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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-05-230 m Q -BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 pm May 23, 1990 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (5) Connor, Reeves, Berg, Cox, Sprague OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Acting Asst. Superintendent of Public Works - Carpenter City Engineer - Gray City Attorney - Guttman Council Liaison - Blanchard Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Deputy City Controller - Thayer Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor - Ferrell Engineering Technician - Hebdon EXCUSED: Commissioner Cannon PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. 1990 Board of Pub Meeting By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 25, 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of Minutes of the May 9, 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 9, 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 1&LL1- 1 --LUVO 1-u Un "Lzr rxuRb rtcuM •rn� AGhNUA: Communications and Hearings of Persons Before Board Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item B - Time Extension for Sidewalk Repairs - Resolution. No Board member objected. Highway Items• Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item C - Award of Contract for City Sidewalk Construction - Resolution. No Board member objected. Solid Waste Items: Commissioner Connor requested the addition of Item B - City of Ithaca Trash -tag Program - Resolution. No Board member objected. Water and Sewer Items: Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item B - Award of Contract for installation of a Bolted Steel Tank at Haller Blvd - Resolution. No Board member objected. 339 340 2 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Nichols reported that he has sent a letter to Consulting Engineer MacNeil requesting that the radius of the curve at Pearsall Place /Grandview Avenue be 15 feet or the present radius, whichever is larger. Mr. MacNeil stated that he would accept this change and will approve the plans. Mayor Nichols also stated that he has appointed a sub - committee that will address issues involving traffic enforcement on Hudson Street. This committee will prepare a traffic enforcement proposal for the Board's consideration. Commissioner Berg is the Chair of this committee and other members include Commissioner Sprague, Superintendent Thadani, Police Chief McEwen and Planning and Development Director VanCort. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD: Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing for Sidewalk Assessments be opened. Carried Unanimously Tsvi Bokaer addressed the Board regarding his property on West State Street. Mr. Bokaer expressed his feelings that the City does not give people enough time to have their sidewalks repaired. He feels that one month is not enough time for most people to find a contractor and to raise the money needed to repair their sidewalks. He also added that the notices appear to give residents an ultimatum and should be revised. Mr. Bokaer requested an extension on his assessment. City Engineer Gray stated that the Board has addressed this issue before and that there are legal ramifications in extending sidewalk assessment notices too far. He explained that once the City has provided a notice of defects, repairs have to be made within a certain time limit or the City can be held liable if something happens on that property. Commissioner Sprague stated that he would like to see the notices rewritten so that the procedures are thoroughly explained. Commissioner Berg concurred with Commissioner Sprague and added that he would like to see residents have two months to repair their sidewalks instead of one. Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing on Sidewalk Assessments be closed. Carried Unanimously Time Extension for Sidewalk Repairs Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held by the Board of Public Works on May 23, 1990 to afford property owners an opportunity to show cause why they should not comply with a notice to repair condemned sidewalks before June ?3, 1990; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to cause the repairs of said sidewalks remaining in a condemnable condition after July 15, 1990 and upon completion of said repairs, certify the cost thereof to this Board for levy against the respective property owner as provided by the City of Ithaca Charter. Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Connor suggested 341 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 that the property owners be notified of this change. City Engineer Gray stated that they would place a box ad in the Ithaca Journal. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Lucia Beer, Coordinator of the Senior Citizens Center thanked the Board for approving their request for a Block Party that will be held on June 1, 1990. Ms. Beer requested permission to hang a publicity banner over the North end of Geneva Street in conjunction with the party. She stated that it would be hung high enough for the vehicles to pass under but not too high so that it would be near any electrical wires. Ms. Beer would like the banner to be hung tomorrow and would remain there for one (y) week. Ms. Beer was directed to work out the specific details 0 with the Superintendent's office and the Fire Department. Anna Steinkraus, President of the Ithaca Farmers Market gave the Board a brief update of what is going on with the Market. The m Market has received a $50,000 matching funds grant from the New Q York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for construction. Construction has started and is going well. She noted that there has been much confusion over the new fee schedule and wanted to clarify it for the Board. A $300. lifetime membership fee has been established for all market members. Payment schedules are available to those who need it. If a member leaves the market, $100. of this fee will be returned to them. The annual active fee'has gone up to $25. and the daily selling fee is $12. for a full stall on Saturdays and $7. on Tuesdays. Reserved spot fees have remained the same. The current ratios for the Market are 60% agricultural, 20% crafts and 20% baked goods. There is a waiting list for the craft and baked goods division. Ms. Steinkraus stated that the Tuesday market has started but is a little slower than the Saturday market due to parking problems. Mayor Nichols informed Ms. Steinkraus that the Board will be addressing George Sheldon's request for an additional market at DeWitt Park next week at the Committee of the Whole meeting and she was welcome to attend to offer her input. Harold Hodes of 102 Treva Avenue requested permission from the Board to construct a fence on City property which runs alongside his own property. City Attorney Guttman noted that many issues would have to be considered but felt that the City could issue a revokable permit pursuant to the Board's approval. Mr. Hodes was instructed to contact the City Attorney's office to discuss this matter further. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Council Liaison Blanchard noted that the West Hill Civic Association supports the idea of having the Willow Avenue Recycling Center open on the weekends. She also reported that the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council is working on an exemption policy for landfill fees for clean -up projects sponsored by non - profit groups but not for municipalities. She suggested that anyone that is interested in more details contact the Environmental Management Council. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent Thadani reported on the following: Recycling Center The Recycling. Center will be open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for a trial basis. Volunteer supervision will be provided. 342 4 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 A letter has been sent to the NYS Department of Transportation regarding placing signs on Route 13 to direct people to the Center. Trash Tags The new half -tags should be available by the end of the week. The Chamberlain's office will be handling publicity and other details. GIAC Asbestos Removal Asbestos removal in the GIAC building will be postponed until their summer programs are over. Vacant Positions Gorge Ranger The Gorge Ranger and Park Ranger positions have not been filled as no qualified applications have been received. City Electrician City Electrician Jack Brooks is retiring at the end of the month and applications are being requested so the position can be filled. Assistant Superintendent Nine applications, that meet the minimum requirements, have been received for the Assistant Superintendent position. Superintendent Thadani will review the applications and select 3- 5 candidates. A Search Committee will be established to narrow down the candidates to 2 or 3 and the Superintendent will make the final selection. REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER: Thurston Avenue Bridge The Thurston Avenue bridge will be closed on June 11, 1990 until mid - October due to the reconstruction project. Cornell Street Water Tank The bids are in for the Cornell Street water tank. The work should be completed within a few months. City Engineer Gray stated that work was proceeding on the following projects: Third Street Industrial Park Meadow Street Widening Project Hudson Street Reconstruction Project Fire Station Construction Signalization Study REPORT OF THE ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported on the following: City Pools The swimming pools at Cass Park and GIAC are being repaired in preparation for the summer season. w Third Street Gravel Basing Work on the Third Street gravel basing project is progressing although there have been weather related delays. Paint Booth . Sprinkler heads are being installed in the paint booth. It should be operational next week. 343 5 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 Ithaca Transit Ithaca Transit has won an International Safety Achievement Award for 1989. There were .111 other systems in the United States and Canada competing for this award. Joint Transit Facility The Request for Proposal that has been prepared by the County for the Joint Transit Facility will be going out next week. There will be a meeting on June 1, 1990 at Cornell University from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to draft a joint agreement. Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter also reported that the following projects have been completed: City Tree Plantings (� Police Station Lobby Remodeling O Street Cleaning BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS: Award of Contract for Riding Broom Sweeper CD Bids were received on May 16, 1990 for furnishing one Riding Q Broom Sweeper. Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one Riding Broom Sweeper be awarded to Tennant Company of Pennsauken, New Jersey for their bid of $19,097.22, the lowest bid meeting specifications. Discussion followed on the floor regarding bids that were received. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously HIGHWAY ITEMS• Formation of Committee to Review Public Involvement Procedure for The Board of Public Works, reviewed a proposed procedure from Alderperson Blanchard outlining a systematic plan to advance the Elm Street project. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Berg WHEREAS, the Board concurs that there is a need to establish procedural guidelines which could be followed for all street reconstruction projects and other major capital projects to help prevent confusion and delays that are currently being experienced; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works recommends that the Mayor appoint a committee to review, study and propose a written procedure for street reconstruction projects, and, be it further RESOLVED, That this committee consist of two members from the Board of Public Works, two members from Common Council and two members from City staff. Carried Unanimously Request _to close _Cleveland Avenue for Communitv Festival A request was received from the Committee for the Preservation of Juneteenth to block off Cleveland Avenue from Corn Street to Plain Street on Saturday, June 16, 1990 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. This is to celebrate Juneteenth, an emancipation related Black Holiday celebrated in Black Communities throughout America. 344 0 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, this Committee has canvassed the residents in this neighborhood and has received their support for the blocking off of Cleveland Avenue for this festival, and WHEREAS, this Committee has agreed to take care of the clean up and disposal of trash after this festival, and WHEREAS, this - Committee will also obtain the necessary permit for amplified sound from the Mayor's office, vendor and assembly permits from the Police Department and food vendor permits from the Tompkins County Health Department; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves this request and directs staff to provide the necessary barricades for blocking off this street on June 16, 1990. Discussion followed on the floor. Staff was directed to place "No Parking" signs on that section of the street on the evening of June 15, 1990. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for City Sidewalk Construction Bids were received on May 21, 1990 for work under the City contract program. Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That the contract for sidewalk construction be awarded to Edger Contracting of Elmira for their low unit bid of $61,515. based upon engineer's estimate and unit prices with the awarded contract to be $55,000. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: r-ormarion of Ad -Hoc Committee to Review Parking Management Possibilities The City of Ithaca has spent much time investigating and studying the parking and traffic situations in the City, the most recent being a downtown parking study prepared by Rich and Associates. Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, the Board feels there are many alternatives and possibilities to consider regarding the current parking situation, and WHEREAS, one solution to some of the current parking problems could be the establishment of a Parking Management Officer; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of discussion and options need t committee consisting of two Works, two members from Common of Public Works staff, the Downtown Ithaca, Inc., and Merchants Association, and, be public Works agrees that further o be addressed by an ad -hoc parking members from the Board of Public Council, three from the Department Police Chief, two members from one member from the Collegetown it further RESOLVED, That this committee's mission shall be to thoroughly investigate, study and review the justification for a possible 345 7 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 "Parking Management Officer ", and if justification is met, then to evaluate the current organizational structure of departments within the City to find the most appropriate funding and location of such a position, or if such' a position requires a totally separate entity within the City. Discussion followed on the floor. On a motion by Commissioner Connor and Seconded by Commissioner Sprague the resolution was referred to the Committee of the Whole. CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS: Request to amend 1990 Budget for Purchase of Air Breathing Pump During a recent safety inspection by New York State Department of (� Labor, Division of Safety and Health, the Department of Public 0 Works Bridge Crew was informed that they were not in compliance with OSHA standards when sandblasting. To bring the bridge -� program into compliance, the purchase of an Air Breathing Pump is required but not included in the 1990 budget. Q Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board wants to ensure that. the bridge maintenance program is in compliance with OSHA standards and to protect the safety of the Department's employees; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the amendment of the 1990 budget to include the purchase of one Air Breathing Pump and refers this request to the Budget and Administration Committee for their consideration. Carried Unanimously SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Recycling Center on Route 13 The Recycling Center on Route 13 is currently open from Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. These hours do not seem to be sufficient to many residents and the Board of Public Works is interested in expanding the current hours. Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner WHEREAS, the Board would like to have the Center opened but not staffed on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for a trial period; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to investigate the possibility of expanding the hours of the Recycling Center to include weekends for a trial period to begin May 26, 1990 and ending June 10, 1990. Discussion followed on the floor. On a motion by Commissioner Reeves and Seconded by Commissioner Berg further discussion on this matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously City of Ithaca Trash -tag Program Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cox WHEREAS, due to a mandate from Tompkins County for a fee per container charge to help alleviate the landfill problems the County is currently experiencing, the City of Ithaca enacted a "trash -tag" program on March 1, 1990 for efficient and effective disposal of trash and to help encourage recycling, and 34 () N] BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 WHEREAS, this system has been established and enforced according to the guidelines set forth in Chapter 272 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Board of Public Works Rules and Regulations, entitled "Garbage, Trash and Weeds "; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works reaffirms the establishment of the "trash -tag" program for trash removal in the City of Ithaca with an expiration date of December 31, 1990, and be it further RESOLVED, That in conjunction with Chapter 272.1 (B) of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, entitled, "Authority of the Superintendent of Public Works ", the Board reaffirms the designation of the Superintendent of Public Works as their representative in negotiation, establishment and enforcement of this "trash -tag" program, as well as the specific terms described within said paragraph, and be it further RESOLVED, That service charges for residents not complying with the "trash -tag" program be assessed according to the schedule set forth in Chapter 272 Section 9, Collection Regulations, Paragraph D, "Service Charges ". Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Award of Contract for Removal and Disposal of Water Tank at Haller Boulevard Bids were received on May 14, 1990 for removal and disposal of the water tank at Haller Boulevard. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the contract for removal and disposal of the water tank at Haller Boulevard be awarded to Crispell Construction of Richford for their low bid of $2,897. Discussion followed on the bids that were received. A vote on the Resolution resulted'as follows: Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Installation of a Bolted Steel Tank at Haller Boulevard Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, the City received bids for a new factory- coated steel bolted tank for water storage to be installed at Haller Boulevard on May 21, 1990 and these have been reviewed by the Engineering Office, and WHEREAS, an economical analysis determined that it is more advantageous to use a glass -lined tank as opposed to a factory - coated epoxy tank; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the contract for installation of a glass -lined bolted steel tank at Haller Boulevard be awarded to J. Andrew Lange, Inc. for their low bid of'"$72,500. Discussion followed on the floor Cox and Seconded by Commissioner to next week's Committee of the will have Power to Act. On a motion by Commissioner Connor this motion was referred Whole meeting where the Board 347 9 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved for - payment: Abstract #10 General Fund . ..............................$ 75,272.48 Water and Sewer Fund ....................... 18,317.94 Joint Activity Fund ........................ 49,636.72 Capital Projects ........................... 118,033.39 and, be it further M RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. 0 Carried Unanimously D REPORT OF BOARD LIAISONS: CO Commissioner Cox, Liaison to the Youth Bureau Board reported that Q they endorse the notion of a skateboard park. They will be looking into the economical feasibility of such a park in the near future. Commissioner Cox added that the Youth Bureau Board will be submitting three Capital Projects for the 1991 budget. 1.) Possible extension of the Cass Park Lobby (due to overcrowding) 2.) Enclosure of the ends of the Cass Park Ice Rink 3.) Renovations to the Youth Bureau Building Commissioner Sprague, Liaison to the Hydropower Commission, reported that the Commission has recommended that the City surrender their hydropower license and rely on the designation of a recreational river through the Department of Environmental Conservation. Another determining factor was the fact that the City would not show a profit for 16 -19 years should a hydropower plant be built. Commissioner Connor, Liaison to the Interim Parks Commission, reported that a sub - committee has been established to draft the proposal for the actual Parks Commission. Another topic currently under discussion is the Stewart Park entrance paving project. Superintendent Thadani stated that this will most likely be started this fall. Commissioner Berg, Liaison to the Planning Board, stated that the Planning Department will have a summer student working with them on neighborhood planning issues. The department will also have a permanent Planner starting work on June 15, 1990. Commissioner Cox, of the East Hill Parking Study Committee noted that there will be an informational meeting on May 24, 1990 at 7:30 pm at Belle Sherman Elementary School. NEW BUSINESS: Council Liaison Blanchard requested that discussion regarding the Cornell University parking lot at East Hill Plaza, be placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda. She stated that construction of this parking lot has been indefinitely postponed. She further added that it was in the City's best interest to have this lot completed especially in view of the current East Hill parking problems. 34g 10 BPW Minutes May 23, 1990 Commissioner Reeves stated that David Stewart of Cornell University asked her if the Board would be willing to support Cornell University for this "park- and - ride" lot. She affirmed that this item will be placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda and that Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter will also present the results from the Cornell University students' transit study. Council Liaison Blanchard also reported that the tour of the Commons went well. She and Alderperson Schroeder are composing a picture board and they will be drafting a Capital Project submission. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm. C- Julie C. Boyle Deputy City Clerk Benjamin Nichols Mayor