit fees. On a motion further discussion on outdoor dining permit fees was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Resolution A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Outdoor Dining Permits Procedure 0 Resolution (� By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, each year the Board of Public Works is approached by the m Commons Advisory Board for approval of various outdoor dining Q permits, and WHEREAS, according to Chapter 70 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, entitled, "Ithaca Commons Rules ", Article 1, Section 70.3, defines the Primary and Secondary Commons to be under the jurisdiction of the Commons Advisory Board, and not the Board of Public Works; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public.Works desires to reaffirm the rules for the Ithaca Commons as set forth in the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, which allows the Commons Advisory Board to approve outdoor dining permits on the Primary and Secondary Commons without Board of Public Works approval, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works does wish to be notified of the issuance of all outdoor dining permits on the Commons each year. Discussion followed on the floor. Referral Motion By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the Outdoor Dining Permits Procedure Resolution be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for 20 Yard Packer Body Bids were received on March 23, 1990 for furnishing one (1) 20 Yard Packer Body. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one (1) 20 Yard Packer Body be awarded to Hacker's Packers Inc. of Harpursville for their low bid of $15,820. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck_ Bids were received on March 23, 1990 for furnishing one (1) 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck. 308 8 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one (1) 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck be awarded to Maguire Ford for their low bid of $11,952. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Compact Sedan Bids were received on March 23, 1990 for furnishing one (1) Compact Sedan. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That all bids be rejected as this item has been amended in the 1990 budget to reflect one (1) small pickup truck. Carried Unanimously Seneca Street Parking Garage - Otis Elevator Equipment Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been requested by the Department of Public Works to standardize on United Technologies Otis Elevator equipment as the type of elevator equipment to be used in the Seneca Street Parking Garage, and to recommend to B &A and Common Council authorization of complete restoration of existing Otis equipment at the Seneca Garage, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City for reasons of efficiency, compatibility, and economics to approve such standardization for the following reasons: 1. The City of Ithaca Seneca Street Ramp presently has all Otis Elevator Equipment. 2. Replacement after over fifteen years of service is not necessary but overhaul by Otis who has continuously serviced the units is appropriate with the general garage rehabilitation. 3. The cost of maintenance, parts and service will be less than if different types of equipment were being used. now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 103, Subdivision 5 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, this Board of Public Works hereby recommends that B &A and Common Council authorize the standardization of United Technologies Otis Elevator as the type of such equipment to be used and upgraded by the Department of Public Works at the Seneca Street Parking Garage during the year 1990. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: Traffic Violations Officer Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has, over the years, received many traffic enforcement complaints and has continuously referred them to the Ithaca Police Department, and 0 a 9 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed a proposal from Alderperson Daley regarding the establishment of a "Traffic Violations Officer" and consulted with the Police Chief regarding this full -time traffic enforcement position; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works strongly encourages the establishment of the position "Traffic Violations Officer ", and refers this request, with their support, to the Budget and Administration Committee for their consideration. Carried Unanimously Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, due to various increases in material and operational costs, the Golf Course Manager has recommended a 10% increase for rates at the Newman Municipal Golf Course, and WHEREAS, the proposed increases would allow the Golf Course staff to continue to provide the best service at reasonable rates; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation of the Golf Course Manager, establishes the following rates for the Newman Municipal Golf Course 1990 Season: Weekday daily pass $ 7.00 Weekend daily pass 8.00 Weekday Sr. Citizens pass 5.00 Sr. Citizens Sunday afternoon 2.50 After 5 pm 5.00 Memberships Individual 175.00 Husband & Wife 300.00 Family 345.00 Sr. Citizens Individual 140.00 Sr. Citizens Husband & Wife 235.00 Jr. (18 and under) 80.00 and, be it further RESOLVED, That the category "Husband & Wife" be explored as to a possible other name which includes two people, not necessarily married to each other, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to investigate the possibility of establishing fees for non -City residents for the 1991 season. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the term "Husband & Wife ". Amending Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg RESOLVED, That the term "Husband & Wife" be changed to "Pair ". Ayes (3) Berg, Connor, Cannon Nays (3) Sprague, Reeves, Nichols Motion Fails Amending Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg RESOLVED, That an additional Resolved be added to read as follows: 309 31.0 10 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 RESOLVED, That Common Council is urged to explore more progressive language to replace the terms "Husband & Wife" and "Family ". Carried Unanimously Resolution A vote on the Resolution as amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS: Cascadilla Bicycle /Pedestrian Bridge Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, at their meeting of February 14, 1990 unanimously approved the construction of a bicycle /pedestrian bridge over Cascadilla Creek as presented and designed by the Cornell Student Chapter of Civil Engineers, and WHEREAS, an environmental review has been done for this project, and has been reviewed by the Department of Public Works and other interested agencies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, acting as Lead Agency in the environmental review of this Unlisted Action, hereby does make a negative determination of environmental significance of the described project. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded RESOLVED, That bills listed on the for payment: Abstract #6 Carried Unanimously by Commissioner Berg following Abstract be approved General Fund ............................$ 65,950.05 Water and Sewer Fund .................... 25,908.71 Joint Activity Fund ..................... 0.00 Capital Projects ........................ 2,930.20 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bill receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS• Appointment of Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Due to the upcoming departure of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, the Superintendent will spend part of his day at the Streets and Facilities Division. In addition to this, he has decided to appoint an Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works who will be able to deal with the day to day operations of the Streets and Facilities Division. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the appointee to this position must be extremely familiar with the operations of the Streets and Facilities Division, and have significant administrative and managerial skills as well; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Bernard J. Carpenter be appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, effective April 5, 1990, and, be it further 311 11 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 RESOLVED, That Mr. Carpenter's salary be increased by 10% while he is assuming the duties of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. Carried Unanimously Consolidation of Streets & Facilities Operations Due to the upcoming departure of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, the Superintendent has appointed an Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works and intends to consolidate three divisions of the Streets and Facilities operations. This consolidation would consist of building systems, parks and forestry and equipment maintenance and would report back to one supervisor, comparable to the existing situation of the consolidation of sanitation, bridges, and highways who report to the Streets and Sanitation Supervisor. Resolution O By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by WHEREAS, consolidation of building and equipment maintenance should m efficient operation during the Q Superintendent of Public Works; now, Commissioner Sprague systems, parks and forestry result in a smoother, more absence of a Assistant therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Richard Ferrel be appointed to this position, effective April 5, 1990, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the salary of Mr. Ferrel be increased by 10% for his increased duties and responsibilities while he is in this interim position. Carried Unanimously Administrative Secretary in the Department of Public Works The current Administrative Secretary in the Department of Public Works is the lowest paid Administrative Secretary in the entire City. With the departure of the Assistant superintendent of Public Works, the Superintendent will be spending more time at Streets and Facilities which will mean an added increase to the duties of the Administrative Secretary. The duties currently performed by the Administrative Secretary are already out of the normal scope of duties described in the job description for an Administrative Secretary and are far more than clerical or secretarial. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works is the largest department in the City, and WHEREAS, the position of Administrative Secretary in the Department of Public Works is the most complex function in the department, and WHEREAS, this position is comparable to the position in the Tompkins County Public Works office where the base salary is higher than the current Step 7 on the 1990 City of Ithaca compensation plan for Administrative Secretaries, and WHEREAS, to ensure that the City retains its most hard - working and competent employees and not lose them to other higher paying agencies such as Cornell University, the City must compensate personnel for duties actually performed, and WHEREAS, the duties performed by the Administrative Secretary in the Department of Public Works are more administrative and managerial than clerical; now, therefore, be it 312 12 BPW Minutes March 28, 1990 RESOLVED, That the salary of Lisa Cornell be established at $21,711. that being Step 7 of the 1990 Compensation Plan for Confidential Employees not covered by a Union, to better compensate her for the duties she performs daily. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm. Julie C. Boyle Deputy City Clerk /6 V " r, 1 liu Benjamin Nichols Mayor