HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-04-25_6zi
-BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00.pm April 25, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayer Nichols
Commissioners (6) Connor., Cannon, Reeves, Berg, Cox, Sprague
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
Acting Asst. Superintendent - Carpenter
City Engineer - Gray
City Attorney - Guttman
Council Liaison - Blanchard
O Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
0 Alderpersons - Golder, Daley
0
() PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
m Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Q American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the March 28. 1990 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 28, 1990 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Minutes of the April 11, 1990 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 11, 1990 Board of Public
Works meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Report of Special Committees
Commissioner Berg requested the addition of Item C - Discussion
of Potential Parking Regulation Scheme for Upper East Hill.
No Board Member objected.
Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Thurston
Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation - Resolution.
No Board Member objected.
Water and Sewer Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item B - Award of
Contract for Annual Chemical Requirements - Resolution.
No Board Member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols read the following petition that was received by
his office from the Dey Street residents:
"The undersigned residents from the Dey Street neighborhood
request your attention to a matter of great concern.
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2 BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
As you know in the late 1960's Dey Street became an access to
Route 13. That action changed a street in a quiet residential
neighborhood into a busy thoroughfare. The street is now used by
hundreds of cars daily as an entrance to the City. It also
serves as a heavily traveled bus route, and as a means for DPW
trucks and equipment to enter the City from the facilities on
Willow Avenue. Drivers on their way to or from Route 13 seldom
employ a safe speed for a residential area.
We believe the speed of these vehicles to be a danger to
pedestrians, especially children. Additional concern is the
vibration caused by the rapid passing of trucks, buses and heavy
equipment. The vibrations cause the literal shaking of many of
these century old homes.
We believe the installation of several strategically placed
lights or stops signs would be helpful while still allowing Route
13 traffic access to the City through the neighborhood.
Thank you for your attention."
On a motion by Commissioner Connor and Seconded by Commissioner
Berg this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Guy Gerard, a 4th ward resident addressed ...the �Board regarding
various crosswalk materials. He stated that he has price
estimates from 3M Products and he will be speaking to a company
that supplies thermo - paint for crosswalks.
Neil Golder, 4th Ward Alderperson, spoke to the Board regarding
the Sunday parking at the Dryden Road Parking Garage Resolution.
He stated that Pastor Rick Bair suggested the free hours be
established from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Mr. Golder also mentioned that there is a constant puddle in
front of Discount Records on College Avenue that he feels is a
health hazard and should be looked into.
Don Enright of 520 Old Spencer Road, addressed the Board
regarding a water problem on his property caused by a City storm
sewer. Discussion followed on this issue and Mr. Enright was
advised to contact the City Engineer's office regarding this
matter.
REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Guttman reported that the City has filed suit
against Tompkins County regarding the environmental siting of the
baling station. The case will be argued in Elmira next month.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Blanchard reported that she and Alderperson
Romanowski will be meeting with the Elm Street representatives to
discuss the proposed Elm Street procedures. She noted that some
of the representatives may want to sit in on the Committee of the
Whole meeting next week while this is being discussed.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported on the following
appointment:
Darwin Sharps teen, to the position of Laborer in the Water and
Sewer Division, at an hourly rate of $5.94, effective April 8,
1990.
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BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
Superintendent Thadani also reported on the following:
Trash Tags
The County is planning on implementing 4a half -tag system by the
end of June. Their preliminary ideas include keeping the colors
the same for the designated haulers but using a new shape for the
half. -tags. They expect to set the weight limit at 15 pounds.
The County has no objections to the City implementing their own
system, however, they would prefer the City to follow their
format. The County wants the Tompkins County Solid Waste
Management Program wording included on the City's tags and they
also want the price to be set at the same amount as the County's.
Recycling Drop Center
There will be a grand opening of the new recycling drop center at
the Streets and Facilities site on May 1, 1990 at 10:00 am.
(� Thurston Avenue Bridge
O The Thurston Avenue bridge is expected to be closed on June 11,
1990. Discussions will be held regarding re- routing of traffic.
All input is welcome.
CO Interim Parks Task Force
Q The Interim Parks Task Force is working on plantings and changes
to the Stewart Park entrance.
Hudson Street
Work scheduling difficulties have arisen due to the changes and
delays of the Hudson Street project. The first of many bills has
been received by the City from the contractor for the amount of
$41,000. in relation to the delays. City Attorney Kennedy is
working on this case and the City may retain outside counsel in
the future regarding this matter.
Parking Meter Division
The parking meter division will now be
Systems Supervisor Miller in conjunction
of the Department of Public Works. The
merge the traffic and parking divisions.
formed to define the new job descriptio
Parking Manager.
reporting to Building
with the restructuring
City is attempting to
A committee has been
n for the consolidated
Fire Department
The Fire Department will be setting up a tour of the new fire
stations on May 12, 1990 and has requested the use of a bus for
that day.
Commons Graffiti Problem
A number of complaints have been received regarding the graffiti
on buildings on the Commons. Staff has been working on the
situation and will continue to do so. Superintendent Thadani
suggested that the downtown building owners prepare a
maintenance list, prioritizing items that-they would like to see
completed.
Commons Lighting
NYSEG will re -lamp all of their fixtures with' exact replacements
in conjunction with the Commons lighting project. The Department
of Public Works along with NYSEG will be taking a foot candle
reading throughout the Commons. The Department of Public Works
will re -shape trees in an attempt to let more light in. After
the tree shaping is complete another foot candle reading will be
taken to determine if other alternatives should be considered.
New Pay Phones
New York Telephone Company will be installing approximately six
new pay phones on various City streets.
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BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
Earth Day
The Earth Day festivities that were cancelled April 20, 1990 are
rescheduled for Friday, April 27, 1990 on the Commons.
Superintendent Thadani read a letter from the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the Sewage
Treatment Plant. The letter commended staff for the excellent
work they are doing at the plant.
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER:
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Hudson Street
Work on the Hudson Street project is proceeding. Tree
protection is going up. The property agreements are half way
done.
Fire Stations
Work on the Fire Stations is almost complete.
Route 13
Through agreements with the State's contractor and Tops and
Wegmans' contractors, Route 13 will be widened to five lanes as
far as the Maguire Ford Dealership and not to Clinton Street.
Industrial Park Site
Work on the Industrial Park site will begin shortly. The gardens
will be relocated first so the gardeners will be able to start
work when the street work begins.
Thurston Avenue Bridge
Bids have been received on the Thurston Avenue Bridge project.
Water Tanks
The Cornell Street water tank will be taken down and painted this
summer, and its sister tank will be painted next year.
Documents have been prepared for the demolition and replacement
of one of the West Hill water tanks.
Bridge Work
Work is being scheduled for the Seneca Street bridge, Clinton
Street bridge and the Stewart Avenue bridge.
REPORT OF ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT:
Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported on the following:
Third Street
The Third Street gravel basing project has been started. This
project will run from Cascadilla Street to Route 13.
Restrooms
Work on the restrooms at Stewart Park and Cass Park is complete
and they are now open to the public.
Street Cleaning
Street cleaning throughout
the City is proceeding.
Tree Plantings
Tree planting are in progress.
Hazardous Communication Plan
Work is proceeding on the hazardous communication plan. This
plan will include employee training on working with hazardous
materials.
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April 25, 1990
Street Maintenance
The prioritized list of streets requiring maintenance is being
completed and should be ready in approximately a week.
Arbor Day p
.
There will be a memorial tree planting for Arbor Day on Friday,
Aprj_l 27, 1990 at 10:00 am at Seneca Street and Seneca Way.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS:
Ithaca Transit Operating Assistance Funds
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has submitted a request for a grant
of funds to the New York State Department of Transportation,
pursuant to Section 18 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of
1964, as amended, for a project to provide operating assistance
(� funds for transportation services within the City of Ithaca and
0 partly in two adjoining municipalities, provided by the City of
Ithaca Transit System for fixed route, scheduled, open and
-� available to the general public during the periods January 1,
m 1990 to December 31, 1990 (PIN 3799.27.406); now, therefore, be
it
a
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the
Common Council authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement(s)
between the City of Ithaca and State of New York for the above
named projects, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the Mayor be authorized
to act on behalf of the City of Ithaca to progress and complete
the above named projects.
Carried Unanimously
Outdoor Dining Permits Procedure
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is approached yearly for
approval of various outdoor dining permits, and
WHEREAS, there has been discussion of giving this authority to
the Commons Advisory Board solely; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reaffirms its desire to
continue to jointly approve outdoor dining permits on the
secondary Commons with the Commons Advisory Board.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Transit Mix Concrete
Bids were received on April 12, 1990 for furnishing Transit Mix
Concrete.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing Transit Mix Concrete
be awarded to Saunders Concrete Co., Inc. of Nedrow for their low
bid of $66,000.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Asphalt Concrete
Bids were received on April 12, 1990 for furnishing Asphalt
Concrete.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing Asphalt Concrete be
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6 BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
awarded to General Crushed Stone Co. of Jamesville for their net
low bid cost of $173,825. including transportation costs.
Discussion followed on the floor. Mayor Nichols requested that
the record show that the low bid includes the additional cost of
$.40 per ton mile.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, at their meeting of December
13, 1989 established a 4 month (from February 1 to May 31, 1990)
trial period of 24 hour operation of the Dryden Road Parking
Garage to efficiently balance the amount of long -term and short -
term parking in this garage, and
WHEREAS, since a preliminary result of this trial period has
shown a large availability of parking on Sunday mornings, the
Board is willing to modify the collection period on Sunday
mornings slightly to accommodate short -term parkers; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That in conjunction with the trial period of 24 hour
operation of the Dryden Road Parking Garage, there will be no
charge for parking on Sunday mornings between the hours of 9:00
am and 1:00 pm.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Cannon voiced his
opposition to this Resolution. He feels that the City is already
subsidizing the Church because of its property tax exempt
status. He expressed his concerns at passing this Resolution to
accommodate a handful of people from the Church when no studies
have been completed to determine the possible impact on the City.
A vote on the Resolution resulted.as follows:
Ayes (5) Berg, Connor, Sprague, Reeves, Nichols
Nays (2) Cannon, Cox
Carried
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS•
Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation
The City received bids for rehabilitation work on the Thurston
Avenue Bridge on April 19, 1990. Two bids were judged
satisfactory. The updated engineer's estimate for construction
was $313,000. for work on a closed bridge and replacing the
concrete sidewalks in -kind. The bids for the same work were
$273,000. and $328,000. After review of the approved Capital
Project budget of $265,000. (prepared in 1988 for 1989 and then
carried over into 1990) and the lowest post bid budget possible
staff recommends that the project be awarded for work on a closed
bridge and to replace the concrete sidewalks in kind.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the bids for the
Rehabilitation of the Thurston Avenue Bridge; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the contract is awarded to Vector Construction for
work on a closed bridge and installation of concrete sidewalks
for their low bid on $273,447.75 contingent upon the necessary
budget adjustment and, be it further
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BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works request that the Budget
and Administration Committee take the necessary steps to increase
the budget for Capital Project #222 from $265,000. to $290,000.
Discussion followed on the floor: Commissioner Cox pointed out
that if this Resolution is passed the bridge will have to be
closed completely. Mayor Nichols stated that there was an
$80,000. difference in figures for keeping the bridge partially
open and closing it completely. City Engineer Gray noted that
the bridge could be completed 3 -4 weeks earlier if it was closed.
The project is expected to be completed by mid - October.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Half Trash Tags
(� The Board of Public Works passed a resolution on April 11, 1990
O which stresses the need for a "half- tag ", "half- price" system to
accommodate smaller households.
Resolution
CO By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
Q RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves this system
with a weight limit of 15 lbs. at a price of $5.00 per sheet of
12 tags.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding a 17 1/2 lb. weight
limit verses a 15 lb. weight limit.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Resolution be amended to read as follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves this system
with a weight limit of 17 1/2 lbs. at a price of $5.00 per sheet
of 12 tags, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this system be implemented as soon as possible.
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Sprague, Cox
Nays (1) Berg
Carried
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion as amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Sprague, Berg,
Nichols
Nays (1) Cox
Carried
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Amendment of Personnel Roster at Wastewater Treatment Plant
Due to the opening of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant, the
full -time Maintainer position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
is no longer necessary since it required equipment maintenance
duties which have now been transferred to the plant operators.
However, the custodial duties of this position are still required
on a part -time basis.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
WHEREAS, the Chief Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and
the City Engineer agree that the full -time Maintainer position
should be eliminated and replaced with a part -time Custodial
Worker, and
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BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission has already approved this
change; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Wastewater Treatment
Plant be amended as follows:
Delete one (1) Maintainer - 40 hours /week ($10.55 hour)
Add one (1) Custodial Worker - 20 hours /week ($8.00 hour)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That Ernest Gray be appointed to the position of Part -
time Custodial Worker at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at an
hourly rate of $8.00, effective May 7, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
Award of Contract for Annual Chemical Requirements
Bids were received on April 18, 1990 for furnishing the annual
chemical requirements for the Water Filter Plant and Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the bid for Item 1, Primary Coagulant, from Faesy
and Besthoff, Inc. be rejected as not meeting specifications, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the contracts be awarded as follows:
Item
1)
Primary Coagulant
- American Cyanamid Co.
Item
Item
2)
3)
Filter Aid
Liquid Caustic Soda
- O'Brien Industries Inc.
Item
4)
Coagulant Aid
- Monarch Chemicals
American Cyanamid Co.
Item
5)
Potassium Permanganate
- Monarch Chemicals
Item
6)
Liquid Chloride
- Nyclor Inc.
Item
7)
Pebble Line
- Bellefonte Lime Co.
Item
8)
Ferric Chloride
- Monarch Chemicals
Item
9)
Ferrous Sulfate
- Waste Stream
Item
10)
Sulfer Dioxide
Environmental
Item
11)
Sodium Hypochlorite
- Monarch Chemicals
- Monarch Chemicals
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague
RESOLVED, That the bills listed on -the following Abstract be
approved for payment:
Abstract #8
General Fund.. • ....................$ 78,925.08
Water and Sewer Fund ................ 0.00
Joint Activity Fund ....................•• 13,862.72
Capital Projects .........................` 48,310.28
Abstract #68
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment'Fac. Cap. Projects..$ 21,766.11
and be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
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BPW Minutes
April 25, 1990
Expungement of License Fee Bill for Farmers Market
An incorrect bill was issued to the Ithaca Farmers Market for
occupying City land at DeWitt Park. This bill was formulated
without the increased meter rates and a new bill is in the
process of being issued.
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, That bill #2662 issued to the Ithaca Farmers Market in
the amount of $431.36 be expunged.
Carried Unanimously
r C ��
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
BenjamiA Nichols
Mayor
329
Commissioner Berg
gave a report
on the current parking study
being conducted in
the 3rd and 4th Wards. A
public discussion
regarding the new
parking. scheme
will be held
tonight at the
Bryant Park Civic
Assoc. meeting
at the Belle
Sherman Annex at
(�
7:30 pm. This parking scheme is
expected to
be implemented by
0
August 1, 1990 for
a six month trial
period.
ADJOURNMENT: .
CO
On a motion the meeting adjourned
at 5:50 pm.
d
r C ��
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
BenjamiA Nichols
Mayor
329