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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-06-13349 -BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 pm June 13, 1990 PRESENT: - Mayor Nichols Commissioners (6) - Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Berg, Cox, Sprague ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Highway Items Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item C- Encroachment request for 301 South Corn Street - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item A - Ithaca Green Market at DeWitt Park - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Solid Waste Items Commissioner Connor requested the addition of Item A - Recycling Drop off Center - Weekend Operation - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Water and Sewer Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item C - Award of Contract for Portable Air Compressor - Resolution and Item D- Award of Contract for Removal and Disposal of Water Tank at Haller Boulevard - Resolution. No Board Member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Nichols entered into the record a petition he received from South Hill residents which reads as follows: "We, as residents of Hudson Street and its immediate vicinity, wish to commend the City Forester and the Shade Tree Commission for their hard work in developing a Comprehensive Relandscaping Plan for the Hudson Street area. The process of developing this OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Acting Asst. Superintendent of Public Works - Carpenter City Engineer - Gray Asst. City Attorney - Kennedy Council Liaison - Blanchard Deputy City Clerk - Boyle Deputy City Controller - Thayer Alderperson Golder O PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the .� American Flag. CD APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Q Approval of Minutes of the May 23., 1990 Board of Public Works Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 23, 1990 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Highway Items Commissioner Sprague requested the addition of Item C- Encroachment request for 301 South Corn Street - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Creeks, Bridges and Parks Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item A - Ithaca Green Market at DeWitt Park - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Solid Waste Items Commissioner Connor requested the addition of Item A - Recycling Drop off Center - Weekend Operation - Resolution. No Board Member objected. Water and Sewer Items Commissioner Cox requested the addition of Item C - Award of Contract for Portable Air Compressor - Resolution and Item D- Award of Contract for Removal and Disposal of Water Tank at Haller Boulevard - Resolution. No Board Member objected. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Nichols entered into the record a petition he received from South Hill residents which reads as follows: "We, as residents of Hudson Street and its immediate vicinity, wish to commend the City Forester and the Shade Tree Commission for their hard work in developing a Comprehensive Relandscaping Plan for the Hudson Street area. The process of developing this 350 2 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 plan, which included a group slide presentation on vegetation appropriate for our area, followed by a series of block -by -block walk - throughs with residents of the street, was extremely successful. Input and communication flowed smoothly in both directions and have resulted in a plan that we are very happy with and of which we truly feel a part. We are confident that the plan will indeed substantially mitigate the negative effects of the Hudson Street Reconstruction Project on our neighborhood, as was its intent. We thank the Mayor, Common Council, B.P.W., and D.P.W. for their support of this plan. It has gone, and will continue to go, a long way in restoring a sense of trust and cooperation between our neighborhood and the city. Therefore, we the undersigned urge you to approve this Comprehensive Relandscaping Plan for the Hudson Street area." This petition contained 49 signatures. Further discussion on the Hudson Street Relandscaping Plan was referred to the Committee of the Whole. COMMUNICATIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE BOARD: The following people spoke in favor of continuing the free parking on Sundays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Dryden Road Parking Garage: John Taylor, 201 DeWitt Place Neil Golder, 4th Ward Alderperson Jay Menninger, President of Collegetown Merchants Association Guy Gerard, 4th Ward Resident Alderperson Blanchard read for the record a letter from Alderperson Romanowski: "Board of Public Works; Mr. Hugh Hall of 112 Third Street called me this week to inform me of a problem with his water bill. Copies of the bill and correspondence are enclosed. Apparently, the New York State Electric and Gas workmen, taking part in the rebuilding of Third Street damaged Mr. Hall's water service. The foreman from NYSEG, Mr. Martin J. DeSanto, spoke to Mrs. Hall about the damage and left his card with her. He also informed her that NYSEG has a reciprocal agreement with the City to repair damage to either utility's equipment on a job such as the Third Street rebuild. Mr. Hall found out differently. He is now being billed for repair of damage, which he says was caused by NYSEG. He has already called Bill Gray and was told that he is responsible for this bill, even though he is blameless. I would appreciate it if the Board of Public Works investigated this bill and if the facts are as stated by Mr. Hall, to not require Mr. Hall to pay for it." on a motion by Commissioner Cox and Seconded by Commissioner Connor the matter was referred to the Water and Sewer Committee, of the Board of Public Works ' to be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Alderperson Blanchard also reported on a letter she received from Mrs. Virginia Leonard of 215 Cliff Street. She stated that there is a vacant lot on 217 Cliff Street, next to the Leonard home, that used to have a house on it, but the house has been removed and all that is left is an open basement. The lawn on this lot 351 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 is in disrepair. Mrs. Leonard requested that the owners of the property be required to maintain this lot. This matter was referred to the Building Department. Alderperson Golder addressed the Board regarding a complaint he received from Mr. Shadick on Cascadilla Park Road. Mr. Shadick stated that the road drains onto his garden when it rains and would like the City to construct a three foot long curb along the road to prevent this. This matter was referred to the Engineer's Office. Guy Gerard, a Fourth Ward resident addressed the Board regarding the establishment of an ad -hoc committee to review parking (� management possibilities. Mr. Gerard feels that parking facility users as well as neighborhood residents should be appointed to this committee to offer their input. m REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Q Assistant City Attorney Kennedy requested that the Board of Public Works consider hearing towing complaints. Currently, the City Attorney's office is hearing these complaints which causes a conflict of interest if the complainants disagree with the decision of the City Attorney. This matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion. REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISON: Council Liaison Blanchard reported on the following: Traffic Enforcement Officer The Budget and Administration Committee has discussed the idea of a Traffic Enforcement Officer and will be considering it further in September when the Police Department's budget has been submitted. The Budget and Administration Committee will request the Board's comments and suggestions in September. Zoning Amendment Common Council is considering amending the zoning ordinance in regards to off street parking. The proposed change would repeal a footnote in the ordinance which reads "In the case of rental dwelling units, the required number of parking spaces must be provided by the owner, without additional charge to the tenant." Common Council has referred this matter to the Parking and Traffic Committee of the Board of Public Works for further discussion. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent Thadani reported on the following: Gorge Ranger The Gorge Ranger position has been filled. The Park Ranger position is still vacant however, and will be re- advertised. DPW Consolidation The City has received reports from Trowbridge and Associates regarding the consolidation of DPW facilities. There will be significant impacts on the Department of Public Works and the Transit facility that are intended to be located on this site. Board members who are interested in reviewing this study further should arrange a time to meet with staff. Recycling Center Discussions have been held with the County regarding the problems that have occurred at the Willow Avenue drop -off center. 352 4 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 Southside Community Center Board members and staff of the Southside Center are interested in having an architectural space needs study prepared. There is still money in the budget to accomplish this. Court Facilities An ad -hoc committee has been formed for the court facilities plan. They will meet the first Tuesday of every month at 3:00 pm. REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Gray reported that the following projects are proceeding: Fire Stations Third Street Industrial Park Hudson Street Reconstruction Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Meadow Street Widening Traffic Signalization Study Third Street Gravel Basing Water Tank Maintenance - Sludge Disposal Data is being collected and various options are being considered regarding sludge disposal at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Cascadilla Pedestrian Bridge The Cascadilla pedestrian bridge is almost complete. A path is being cleared as an extension to the bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. REPORT OF ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported that the following projects are in progress: Parking Garage Cleaning Boiler Maintenance Street Maintenance Paint Storage Room Repairs Street and Crosswalk Striping Lawn Mowing Program City Pools The swimming pools at Cass Park and GIAC have been inspected and permits have been issued for their use. Commemorative Plague The plaque that was donated to the City in conjunction with the Ithaca Festival has been hung in the large pavilion at Stewart Park. This plaque is commemorative of the early movie making days in Ithaca. Commissioner Cannon noted that the DPW did an excellent job cleaning the oil and other debris left 'on the Commons after the Ithaca Festival. He suggested that the Committee of the Whole consider raising deposit fees for the vendors who are involved with the Festival. • Superintendent Thadani commented that the Department of Public Works has begun their budget procedures and requests that the Board review the future Capital Projects and offer their input. 353 5 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS• Permission to Ithaca Farmers Market for Use of Stewart Park Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, the Ithaca Farmers Market is planning a fund raising "tilne estimate race" on August 19, 1990, and WHEREAS, this race is' planned to pass through Stewart Park between 12:00 and 12:30 pm; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the Ithaca Farmers Market permission for this race to pass through Stewart Park between 12:00 and 12:30 pm on August 19,.1990. Carried Unanimously Construction of Shelter at Newman Golf Course (� Resolution 0 By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, members of the Newman Golf Course require permission to construct an open sided shelter off the back of the Newman Club m House, and Q WHEREAS, Steve Torrant, City Golf Manager, has approved shelter plans, and WHEREAS, the cost of the shelter would be paid for out of the Helen Mike Memorial Fund, and WHEREAS, the City Engineer or one of his staff have agreed to review the plans and oversee the construction; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the request to build the shelter be approved. Council Liaison Blanchard noted that she, Peter Weed of the Planning Department and Steve Torrant met at the Golf Course to discuss this matter. Mr. Weed offered some comments in regard to grading, which he will be forwarding to the City Engineer. The Conservation Advisory Council also looked over the plans and did not have any objections. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously HIGHWAY ITEMS: Encroachment Request at 1311 North Cayuga Street Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a request from Attorney Stephen M. Bowman regarding property known as 1311 North Cayuga Street, and WHEREAS, Sharon Jimenez and John Driscoll are the current owners of said premises and WHEREAS, as shown on the survey map prepared by Howard Schleider dated June 12, 1990 a large portion of the building encroaches north into Water Street (as shown on drawing; not an actual in- place street), and WHEREAS, it appears that the continued existence of these encroachments will not interfere with the use by the public; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment for the said area of the building according to the usual terms for the encroachment in addition to those terms for the use of the property by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and, be it further 354 6 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Encroachment Agreement on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously Repaving of Seneca and Green Streets Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, Seneca and Green Streets are in a state of disrepair, and WHEREAS, the City is constantly investing a large amount of manpower and monies patching these streets, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is entering into its 1991 budget preparation with numerous other demands for the City's resources, and WHEREAS, these streets are within the state's jurisdiction as part of the arterial system, and WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation has not completed any major road work on Seneca and Green Streets since 1957; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works of the City of Ithaca strongly recommends and urges that the New York State Department of Transportation complete the major repairs that are necessary on Seneca and Green Streets, provide the Board with information concerning the scheduling of this work, and respond quickly to this request. Carried Unanimously Encroachment Request at 301 South Corn Street Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a request from Attorney George Pfann regarding property known as 301 South Corn Street, and WHEREAS, Alphonsa Benson and Melinda B. Smith, as trustees under a trust agreement dated November, 1987, between Adolphus C. Hailstork, Sr. and the said trustees is the current owner of said premises, and WHEREAS, as shown on a survey map prepared by Howard R. Schleider dated November 21, 1989, revised April 30, 1990, all of the improvements on the above - described premises are located within the bounds of the property except that a portion of the building encroaches onto West Cleveland Avenue by approximately .65 feet, more or less, and WHEREAS, it appears that the continued existence of this encroachment will not interfere with the use by the public of West Cleveland Avenue; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant an encroachment for the continued existence of the building as shown on the survey according to the usual terms, and, be it further w RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the encroachment agreement on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously PARKING AND TRAFFIC ITEMS: ne:5uiuLlon rorming an Aa Hoc Committee on Parking Management The City of Ithaca has spent much time investigating and studying the parking and traffic situation in the City, the most recent being a downtown parking study prepared by Rich and Associates. 355 7 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, the Board feels there are a number of alternatives to consider regarding the current parking situation, and WHEREAS, one solution to some of the current parking problems could be the establishment of an improved parking management system, and WHEREAS, the Rich and Associates parking study identified and evaluated various options for improving the City's parking system including better organizational structure and management, and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that undertaking the following evaluations including: Co (1) examining the feasibility of reorganizing the parking O responsibilities within the Department of Public Works and (2) developing a job description for a new position that 7 reflects these responsibilities, if warranted, m Q and developing recommendations, are important steps in the process of improving the parking system; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works names the following committee to undertake these evaluations: Vice Chair of the Board of Public Works Chair of the BPW Parking and Traffic Committee Council Liaison to the Board of Public Works Chair of the Parking Study Committee Chief of Police Superintendent of Public Works Two DPW Parking Staff Two members of Downtown Ithaca Inc. One member of the Collegetown Merchants Association and, be it further RESOLVED, That this committee shall report back its findings to the Board of Public Works with a recommendation for appropriate actions by September 1, 1990. Amending Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, that the first Resolved include three members of the community which will represent local neighborhoods and users of the parking facilities, which will be appointed by the Mayor. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Amending Resolution. A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (2), Berg, Connor Nays (4), Cox, Cannon, Reeves, Sprague Motion Fails Amending Resolution By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, that the first Resolved include two members of the community, one will represent the local neighborhoods, and one will represent users of the parking facilities. These community members will be appointed by the Mayor. 356 8 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (5) Nichols, Berg, Connor, Reeves, Cannon Nays (2) Cox, Sprague Carried Discussion followed on the floor. Mayor Nichols asked Vice Chair Reeves to convene the first meeting of this committee and the members could choose their own Chair at that time. Main Motion as Amended A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Dryden Road Parking Garage Monitorinq and Parking Fee Collection Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has provided 24 hour monitoring and parking fee collection at the Dryden Road Parking Garage for the months of March, April and May 1990, and WHEREAS, the results of these extended hours of operation have resulted in additional revenues to the City and alleviation of the congestion that previously occurred; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes 24 hour staffed operation and fee collection permanently, with reviews in September 1990 and April 1991. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Dryden Road Parking Garage Sunday Free Parking Period from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm Resolution By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works had authorized a "free" time slot on Sundays from 9:.00 am to 1:00 pm for a trial basis at the Dryden Road Parking Garage, and WHEREAS, the Board feels that this free time slot is not justifiable; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That no more free parking will be allowed at the Dryden Road Parking Garage. Discussion followed on the floor' with Mayor Nichols and Commissioner Connor voicing their opposition to the Resolution. Commissioner Cannon and Commissioner Sprague spoke in favor of the Resolution. Commissioner Cox stated that he would not support the Resolution at this time but if other groups requested the same considerations, he would act in favor of discontinuing the free time slot. A vote on the Resolution resulted'as follows: Ayes (2) Cannon, Sprague Nays (5) Nichols, Connor, Reeves, Berg, Cox Motion Fails 357 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS• Ithaca Green Market at DeWitt Park Resolution By Commissioner Berg: `Seconded at Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, there has been concern expressed about possible confusion by the public that the Ithaca Green Market and the Ithaca Farmers Market are separate organizations, run Independently from each other, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes it is important that efforts be made to avoid such confusion; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the City Attorney to include in the agreement between the Ithaca Green Market and the City, language that requires the Ithaca Green (y) Market to do everything possible to avoid confusion by the public O when it advertises, promotes, recruits vendors, fund raises, or otherwise communicates with individuals, groups and the greater .� community at large. (n Assistant City Attorney Kennedy informed the Board that the Q Ithaca Green Market may be forced -into changing their name as "Green Market" is a trademark of a group from New York City. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (3) Cannon, Connor, Berg Nays (3) Cox, Sprague, Reeves Mayor Nichols voted Aye, breaking the tie. Carried SOLID WASTE ITEMS: Recycling Drop -off Center Resolution By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon WHEREAS, the Recycling Drop -off Center located on Willow Avenue has currently been operating on weekdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and WHEREAS, this arrangement has caused unanticipated problems such as contamination of recyclables and excessive littering; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works limits the operation of the Recycling Drop -off Center to Saturdays, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm until August 1, 1990, and, be it further RESOLVED, That a committee consisting of the City Attorney, County Attorney, County Commissioner of Public Works, City Superintendent of Public Works, one City appointed or elected official and one County appointed or elected official be formed to discuss future operations of the Recycling Drop -off Center and to further amend and interpret the existing City- County contract. Carried Unanimously WATER AND SEWER ITEMS: Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget Adiustment During the preparation of the 1990 budget for the treatment plant, equipment needed for the industrial pretreatment program was included in the Laboratory Supplies (496) line. This was reviewed and approved in the Fall of 1989. In attempting to purchase the equipment, Finance has required that it be budgeted on the Other Equipment (225) line and appear in the approved 358 10 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 equipment list. SJS has reviewed this and recommended that funds be transferred and the equipment list revised. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request of the SJS to transfer $11,915. from J8150.496 to J8150.225 and to amend the approved equipment to include the following equipment: Computer and Plotter $ 4,415. Refrigerator, locking 1,600. Ice Maker 1,900. ISCO flow meter and weirs 4,000. Total: $11,915. now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests that the Budget and Administration Committee make these changes to the 1990 budget, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board request that the Budget and Administration Committee review its procedures and consider handling similar well documented items in an administrative manner between the Chairman of the Budget and Administration Committee, the City Controller and the Department Head. Carried Unanimously Position of Principal Account - _Clerk in Water and Sewer Department - - --------------- Bill Riker will retire on August 4., 1990 from the position of Principal Account Clerk for Water and Sewer Operations. Due to the nature and detail of the work involved, this position should be filled as soon as possible and allowed to run concurrently with Mr. Riker's position until his retirement. This position accounts for approximately $4 million in appropriations in the 1990 budget and Mr. Riker is currently preparing the 1991 budget for initial review. This is an excellent time to train a new person in this position. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Sprague WHEREAS, the position of Principal Account Clerk in Water and Sewer Operations will be vacant following Bill Riker's retirement August 4, 1990 unless the position has been previously filled, and WHEREAS, the position is important to the daily operation of the group and a new employee will require several weeks of training to function competently in this position; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the Personnel Division advertise this position in an open competitive manner as soon as possible, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Board requests that the Budget and Administration Committee create the necessary temporary position which will allow training and will cease with Mr. Riker's retirement on August 4, 1990. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Portable Air Compressor Bids were received for furnishing one Air Compressor. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the bids for the 11250" machines from Mid -State Contractors, Rupp Rental and Sales, Roberts Equipment, and Tracey 11 BPW Minutes June 13, 1990 Road Equipment be rejected as not meeting specifications, and be it further RESOLVED, That the bid from Serieca Supply for 11125" machine be rejected as being over the budget, and be it further RESOLVED, That the contract for furnishing one Air Compressor be awarded to the alternate bid of Mid -State Contractors for a 11375" machine for their bid of $19,163. as only bid meeting specifications. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the rejected bids. On a motion by Commissioner Connor and Seconded by Commissioner Cannon this Resolution was tabled until the next Board of Public Works meeting. Co Award of Contract for Removal and Disposal of Water Tank at O Haller Boulevard Resolution --� By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon m WHEREAS, on May 23, 1990 Crispell Construction was awarded the contract but was unable to submit the Certificate of Insurance Q required by the City and consequently withdrew its bid, and WHEREAS, Central New York H &E Co., Inc. has become the next low bidder by eliminations of the need to relocate the existing power lines in accordance with the letter dated June 8, 1990; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the contract for removal and disposal of the water tank at Haller Boulevard be awarded to Central New York H &E Co., Inc. for their bid of $6,900. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Sprague: Seconded by Commissioner Cox RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #11 General Fund ..........................$ 94,272.92 Water and Sewer Fund .................. 3,679.96 Joint Activity Fund ................... 16,609.41 Capital Projects ...................... 153,260.14 and, be it further RESOLVED, That bills receivable -be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 pm. Julie C. Boyle Deputy City Clerk d'V � Benjamin Nichols Mayor 351)