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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. 3zz 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. 323 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. 324 4 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. 325 5 BPW Minutes 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 326 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 327 7 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 328 UP 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 9 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