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-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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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'"$72,500.
Discussion followed on the floor
Cox and Seconded by Commissioner
to next week's Committee of the
will have Power to Act.
On a motion by Commissioner
Connor this motion was referred
Whole meeting where the Board
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May 23, 1990
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following abstract be approved
for - payment:
Abstract #10
General Fund . ..............................$ 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.
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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