HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-05-09331
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:00 pm May 9, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayon Nichols
Commissioners (6) - Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Berg, Cox, Sprague
r
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
City Engineer - Gray
Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor - Ferrell
City Attorney - Guttman
Council Liaison - Blanchard
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Commons Coordinator - Deming
Deputy Planning & Development Director - Mazzarella
O Alderperson Daley
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 April 25, 1990 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That approval of the Minutes of the April 25, 1990
Board of Public Works meeting be postponed until the May 23, 1990
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item B - Merry -go-
round at Stewart Park - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Water and Sewer Items
Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item A Award of
Contract for Rehabilitation of the Cornell Street Tanks and
Budget adjustment - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Report of Special Committees
Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item C - Approval
of Payment of Fire Station Construction and Inspection -
Resolution.
No Board member objected.
New Business
City Engineer Gray requested the addition of Item A - City
Engineer's budget - Personnel - Discussion.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols reported that there will be a public information
meeting tomorrow, May 10, 1990 at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers
regarding the Hudson Street project.
c
3 3 21
2 BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
COMMUNICATIONS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD:
Vincent Fuchs of Willseyville addressed the Board regarding
traffic problems at the corner of Campus Road and Stewart Avenue.
He requested that the City place signs around the intersection
indicating danger.
Mr. Fuchs also expressed an interest in seeing a parking facility
built in the East Hill Plaza.
George Sheldon of Lansing addressed the Board concerning his
desire to form an outside Market, consisting of six vendors that
would set up business on Saturday mornings, from 8:00 am to 2:00
pm in DeWitt Park. The merchandise would be all home grown or
homemade items, 60% of it would be produce and 40% of it would be
crafts or prepared foods. Mr. Sheldon felt this would help the
downtown business area and would not compete with the Farmers
Market. on a motion by Commissioner Berg and Seconded by
Commissioner Connor this matter was referred to the Committee of
the Whole meeting of May 16, 1990.
John Schwartz of the South Hill Civic Association expressed his
desire to see the compromise that the Civic Association and the
Mayor's office worked out upheld by the Board of Public Works.
He stated that the Civic Association has tried to weigh their
concerns over the safety and future of their neighborhood with
the existing constraints, money being one of them. He feels
however, that these costs should be weighed against the worth of
the neighborhood and the lives of the people that live there.
Gregory Rolle presented the Board with a petition from the
Committee for the Preservation of Juneteenth. The petition
requests that Cleveland Avenue, from Corn Street to Plain
Street, be blocked off on June 16, 1990 between the hours of
10:00 am to 9:00 pm for a community festival celebrating
Juneteenth, a Black Holiday. Mr. Rolle stated that live
entertainment, speakers and refreshments are scheduled to occur.
He further stated that the Committee would be responsible for
clean up and trash disposal as well as enforcing crowd control
and capacity limits. Commissioner Cox suggested that this
Committee take a poll of the neighborhood so the.neighbors would
be informed of this festival and would have a chance to express
their opinions regarding it. Mr. Rolle stated that he has people
doing that now and will present the results next week. On a
motion made by Commissioner Cannon and Seconded by Commissioner
Berg this matter was referred to the next Committee of the Whole
meeting.
David Kacsur of 320 Hillview Place addressed the Board to request
permission to have a family picnic in the park next to his house
on Saturday, May 19, 1990 to celebrate his graduation from Ithaca
College. City Attorney Guttman noted that there may be
restrictions on the use of alcohol in this park. Mr. Kacsur was
advised to contact the City Attorney's office to discuss this
matter further.
Paul Sayvetz of 201 Elm Street stated that the Green Party was in
favor of the installation of sidewalks on Elmira Road.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON:
Alderperson Blanchard reported on the following:
There will be a walking tour of the Commons on Tuesday, May 15,
1990 at 10:00 am. Alderpersons Blanchard and Cummings along with
Commons Coordinator Jean Deming, Michael Cannon, Jim Miller and
Jon Meigs will be taking pictures and talking to merchants about
refurbishing the Commons. Anyone who wishes to attend should
meet at City Hall.
333
3
BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
Common Council was not in favor of the free Sunday parking
resolution the Board passed regarding the Dryden Road parking
garage. They would like the Board to seriously consider this
matter before making it a permanent action.
REPQRT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported on the following:
Trash Tags
The City has ordered 5,000 sheets of "half- tags ". They will be
light peach in color and the wording will say "City of Ithaca
Authorized Trash Hauler, Weight Limit 17 1/2 lbs., $.3511. They
should be ready in two weeks.
Thurston Avenue Bridge
There was a meeting this morning regarding the proposed traffic
detour route for the Thurston Avenue Bridge reconstruction.
Representatives from the Fire and Police Departments, Cornell
0 University, Cayuga Heights and the Town of Ithaca were present.
(�- If anyone has comments on this detour they should submit them to
-� the Superintendent's office by Monday morning.
CO 3rd and 4th Ward Parking Study
Q Work on the parking study in the 3rd and 4th Wards is ongoing.
Alderpersons Booth and Johnson will be holding a Public
Information meeting and Presentation on May 24, 1990 at 7:30 pm
at Belle Sherman Elementary School.
Court Facilities
Alderperson Cummings had suggested that the City look into the
land next to the Police station that is owned by Roy Parks as an
alternative to the other City Court site. Mr. Parks however, is
concerned with the possible undermining of the embankment on that
property should the court facilities be built there. The City
will research these concerns further.
Central Business District Parking Study
The Committee working on the CBD parking study is working on a
job description for a Parking Manager.
Northside Consolidation
Work on the Northside Consolidation is progressing. The study
that Trowbridge and Associates is conducting should be-completed
in 2 -4 weeks.
Fire Station Tour
The tour of the new Fire Stations will be held on Saturday, May
12, 1990.
Recycling Center Grand Opening
The grand opening of the recycling center on the Willow Avenue
site went very well. Seven dumpsters have been installed to
collect glass, plastic, newspaper, cardboard and cans. The
County has requested that the center be manned during the hours
it is open. The City will be looking for volunteer help through
the RSVP program and others like it. Commissioner Reeves
suggested that the center be open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Commissioner Berg suggested that signs be placed on Route 13
directing people to the center.
REPORT OF THE ACTING FACILITIES MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR:
Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Ferrell reported on the
following:
Street Maintenance
The list of streets that will worked on this year has been
completed. The stone and oil work will be subcontracted and a
memo will be sent to residents a few days before the work is
scheduled to begin.
334
a]
BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
Third Street
The gravel basing project on Third Street is progressing. NYSEG
is laying a gas main now and the curb work and backfilling will
begin next week.
Storm Sewers
A storm sewer crew is working on the 600 block of E. Buffalo
Street and Sunrise and Hector Streets.
Cascadilla Wall
Work on the Cascadilla Creek wall will be completed this week.
Street Cleaninq
The ten week street cleaning process will be completed next week.
Striping Alternatives
A handout was distributed with the various prices of striping
alternatives. It was the consensus that the process we use now
is the most cost effective. Road striping will begin this week
with the center lines and critical cross walks being completed
first.
Stewart Park
The plantings at Stewart Park have been completed and work on the
park entrance will begin tomorrow.
Hall of Justice
The lobby remodeling at the Hall of Justice is nearly completed.
Youth Bureau
Sprinkler heads and smoke detectors are being installed in the
Youth Bureau building.
Commons
Flower planting on the Commons will start on Monday.
REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER:
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Fire Stations
Work on the Fire Stations is proceeding. They can be occupied in
mid -June. Work on the Central Fire Station will probably run a
month longer due to complications with the communications
equipment.
Route 13
Work on the Route 13 road widening project is ongoing. Manholes
will be rebuilt by City crews in conjgction with this project.
Cornell Summer Students
The Engineer's office has many good applicants for the summer
positions available. The rate of pay has been changed for this
year.
Water Tanks
The bids have been returned for the painting of the Cornell
Street water tank. Two bids are out for the demolition of-the
old Haller Blvd. tank and one bid is out for the replacement of
that tank. ,
r
State Aid to Local Bridge Program
The bridge grant has passed through all of the Committees it was
required to. The money will be used for projects to be started
next year.
O
m
5 BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
HIGHWAY ITEMS:
Establishment of Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That May 23, 1990 at 4:40 pm be established as the date
for a public hearing on sidewalks, at which time the owners of
property receiving a notice will be given the opportunity to show
cause before the Board of Public Works why the sidewalk abutting
their premises should not be repaired by the City at the owner's
expense and the expense thereof collected in accordance with
Section 5.30 of the City Charter.
Discussion followed on the floor. Mayor Nichols requested that
the minutes reflect that this public hearing is for sidewalk
assessments in the downtown area, specifically State, Seneca and
Green Streets.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request to block off part of Geneva Street for Block Party
A request was received from the Tompkins County Senior Citizens
Council to block off part of South Geneva Street for the purpose
of a block party on June 1, 1990.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed this request and received
overwhelming approval from the neighborhood in regard to the
block party, and
WHEREAS, access to McGraw House will still be possible; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the request to block off South Geneva Street from
number 213 northerly to Green Street on Friday, June 1, 1990 from
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm be granted, and staff will provide the
barricades for this purpose.
Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Cannon requested
that "No Parking signs" be placed on that part of the street the
night before the party.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Establishment of City Forester Position
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
WHEREAS, Chapter 67 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
entitled, "Protection and Maintenance of Trees and Shrubs on City
Property" also known as the "City Tree Ordinance" authorizes the
position of City Forester to be established within the Department
of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, this position is of extreme importance in administering
and enforcing the City of Ithaca Shade Tree Ordinance; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works establishes the position
of City Forester at a salary range of $32,244 - $40,702, that
being Grade 2 of the City of Ithaca Executive Unit, pending the
approval of the Civil Service Commission, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works passes this
recommendation onto the Budget and Administration Committee of
Common Council for their consideration.
Carried Unanimously
335
336
G
BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
Merry -go -round at Stewart Park
Mr. Montgomery May has operated the merry -go -round at Stewart
Park under a license agreement since 1983.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
WHEREAS, the merry -go -round at Stewart Park has been, and
continues to be a very important attraction, and
WHEREAS, Mr. May has done much rehabilitation to the merry -go-
round in the past 7 years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves a license
agreement between Mr. May and the City of Ithaca for operation of
the merry -go -round for a three year period at the minimum license
fee of $50.00 per year, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Mr. May provide the City with an insurance
certificate in the amount of $500,000 naming the City as also
insured, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the
Superintendent to issue said permit to Mr. Montgomery May under
the terms and conditions necessary for the safe operation and
maintenance of the merry -go- round.
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Award of Contract for Rehabilitation of the Cornell Street Tank
and Budget Ad-i ustment
The City had planned to paint and repair both Cornell Street and
Oakwood Avenue water tanks this year. The Oakwood tank cannot be
done until the Haller Boulevard tank is replaced. The Haller
Boulevard tank was taken out of service last summer due to its
poor structural condition and this has resulted in water pressure
problems (low pressure) in the adjacent area. Bids have been
requested to remove and dispose of the existing Haller Boulevard
tank. Bids have been requested to install a bolted steel tank on
the existing foundation.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
WHEREAS, the City received bids for the rehabilitation of the
Cornell Street Water Tank on May 7, 1990 and these have been
reviewed by the Engineer's office; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the low bid of $77,710. be rejected as not
complying with the bid requirements of bid item breakdown and
bonding and the contract be awarded to Allied Coatings for their
bid of $85,300., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Budget
and Administration Committee amend the 1990 Budget for Standpipe
Maintenance (F17- 8344.475) from $120,000 to $200,000 to allow for
the replacement of the Haller Boulevard tank and that the source
of funds shall be the fund balance of the Water Fund.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the bids.
A vote on the Resolution resulted 'as follows:
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
337
VA
Abstract #9
General Fund...... .....................$ 53,045.54
Water and Sewer Fund. 161090.04
Joint Activity Fund ...................... 0.00
Capital Projects ......................... 25,178.08
and, be it further
BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
Personnel Item - Employee Incentive Award for Pete Albertsman
The Board of Public Works has reviewed a request from Richard
Ferrel, Motor Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, to increase the
salary of Pete Albertsman, Parts and Supply Manager, by 8%
according to the clause in the 1990 Administrative Contract,
based on employee performance, productivity, responsibility and
O length of service.
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
m WHEREAS, the duties and responsibilities of the Parts and Supply
Q Manager have steadily increased over the years, evolving from
being a basic parts storage into what is currently a central
stores warehouse, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Albertsman's initiative and skills has helped make
this a successful operation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works establishes the salary
of Peter Albertsman, Parts and Supply Manager, at $23,032, that
being an 8% increase, in accordance with the 1990 Administrative
Contract.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Payment of Fire Station Construction and Inspection
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
WHEREAS, the regularly scheduled Fire Station Oversight Committee
meeting of May 7, 1990 was cancelled and has been rescheduled for
May 14, 1990, and
WHEREAS, regular monthly payment requests for construction and
inspection have been approved by the Architect and submitted to
the City Engineer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works approves payment of the
following pay requests:
Bear Electric .........................$ 16,645.90
J.L. Lewis ............................ 9,779.00
McGuire & Bennett ..................... 22,407.30
S &S Mechanical ........................ 11,495.00
Egner & Associates .................... 21400.00
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Commissioner Sprague expressed his opinion that the Hudson Street
project should be built according to the existing design.
On a motion by Commissioner Cannon and Seconded by Commissioner
Cox the Committee of the Whole will have Power to Act on the
Hudson Street issue at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May
16, 1990.
338
0
NEW BUSINESS:
BPW Minutes
May 9, 1990
City Engineer Gray notified the Board that funds will be
transferred from an unused salary line item in his budget to the
100 line item to accommodate the hiring of two Cornell
University summer students for 12 weeks.
ADJOURNMENT: .
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
Deputy Planning and Development Director Mazzarella stayed to
explain the Central Business District Parking Study to the Board
members who were not familiar with the project.
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
t
Benjamih Nichols
Mayor