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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-07-18O m Q 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. 369 370 2 BPW Minutes 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. 3'71 3 NOTE: Following the meeting, the City need for retroactive payments with the As a result, it is now proposed that th i 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. 372 4 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 373 5 BPW Minutes 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 374 R 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: 375 7 BPW Minutes 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 $19,520. in various line items. This is due to the fact that these items were not planned for or overlooked while going through the 1990 budget process. Resolution By Commissioner Cox: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, The Board of Public Works approves the increases in line items for the Water Filtration Plant which shall come from the 1990 Contingency Fund of the Water Fund (F1990) and recommends this action to the Budget and Administration Committee. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Cox reported that the Town and the Village of Lansing, along with the Town of Dryden, have approached the Special Joint Sub-Committee-regarding the possibility of "buying into" the new facility. Sterns and Wheeler has been commissioned to conduct a study on various costs, etc. Lansing will be funding this study. Commissioner Cox stated that Lansing and Dryden could buy the spare capacity in the new facility from the existing owners and that money would go into a reserve fund to be used to purchase matching spare capacity as it becomes necessary. The SJS Committee will be meeting with the Town and Village of Lansing and the Town of Dryden Boards on July 30, 1990 to present the findings of the Sterns and Wheeler report. Mayor Nichols suggested that the Board of Public Works and Common Council receive copies of this presentation, and then have their own presentation. 37() 0 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Audit Report Resolution By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded RESOLVED, That bills listed on the for payment: Abstract #14 BPW Minutes July 18, 1990 by Commissioner Berg following Abstract be approved General Fund ......... ...................$ 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 3'7'7 Carried