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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-04-11313 'BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 pm April 11, 1990 PRESENT: - Mayor Nichols Commissioners (5) Connor, Reeves, Berg, Cox, Sprague OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Acting Asst. Superintendent - Carpenter City Attorney - Guttman Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Deputy City Controller - Thayer Police Chief - McEwen Structural Engineer - Laguette (y) Working Supervisor - Sharpstein O ABSENT: Commissioner Cannon Common Council Liaison Blanchard M City Engineer Gray cZ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of the March 28, 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That approval of the Minutes of the March 28, 1990 Board of Public Works meeting be postponed until April 25, 1990. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Creeks, Bridges & Parks Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item C - Ithaca Industrial Park Proposal for Engineering Services during Construction - Resolution. No Board member objected. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD: Commissioner Berg entered into the record a letter received from Rev. Rick L. Bair, Pastor of The Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Avenue, Ithaca, New York. Dear Members of the Board of Public Works, We write to express our distress about the change in the operation of the parking ramp, garage in Collegetown. Until one month ago, the garage was open and free on Sundays. Many of our members and visitors parked in that facility when they came here to worship, study and fellowship on Sundays. They were quite encouraged by the availability of that parking for an hour or two. Not only did it enable people to share in our church community, but it also encouraged people to share in the life of the City and of Collegetown, when otherwise they would not have fought the traffic and invested the time in searching for a parking space. We have learned that even at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings a parking space on a Collegetown street is a scarce commodity. 314 2 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 Whether you intended it or not, the net effect of the change in the parking garage on this community is one of discouragement. We do not need further discouragement among us because some in this community have indicated for a number of years that this church ought to leave its present location due to the poor (ie. non - existent) parking. Others have said we should knock down the Parish House next to the church and gain a few (a dozen ?) needed parking spaces. Many of us have been very committed to staying in the City, in Collegetown, and in service to the neighborhood. We are committed to continue to promote the health of the neighborhood. But as Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon listeners know, Lutherans do that, like they do many other - things, quietly. Currently, there are nine sections of English as a Second Language (ESL) + classes meeting in the Parish House. In addition between the two buildings, (Church and Parish House) there are five sections of Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Emotions Anonymous, plus a two year program on lay ministry that we are hosting for the Episcopal Church at Cornell. We have hosted meetings of Drugs Anonymous when they could not find meeting space at Cornell during a vacation period. Co- Dependents Anonymous has contacted us recently for regular meeting space. With the exception of one or two sections of English as a Second Language, none of these groups are led by members from this congregation. We see this as part of our community responsibility and service. All this is in addition, of course, to the variety of ministries we enjoy with members of our church community who are residents of the City, of the surrounding towns and of the three campuses among us. We write to let you know that we are effected -- deeply -- by the change, and would like to engage in some conversation about the situation. Sincerely, The Council and people of The Lutheran Church Guy Gerard, a 4th Ward resident addressed the Board regarding the parking request from the Lutheran Church. He feels that the Board should make an exception for free parking in this case. He noted that the Lutheran Church is the only church in the 4th Ward and that they may have to consider moving if they can't find a solution to the parking problem. Mr. Gerard also expressed his opinions on the outdoor dining permit fees issue. He feels that license fees should be based on administrative costs and that the City should not use these fees as a money making device. He also suggested that the City use the surplus money being generated from the current trash tag system to clean up the garbage that is strewn throughout the City. Commissioner Connor read a letter written by Alderperson Neil Golder who was not able to attend the meeting. Dear Members of the Board of Public Works: I am writing to reiterate a request I made of the Board a month ago concerning a waiver of Sunday morning parking fees at the Collegetown parking garage. I understand that on March 21, 1990 the Board heard briefly from Pastor Rick Bair of the Lutheran Church and received a letter from the Church Council on this matter. Other pressing matters at the time may have kept you from giving this one full attention. 315 3 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 The recently instituted changes at the parking garage (i.e., the 24 hour attendant coverage) have caused a significant hardship on those who use the Lutheran Church on Sunday morning. For the reasons below, I am asking that parking fees be waived from approximately 10:00 am to 12:3Q pm. This is not asking that an attendant not be on duty, only that those who arrive between thole times be allowed to park for free. The Collegetown parking garage is close enough to the Lutheran Church to make it a convenient place to park for church - goers, who have a difficult time finding parking spaces in Collegetown even on Sundays. Approximately 20 people from the church use the garage on Sunday mornings. The Lutheran Church and Parish House are the closest thing the Fourth Ward has to a community center. We don't want to lose them. Some members of the church council, in part discouraged by the parking fees, are lobbying to have a church elsewhere, or to tear down the Parish House for parking space. Either of these possibilities would be a great loss to the Fourth Ward and to the community as a whole. Those people who use the Lutheran Church, whether on Sunday or on other days, share in the life of the community and of Collegetown. They patronize local businesses and restaurants. They come to Ithaca from surrounding towns and college campuses. The church itself provides a community space that is sorely needed. It is important to our City not to lose our businesses and churches, be they downtown, Collegetown or any other part of the City. The present case is one where a small change will make a big difference. Yours Truly, Neil H. Golder Common Council Further discussion of this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Commissioner Connor, a representative of the Fourth Ward requested that the following issues be put on next week's Committee of the Whole agenda: Crosswalks, Garbage problems and Street Cleaning. Allowing free parking on Sunday- mornings would .bring many benefits and few losses. The 24 -hour attendant coverage would still serve the purpose of preventing long -term parkers from CO leaving without paying, which I understand was one of the main Q reasons for the change. The slight loss of revenue to the City does not outweigh the value of having the Lutheran Church where -� it is. CO The Lutheran Church is the only Church in the Fourth Ward. It Q serves not only as a place of worship, study and fellowship, but also serves the local and larger community in many ways. The church and the Parish House next door host - -at no charge- - activities such as classes in English as a Second Language and meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. These activities are not restricted to or run by church members. Most recently residents of the Fourth Ward had a get- together in the basement of the Parish House. The Lutheran Church and Parish House are the closest thing the Fourth Ward has to a community center. We don't want to lose them. Some members of the church council, in part discouraged by the parking fees, are lobbying to have a church elsewhere, or to tear down the Parish House for parking space. Either of these possibilities would be a great loss to the Fourth Ward and to the community as a whole. Those people who use the Lutheran Church, whether on Sunday or on other days, share in the life of the community and of Collegetown. They patronize local businesses and restaurants. They come to Ithaca from surrounding towns and college campuses. The church itself provides a community space that is sorely needed. It is important to our City not to lose our businesses and churches, be they downtown, Collegetown or any other part of the City. The present case is one where a small change will make a big difference. Yours Truly, Neil H. Golder Common Council Further discussion of this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Commissioner Connor, a representative of the Fourth Ward requested that the following issues be put on next week's Committee of the Whole agenda: Crosswalks, Garbage problems and Street Cleaning. 31G 4 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported on the following: Thurston Avenue Bridge A serious problem has arisen on the Thurston Avenue bridge. On Monday, a hole was discovered on the east sidewalk of the bridge. Currently, both east and west sidewalks have been blocked off. Signs have been posted instructing pedestrians to use the pedestrian bridges instead of using the road but pedestrians are still walking in the road along side the moving vehicles. This presents a liability to the City and the potential of injury to the pedestrians. The following alternatives should be considered during the bridge repair period: Closing the bridge to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk on the roadway. Using one lane for one -way vehicular traffic and the other lane for pedestrian traffic. Allowing two lanes of vehicular traffic with barricades set up on the edge of the road allowing enough room for pedestrians to use as a walkway. Phil Cox, representing Cornell University, has suggested that the City place plywood over the sidewalks and weld it down as a temporary means of repair until the bridge goes under reconstruction in June. Cornell is willing to lend the City the plywood and possibly some welding equipment to assist in this project. It is estimated that the repair work will take a crew of four people approximately one week to complete. After further discussion the Board decided to close the bridge to vehicular traffic, while repairs are made, allowing the pedestrians to walk in the roadway. The Department of Public Works was requested to put crews together to start repairs tomorrow and work through the weekend utilizing double shifts. Appointments Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported the following appointments: Bob Irvin, to the position of Custodial Worker, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective March 19, 1990. Peter Seeley, to the position of Laborer, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective March 26, 1990. Robert Adams, to the position of Laborer, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective April 1, 1990. Zale Hutchinson to the position of Part -time Custodial Worker, at an hourly rate of $5.49, effective April 9, 1990. Superintendent Thadani also reported that he has made the following promotion: w Dale Burlingame, to the positioi df Maintainer, at an hourly rate of $7.03, effective April 9, 1990. Earth Day The Department of Public Works, Ithaca Transit, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Water Filtration Plant will be actively participating in the Earth Day festivities on the Commons. 317 5 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 Stewart Park The Interim Parks Commission is considering rearranging parking at Stewart Park. City Forester Dan Schmoe has completed a conceptual design of the plantings for the park. Collegetown Good Neighbor Day The -Department of Public Works will pick up garbage for the Collegetown Good Neighbor Day on April 28, 1990. Northside Consolidation The contract with Peter Trowbridge and Associates has been executed. A report will be ready in approximately three weeks. Sludge Composting Plant Superintendent Thadani will be looking at one of IBC's sludge composting plants in Fairfield, Connecticut tomorrow. Hudson Street 0 The South Hill Civic Association met with City representatives yesterday in the first of many informational meetings. They will meet every Tuesday at 8:30 am in the second floor conference CO room. Q REPORT OF THE ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported on the following: Cascadilla Wall Work on the Cascadilla Wall is proceeding. The project should be completed in 2 -3 weeks. Pedestrian Bridge Work on the Cascadilla Creek pedestrian bridge is on schedule and should be ready for dedication on May 26, 1990. Street Cleaning Street cleaning throughout the City is proceeding. Curb Line Repair Work A crew is working on the curb lines that were damaged during the winter season. Youth Bureau Plantings Crews are completing the Rose bush plantings at the Youth Bureau and the Stewart Park entrance. City Beautification We have received 102 trees and shrubs to plant throughout the City including the strip of Route 13 from Stewart Park to the Purity Ice Cream Shop. Hudson Street Frank Gardner and Dan Schmoe will be working closely with the Hudson Street residents during the reconstruction project. They will be going door -to -door explaining exactly what will be happening regarding tree and shrub plantings in front of the resident's homes. Cass Park. The maintenance addition is finished and ready to be occupied. Recycling The Willow Avenue site is ready for the recycling containers that the County will be providing. Trash Tags The new trash tag system is going well. There doesn't appear to be a lot of illegal dumping. 31.8 go BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 Paint Booth The paint booth at the Streets and Facilities center will be complete in approximately 4 -5 weeks. Hall of Justice The Hall of Justice lobby remodeling should be complete in 2 -3 weeks. Youth Bureau The installation of dropped ceilings in the Youth Bureau office spaces should be complete in 4 -6 weeks. Joint Transit Facility Staff from Cornell, the County, and-the City have been reviewing the request for proposal of the design of the Joint Transit Facility. A Design Review Committee is being established and the Mayor needs to appoint two Commissioners to this Committee to represent the Board of Public Works. There will be a meeting of the various legal staffs to discuss future agreements. Mayor Nichols appointed Commissioners Reeves and Connor to the Design Review Committee for the Joint Transit Facility. F11 A request was received from St. Paul's Methodist Church for the use of Stewart Park on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990 from 7:00 am to 8:00 am for their sunrise service. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Berg RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request from St. Paul's Methodist Church to hold Easter Sunday services at Stewart Park on Sunday, April 15, 1990, and, be it further RESOLVED, That this group may use the large pavilion in the event of rain, and, be it further RESOLVED, That staff be directed to.open the restrooms at Stewart Park on that day. Carried Unanimously State Aid to Local Bridges Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 261 of the Laws of 1988 and Article 20 of the Transportation Law, the New York State Legislature has authorized and appropriated funds for a State Aid Local Bridge Program to be administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to participate in such Program; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City shall participate in the State Aid Local Bridge Program, pursuant to the terms of the Bond Act, the Program Guidelines and State /Applicant Agreement which the Municipality ratifies and affirmt, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the accomplishment of all State Aid Local Bridge Projects authorized under the State Aid Local Bridge Program shall be by Municipal forces or by competitively let contract with oversight by the City, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary agreements and documents on 319 7 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 behalf of the City of Ithaca required by the New York State Department of Transportation for participation in its State Aid Local Bridge Program. Carried Unanimously Ithaca Industrial Park Proposal for Engineering Services during Construction Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, Novelli and Co. has submitted an acceptable proposal for engineering services during the construction of the Route 13 Industrial Park, and WHEREAS, the City Engineer recommends full -time inspection and contract administration during construction of the Route 13 Industrial Park; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approve the Novelli and Co. proposal for engineering services during the construction of the Route 13 Industrial Park at a cost of $2,460. weekly for an estimated 20 weeks at a total amount not to exceed $50,000. m Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution Q resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Trash Tags for Under 35 Pounds The Board of Public Works has received many inquiries and complaints regarding the current trash tag system which is designed for trash up to 35 pounds. This weight is inconvenient for smaller households. Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, trash tags that would accommodate a smaller amount of trash would be more economical and practical for smaller households; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to notify Tompkins County Solid Waste Division of the City's intent to proceed with a "half- tag ", "half- price" system. Discussion followed on the floor. Further discussion on this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Expungement of Administrative Charges on Trash Tags A request was received from Tompkins County Social Services to expunge the administrative charges of $1.60 per sheet on the 758 trash tags sold to Tompkins County Social Services by the Tompkins County Department of Solid Waste, equalling a total waiver of $1,212.80. Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works expunges the administrative costs from the sale of 758 trash tags to Tompkins County Social Services for low income residents. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 320 1 BPW Minutes April 11, 1990 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Berg RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #7 General Fund ...........................$ 59,165.46 Water and Sewer Fund ................... 5,658.67 Joint Activity Fund .................... 0.00 Capital Projects. 73,748.71 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously July Board of Public Works Meetings Due to the July 4th holiday falling on a Wednesday this year, the July Board of Public Works meetings need to be rescheduled. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the following meetings be established for the Board of Public Works for the month of July 1990: July 4th - Cancelled July 11th - Committee of the Whole July 18th - Board of Public Works July 25th - Committee of the Whole ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm. C. Julie C. Boyle Deputy City Cler Carried Unanimously Benjamin Nichols Mayor