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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:p0 pm July 18, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Commissioners (5) Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Berg, Cox
OTHERS PRESENT:
Superintendent of Public Works
Acting Asst. Superintendent of
City Engineer - Gray
Asst. City Attorney - Kennedy
Council Liaison - Blanchard
Deputy City Clerk - Boyle
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Sprague
- Thadani
Public Works - Carpenter
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: r
Approval of Minutes of the June 27, 1990 Board of Public Works
Meeting
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 27, 1990 Board of Public
Works Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
IONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Cannon requested the addition of Item A - Department
of Public Works Consolidation Study - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
Highway Items
Commissioner Reeves requested the addition of Item A - Third
Street Improvements - Resolution.
No Board member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols read a memorandum from Planning and Development
Director VanCort.
"With the approval of our Community Development Application, we
must move rapidly to implement the projects for which we have
requested funding. The centerpiece of this year's application,
as you know, is the Polygon project on Floral Avenue.
One of the critical issues facing the Polygon project is parking.
The developer applied to the BZA for a variance to permit
construction of additional parking spaces on their site, but was
turned down on two occasions. The parking requirement is of
particular importance on that site since there is no on- street
parking on Floral Avenue.
The City has faced this problem previously with INHS projects and
has assisted that organization by providing off street parking to
the east of Floral Avenue on the land between Floral Avenue and
the Flood Control Channel.
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July 18, 1990
Polygon has requested that the City give it permission to create
additional parking east of Floral Avenue using the excess fill
material which is to be excavated from their site. This would
require some cooperation from the City ont only in permitting
Polygon to move the fill to that location, but also in altering
the curb so that access to the parking area could be provided.
It would be of considerable assistance to the project if the City
could do the curb alteration and associated work as an in -kind
contribution. There is a precedent for the City providing this
sort of assistance to other low and moderate income projects.
I would appreciate your referring this to the Board of Public
Works for their consideration, at the earliest possible time.
Polygon plans to begin construction in September and it would be
very helpful to them if this issue could be resolved before that
time."
Discussion followed on the floor. Council Liaison Blanchard
requested that the Conservation Advisory Council be informed of
this project, so they may offer recommendations and ideas.
Further discussion was referred to staff.
Mayor Nichols also read a portion of a Resolution (Item 16.1)
that was adopted by Common Council at their July 11, 1990 meeting
regarding the Capital Budget Review Process.
"RESOLVED, That in order to facilitate the Capital Budget Review
Process in future years, the Board of Public Works shall take
those steps necessary to develop, maintain, and update on a
continuous basis repair and replacement schedules for all major
infrastructure elements in the City (e.g., roads, bridges, sewer
pipes, storm drains, and water supply pipes), such schedules to
provide forecasts for repairs and replacements needed over five,
ten, fifteen, and twenty year periods (or such other periods as
the Board determines are appropriate), and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council requests that the Board of Public
Works, working with the appropriate City departments and boards,
develop and implement viable processes for creating public
dialogue and obtaining public input with respect to capital
projects that may be controversial, before those projects are
funded and /or plans for those projects are finalized."
Discussion followed on the floor.
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Cafferillo reported on the following:
Water and Sewer Funds .
Water and Sewer rates were raised, effective January 1, 1990, in
conjunction with the 1990 budget. The water rate was raised from
$.90 to $1.00 for 100 cubic feet and the sewer rate was raised
from $1.00 to $1.16. Due to reasons beyond the control of the
Chamberlain's office the new water and sewer rates have not been
assessed as of yet. The Chamberlain's office will be sending out
amended, retroactive bills to user's, incorporating the first-two
quarters of the year, with the third quarter billing. These
bills will be in the tax bill form with a notification of the
water and sewer rate change. City Controller Cafferillo noted
that the billing has to be done this way in order to keep
revenues at the estimated levels to finance the water and sewer
fund operations for 1990. Discussion followed regarding the
reaction of the users to this billing procedure.
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NOTE: Following the meeting, the City
need for retroactive payments with the
As a result, it is now proposed that th
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postponed to January 1, 1991. -
BPW Minutes
July 18, 1990
Controller reviewed the
Mayor and City Engineer.
e billing of new rates be
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL LIAISON:
Council Liaison Blanchard reported that she has had many phone
calls regarding sidewalk inspections. She asked the Board if
they would look at the criteria for sidewalk repairs and see if
adjustments should be made.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani reported that he has made
the following appointment:-
Dan Schmohe, to the provisional appointment of City Forester, at
O an annual salary of $32,244., effective July 9, 1990.
Superintendent Thadani also reported on the following:
CO Monroe /Marshall Street Pedestrian Bridge
Q The Department of Public Works has closed the Monroe /Marshall
Street pedestrian bridge due to structural deterioration.
A press release has been issued, residents have been notified and
the bridge has been posted. A 1988 memo prepared by Carlos
Laquette estimated that the repairs would cost approximately
$175,000. Asst. City Attorney Kennedy suggested that the City
either fix the bridge quickly or take it- out before anyone gets
hurt by not obeying the signs. Staff is investigating the
various options.
Recycling Center
The recycling center is now open Monday - Saturday from 7:00 am
to 3:30 pm. Negotiations are underway with the County that will
probably result in the County picking up the full costs of
operating the Center.
DPW Budget
The DPW budget will be ready for the Board's review next week.
Staff Interviews
Interviews are being held for the Engineering Technician
positions. One position has been filled the other is still
vacant.
The pre- screening of applicants for the Asst. Superintendent of
Public Works is almost complete. Names of eligible candidates
will be forwarded to the Selection Committee next week.
REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER:
City Engineer Gray reported on the following:
Pedestrian Path
Pat Connor noted that Betsy Darlington has contacted her
regarding the path that was cleared for pedestrians and
bicyclists in conjunction with the pedestrian bridge. She stated
that the man -made path has caused a large amount of earth to pile
up around the bottoms of the trees that could eventually kill the
trees. City Engineer Gray stated that he would have Dan Schmohe
contact Betsy regarding this matter.
Hudson Street
The Hudson Street project is running approximately 2 weeks behind
schedule. The budget for this project appears to be balancing
out within the amount originally allocated. The re- landscaping
plan was presented to Common Council, Committee of the Whole and
was referred to the Budget and Administration Committee.
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BPW Minutes
July 18, 1990
Water Tanks
The Cornell Street tank has been repaired and painted and will be
on line in approximately three weeks.
The Haller Blvd. tank has been demolished and removed. The new
tank should be installed in mid - August.
City Engineer Gray reported that the following projects were
progressing:
Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation
Route 13 Industrial Park
Fire Stations
REPORT OF ACTING ASST. SUPERINTENDENT:
Acting Asst. Superintendent Carpenter reported the following
projects are proceeding:
North Cayuga Street - micro paving
Third Street - curb installation
Street Maintenance- stone & oil
Parking Garages - graffiti removal
Commons Maintenance - drinking fountain repairs
Youth Bureau Building - sprinkler head installation
Cass Park - storage shed heating system installation
Transit System - development of transit survey questionnaire to
determine travel needs
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, at their meeting of January
31, 1990, authorized funds not -to- exceed $4,100. for preparation
of a conceptual design for the proposed consolidation of the
Department of Public Works,
and
WHEREAS, the architectural firm of Trowbridge and Trowbridge were
hired for this purpose, and due to numerous complications, the
expenses to complete this conceptual design exceeded the original
contract amount; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the additional
amount of $630.13 to Trowbridge and Trowbridge for the conceptual
design done in connection with the proposed consolidation of the
Department of Public Works.
Discussion followed on the floor. Superintendent Thadani stated
that the reason the project went over budget was because of the
number of presentations that were given. Commissioners Reeves
and Connor expressed their opposition to this Resolution. Asst.
City Attorney Kennedy commented that if the contract states not -
to- exceed $4,100. and no change orders have been made, no money
should be owed.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (1) Cannon
Nays (4) Connor, Reeves, Berg, Cox
Motion Fails
HIGHWAY ITEMS•
Third Street Improvements
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves:
WHEREAS, the Department
curbing and sidewalks on
Streets, and
Seconded by Commissioner Connor
of Public Works desires to install
Third Street between Adams and Franklin
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July 18, 1990
WHEREAS, the City Charter requires that a public hearing be held
before these improvements are made; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a public hearing -be held on August 8, 1990 at the
Regular Board of Public Works meeting at 4:00 pm in
Council Chambers in City Hall, 108 East Green•Street, Ithaca, New
York, as provided for' in the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
Articles 5.28 and 5.47.
Discussion followed on the floor. City Engineer Gray stated that
50% of the expense of installing curbing and sidewalks will be
assessed to the City and the other 50% will be assessed to the
property owners. He also noted that the area business owners
have been notified of this project. Brick pavers will be used on
this project because it is a low maintenance but still attractive
co alternative.
0 A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
(� Carried Unanimously
�] CREEKS. BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS:
Q Award of Contract for Bridge Repair Work
Bids were received on July 9, 1990 for award of contract for
bridge repair work.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the one and only bid for bridge repair work be
rejected as exceeding project budget, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs the Engineering
staff to develop a new program of repairs, adjusting the budget
as necessary and to consider the possibility of combining this
repair work with the replacement contract for the North Cayuga
Street bridge over Cascadilla Creek.
.Carried Unanimously
SOLID WASTE ITEMS:
Trash Violation at 305 Fairmount Avenue
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from John and Jane
Lis to expunge the trash violation for no City trash tags which
they received at 305 Fairmount Avenue.
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to
investigate this violation further and report back.
Discussion followed on the floor. After investigating this
case, Asst. Refuse and Recycling Supervisor Kelly recommended
that this violation not be expunged.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the new Resolved clause shall read as follows:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies this request for
expungement of the trash violation at 305 Fairmount Avenue.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
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BPW Minutes
July 18, 1990
Trash Violation at 110 Monroe Street
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Steven and
Pamela Sackett to expunge the trash violation for no City trash
tags for the property they own at 110 Monroe Street.
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Assistant Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, denies this
request for expungement of the trash violation at 110 Monroe
Street.
Carried Unanimously
Trash Violation at 506 South Cayuga Street
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Edward Mazza to
expunge the trash violation for no City trash tags for the
property he owns at 506 South Cayuga Street.
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Assistant Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, denies this
request for expungement of the trash violation at 506 South
Cayuga Street.
Carried Unanimously
Trash Violation at 323 South Titus Street
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Leslie McMahon
to expunge the trash violation for no City trash tags for the
property he owns at 323 South Titus Street. The Department of
Public Works was not aware that Mr. McMahon had reported to the
Police Department that an untagged bag had been dropped off in
front of his residence, therefore, a violation was issued to him.
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Assistant Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, expunges this
trash violation at 323 South Titus Street.
carried Unanimously
Trash Violation at 410 West Seneca Street
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Nancy Falconer
to expunge the trash violation for no City trash tags for the
property she owns at 410 West Seneca Street.,
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Assistant Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, denies this
request for expungement of the trash violation at 410 West Seneca
Street.
Carried Unanimously
Trash Violation at 204 Homestead Terrace
The Board of Public Works reviewed a request from Mr. Larsen to
expunge the trash violation for no City trash tags which he
received at 204 Homestead Terrace.
Resolution
By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to
investigate this violation further and report back.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
RESOLVED, That the new Resolved clause shall read as follows:
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July 18, 1990
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works, with the recommendation
of the Assistant Refuse and Recycling Supervisor, expunges this
trash violation at 204 Homestead Terrace.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
By Commissioner Connor: Seconaea ny commissioner udilnuii
WHEREAS, The Board of Public Works has received many requests for
review and expungement of trash violations from residents, and
WHEREAS, Due to the amount of time needed for investigation and
Oreview by the Board, it is more advantageous for the Board and
0 the residents to have these requests reviewed by staff; now,
therefore, be it
Co RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby designates the
< Superintendent of Public Works as their representative for review
and expungement of trash violations.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER ITEMS:
Amendments to the 1990 Water Filtration Plant Operating Budget
The Chief Operator at the Water Filtration Plant has submitted a
request for increased monies amounting to a•total of $19,520. in
various line items. This is due to the fact that these items
were not planned for or overlooked while going through the 1990
budget process.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works approves the increases in
line items for the Water Filtration Plant which shall come from
the 1990 Contingency Fund of the Water Fund (F1990) and
recommends this action to the Budget and Administration
Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Cox reported that the Town and the Village of
Lansing, along with the Town of Dryden, have approached the
Special Joint Sub-Committee-regarding the possibility of "buying
into" the new facility. Sterns and Wheeler has been commissioned
to conduct a study on various costs, etc. Lansing will be
funding this study. Commissioner Cox stated that Lansing and
Dryden could buy the spare capacity in the new facility from the
existing owners and that money would go into a reserve fund to be
used to purchase matching spare capacity as it becomes necessary.
The SJS Committee will be meeting with the Town and Village of
Lansing and the Town of Dryden Boards on July 30, 1990 to present
the findings of the Sterns and Wheeler report. Mayor Nichols
suggested that the Board of Public Works and Common Council
receive copies of this presentation, and then have their own
presentation.
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REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Audit Report
Resolution
By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the
for payment:
Abstract #14
BPW Minutes
July 18, 1990
by Commissioner Berg
following Abstract be approved
General Fund ......... ...................$ 106,999.31
Water and Sewer Fund .................... 16,160.68
Joint Activity Fund ..................... 21,763.66
Capital Projects ........................ 263,221.29
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS• •
Amendment to the Personnel Roster of the City Engineering Office
Due to the many increases in duties in the Engineering Office,
the City Engineer is requesting that the personnel roster of his
department be amended to include the addition of another Junior
Engineer, eliminating one of the Engineering Technician
positions.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg
WHEREAS, the increased duties in the Engineering Office include
computer aided drafting and design and an increased load of
construction projects that need supervision from personnel at a
higher level that an Engineering Technician; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the City Engineering
Office be amended as follows:
Delete one (1) Engineering Technician
Add one (1) Junior Engineer
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works passes this amendment
onto the Budget and Administration Committee and Common Council
for their consideration.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Appointment of Engineering Technician
One of the Engineering Technician positions in the City
Engineering Office has been vacant for over a year. This
position has been advertised several times over the past year,
and many applicants have been interviewed. However, due to the
current starting salary for this position, favorable candidates
would not accept this position at the minimum step. The vacancy
of this position has caused a great hardship to other staff
members in the Engineering Office: Therefore, the appointment of
an individual to the vacant position of Engineering Technician is
of extreme importance.
Resolution
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Cox
WHEREAS, an extensive competitive search has been completed and
the Superintendent of Public Works and Civil Engineer Carlos
Laquette have together thoroughly interviewed several well
qualified candidates and have selected an individual they feel
9 BPW Minutes
July 18, 1990
would best serve the Engineering Office based upon this
individual's education and work experience; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the appointment
of Raymond Benjamin to the position of Engineering Technician in
the. City Engineering Office, at an annual salary of $22,077.,
that being Step 5 of the 1990 CSEA Administrative Unit Plan, and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works passes this
recommendation onto the Budget and Administration Committee and
to Common Council for their consideration.
Commissioner Reeves read a memo she received from William R.
Baker, President of the C.S- E.A. Administrative Unit.
co "Due to prior commitment, I am unable to attend today's Board of
O Public Works meeting and therefore respectfully request that the
Resolution under New Business, B. Appointment of Engineering
Technician be tabled. The proper procedure has not been
followed. It was agreed during the last Administrative contract
[o negotiations that the Union President would be notified in
Q advance if and when the City planned to hire above Step 1 of
salary line and the City was to show justification for hiring
above Step 1.
In the interest of respect to our agreement, delay this action
until proper procedure has been followed.
I also request that this memorandum be read into the minutes of
the July 18, 1990 meeting."
Commissioner Reeves read Article 5, Section 2 of the
Administrative contract. " Whenever the City intends to hire a
new employee above Step 1 on the Compensation Plan, the City
shall notify the Union President, in writing, of its intent."
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution to Table
By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
RESOLVED, That the appointment of an Engineering Technician be
tabled until the next Committee of the Whole meeting, where the
Board of Public Works will have Power to Act.
A vote on the Resolution to Table resulted as follows:
Ayes (4) Connor, Cannon, Reeves, Berg
Nays (1) Cox
ADJOURNMENT• .
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Julie C. Boyle
Deputy City Clerk
n�
Benjamin Nichols
Mayor
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Carried