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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1990-08-15-BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. August 15, 1990 PRESENT: Mayor Nichols Commissioners (4) - Reeves, Cannon, Connor, Berg ABSENT: Commissioner - Cox OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Asst. City Attorney - Kennedy Acting Asst. Supt. of Public Works - Carpenter Asst. Civil Engineer - West Senior Stenographer - Holcomb PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: O Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. MINUTES• . Co Approval of Minutes of the July 18, 1990 Board of Public Works Q Meeting By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Cannon RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 18, 1990 Board of Public Works meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Announcement of Appointment to Board of Public Works Mayor Nichols stated that he will be nominating Diann Sams to the to the Board of Public Works at the Common Council meeting in September. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Letter from Sean Killeen Mayor Nichols read a letter from Sean Killeen, 111 Orchard Place, thanking the Superintendent and staff for their timely trimming of brush on the east* side of Eddy Street (100 block) , and requesting that the stairway between sidewalk and curb be scheduled for repair as soon as possible. Commissioner Reeves stated that a copy of the letter has been forwarded to City Engineer Gray with a note asking if that particular project is going to be included in the budget process. Memos from Planning & Development Director Van Cort Mayor Nichols referred to two memos from P &D Director Van Cort. The first was regarding the Central Business District Bus Shelters heating mechanisms. He would like to have the heating devices re- activated. The second memo was in reference to the Green Street Garage reconstruction project. Mr. Van Cort stated that it appears that the project will not be started in the Summer of 1990 and he feels that the decision to delay this project may be ill - advised. Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter stated that he had responded to Mr. Van Cort regarding heating the Bus Shelters. He stated that the heating units were de- activated as a result of a report by the Energy Commission as part of the City's energy conservation program. Further discussion followed on the floor. 330 August 15, 1990 Refer to Committee of the Whole By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the matter of re- activating the heating devices in the Bus Shelters be referred to the Committee of the Whole for discussion and review. Carried Unanimously l.VIgMU1VIUATIUN6 ANU HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE BOARD: Parking Manager Committee Joe Daley, 2nd Ward Rep., addressed the Board regarding the re- institution of 1st hour free parking in the City. The Parking Manager Committee and the merchants are asking that the Board re- examine this matter. Discussion followed on the floor. Refer to Committee of the Whole By Commissioner Connor: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That" the matter of re- institution of 1st hour free parking in the City be referred to the Committee of the Whole for discussion. Carried Unanimously City-Bricks Mark Haag, owner of 440 E. Buffalo Street, spoke to the Board regarding using surplus city bricks that were taken from State Street for part of the driveway at that location. This matter was brought up at the Landmarks Preservation Commission on August 9th and the commission agreed that would be an appropriate use of those bricks. Mr. Haag asked the Board's endorsement for this project. He said there are 29 pallets at the Southwest Park and his proposal would take all 29 pallets plus a few more for his project. Discussion followed on the floor. Refer to Committee of the Whole By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves: RESOLVED, That the request of Mr. Mark Haag for use of the State Street bricks on his renovation project at 440 E. Buffalo Street, be referred to the Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole. Carried Unanimously Public Hearing for Third Street ImnrnvPmAntc By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the public hearing for Third Street improvements be declared open. Carried Unanimously Mr. Charles Parkins, owner of the Bowl -O- Drome, asked the Board who is going to pay for the sidewalk work being done on Third Street. lie stated that he does not think it is right that the City just comes through and puts sidewalks and curbing in and the property owner is expected to pay for it. Discussion followed on the floor with Asst. Civil Engineer West explaining the process that was followed for these improvements. Mayor Nichols referred to Section 5.28 of the Charter and remarked that it does not appear'to him that the procedures that are cited in that Chapter have been followed in this project. Further discussion followed on the floor. 2 August 15, 1990 Refer to Staff By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves: RESOLVED, That this matter be referred to staff to look into the history of this project and to get in touch with the property owners involved, etc. Carried Unanimously Drain on Adams Street Mr. Parkins mentioned that there has not worked in years and he matter. is a drain on Adams Street that asked that staff look into that Resolution to Close Public Hearing By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves RESOLVED, That the public hearing on the matter of Third Street improvements be closed. H Carried Unanimously c Traffic Flow Between on Cavuqa Street Between Farm and Court Streets Guy Gerard spoke to the Board on the issue of traffic problems on Cayuga-Street. He asked the Board to look at the traffic lights in that area to make the traffic flow better. Discussion followed on the floor. Commissioner Berg asked that while this problem is being looked at, that staff also review why there is a sign on Court Street, as you're headed west on Court at Cayuga, forbidding a right turn on a red light. Refer to Staff By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg RESOLVED, That the traffic flow problem on Cayuga and the matter of a sign forbidding a right hand turn from Court Street to Cayuga be referred to staff for review and report back to the Board of Public Works. Carried Unanimously REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: Designation of Parking Spaces in Garages Asst. Attorney Kennedy reported that the City continues to receive requests to give reserved parking spaces in the garages. In researching this, she thinks it can be done under two different theories. If the perspective tenant was some kind of governmental agency there is a specific exception that would allow for the county or the U.S. government, for example, to have designated parking spaces in garages. If Council voted to permit a lease they could do so for a period of ten years. Discussion followed on the floor. Supt. Thadani stated that Item 21.D on the agenda, request for an Executive Session, is in reference to this matter. Poster Committee Asst. Attorney Kennedy stated that the City Attorney is requesting the a Board member or a department member be appointed to serve on the Poster Committee. Discussion followed and Commissioner Reeves stated that she might be available to serve on that committee. Private - Illegal Dumping Problem Asst. Attorney Kennedy stated that her office has received a complaint from someone whose privately owned dumpster had been filled up with garbage that did not belong to the individual. The owner of the dumpster was referred to the Police Department and was not helped. She asked what the procedure should be. 3 +y August 15, 1990 Discussion followed. Commissioner Reeves stated that the procedure for illegal dumping is to notify the Police Department. Asst. Attorney Kennedy said that she would talk with Chief McEwen. REPORT ON WATER AND SEWER RULES: Commissioner Reeves stated that she recently received a memo re. the increase in the water and sewer rates. She would like to have the City Controller report to the Board of Public Works for clarification on this matter. Mayor Nichols, for the record, stated that the upshot of it is that we are not now instituting an increase in rates this year but that the process be started in September as part of the Department of Public Works budget process. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent Thadani reported on the following: Capital Review Process - The process has begun and packets will be forthcoming to Board members. City Court Facility - There has not been recent meetings on the City -Court Facility due to conflicts in schedules. Judge Sherman has been given the task of putting together a list of firms who are qualified to do this type of work and the committee will be reviewing those. GIAC Renovations - The Planning Department is putting together for the committee a list of architectural firms that do renovation work of that type. There will be a meeting next week to shorten that list and invite the consultants in to meet with the committee. Downtown Visions Sub- committee - He has met with Susan Blumenthal and discussed some of the requests that have been made by the sub - committee 'Immediate Action'. He has also met with his staff and the Board to discuss which of those requests the department can respond to. DPW Consolidation Task Force - The committee had their first meeting on Monday to discuss how to proceed. He is going to be outlining the minimum necessary elements of a study that would be the basis of a consolidation of the DPW. Recycling in City Hall - The Department has come up with a policy to implement recycling in City Hall and all of the City's public buildings. Recycling Center Supervisor - We are still waiting for a response from the County on the supervision costs. Youth Bureau Acoustical Remediation Study - The study will be starting next week. Parks Commission - The commission has a draft charter ready and they are in the process of considering the charter for the permanent Parks Commission. Recruitment of Asst Supt - It has been decided to re- advertise that position. Retirement of Bernard CarpenterY- Mr. Carpenter will be retiring in January 1991. The Supt. would like to have a replacement for Mr. Carpenter before he retires. According to a memo he has received from Personnel Administrator Saul, the time schedule for having someone in place for this position would be June 1991. 4 August 15, 1990 REPORT OF ACTING ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT: Acting Asst. Supt. Carpenter reported on the following: Paving Proiects - Buffalo Street,. between Stewart and Geneva, and Court Street between Linn and•Geneva were milled last week and the paving should be completed by Friday. North Taylor Place - Has been gravel based and is ready for paving now. Third Street Project - This project is near completion. Stewart Avenue Bridge - The bridge crew is doing minor repairs to Stewart Avenue Bridge over Cascadilla Creek. Pedestrian Bridge /Path Co Commissioner Connor remarked that she spoke with Betsy Darlington 0 about the pedestrian /bicycle bridge and when they inspected it, it really was a sloppy job, with the dirt piled up everywhere. Asst. Supt. Carpenter stated that the path now is all paved and CO fixed. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS• Request from Ithaca Farmers' Market for Use of Steamboat Landing for Fund Raiser By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Berg WHEREAS, the Board reviewed a request from the Ithaca Farmers' Market to use Steamboat Landing on Sunday, August 19, 1990 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the purpose of a fund raising event, and WHEREAS, the contract between the Farmers' Market and the City requires that the City approve the use of Steamboat Landing by the Farmers' Market for activities other than the Farmers' Market; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the request from the Ithaca Farmers' Market for use of the Steamboat Landing site for a fund raising event on August 19. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Boundary Agreement for 209 Elmwood Avenue By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves WHEREAS, the City has received a request from Peter Grossman, attorney representing Peter J. Mansfield, owner of the premises of 209 Elmwood Avenue for an agreement concerning the boundaries at said property, and WHEREAS, a survey map prepared by George Schlecht dated May 19, 1986 shows that a fence belonging to the City of Ithaca encroaches on the northwest corner of the property at 209 Elmwood Avenue, and WHEREAS, the owner is willing to let the fence remain in its present location; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works authorizes the Mayor to execute the Boundary Agreement as stated above on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously 5 383 384 August 15, 1990 HIGHWAY ITEMS• ­­_;ivaunmenz Request at 801 West Buffalo Street By Commissioner Cannon: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a request from Attorney Edward Mazza regarding property known as 801 West Buffalo Street, and WHEREAS, Lehigh Valley House Restaurant and Hotel, Inc. is the current owner of said premises, and WHEREAS, as shown on a survey map prepared by Clarence W. Brashear, Jr., dated July 10, 1990, all of the improvements on the above - described premises are located within the bounds of the property except that a corner of the building encroaches onto the public street known as West Buffalo Street, and WHEREAS, it appears that the continued existence of these encroachments will not interfere with the use by the public of West Buffalo Street; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED,.That the Board of Public Works grants an encroachment for the said corner of the building according to the usual terms, and be-it-further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Encroachment Agreement on behalf of the City. Ayes (4) - Reeves, Connor, Berg, Mayor Nichols Abstention (1) - Cannon Carried CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS ITEMS• aial l..Vll rQlll ri By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor: WHEREAS, a request was received from the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County for use of DeWitt and Washington Parks on August 9, 1990 and August 23, 1990 respectively, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, for an activities workshop for this agency and their clientele, and WHEREAS, this Agency has agreed to take care of clean up responsibilities when they are through; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants this request from the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County for use of DeWitt and Washington Parks. Carried Unanimously Award of Contract for Ice Resurfacer By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Reeves: Bids were received on July 9, 1990 for furnishing one Ice Resurfacer, RESOLVED, That the low bid of $39,453. from Frank J. Zamboni and Co. Inc., be rejected as not meeting specifications, and be it further RESOLVED, That the- bid from H.L. Leclair, Inc. also be rejected as not meeting specifications, and be it further RESOLVED, That the bid for furnishing one Ice Resurfacer be awarded to Frank J. Zamboni and Co. Inc. for their bid of $43,774., as the only bid meeting specifications. Mr. Rick Farrell explained the reasons for rejecting the two bids. 2 385 August 15, 1990 Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Carried Unanimously Audit Report By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved for payment: Abstract #15 General Fund. • .......................$ 262,488.90 Water and Sewer Fund .......................$ 121,355.51 Joint Activity Fund ........................$ 34,053.59 Capital Projects ...........................$ 142,582.14 and be it further 0 RESOLVED, That bills receivable be approved and rendered. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS: CO Schedule of August Meetings Q By- Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, there was a lack of quorum for the August 8, 1990 Board of Public Works regular meeting; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the schedule of August meetings for the Board of Public Works be as follows: August 1st - Committee of the Whole August 8th - Cancelled August 15th - Regular Board meeting August 22nd - Committee of the Whole August 29th - Regular Board meeting Carried Unanimously Thank you _ Mike Sprague By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Connor WHEREAS, Michael Sprague has resigned from the Board of Public Works, and WHEREAS, Mike was appointed to the Board of Public Works in 1988, and during his tenure was instrumental in many projects including improvements at the Newman Golf Course, a major conversion of street lights in the City of Ithaca, as well as liaison to the City Hydropower Commission and the SJS Committee for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant; and WHEREAS, Mike Sprague has patiently and diplomatically resolved the problems of lighting on Taylor Place, and WHEREAS, Mike Sprague's calmness, good sense, and concern for fair treatment for all have been invaluable contributions to the workings of the Board of Public-Works; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That on behalf of the entire community and Department staff, the Board of Public Works hereby commends and thanks Michael Sprague for his years of service as a Commissioner of the Board of Public Works. Carried Unanimously Appointment of City Electrician By Commissioner Reeves: Seconded by Commissioner Berg WHEREAS, Jack Brooks retired from his position as City Electrician within the Department of Public Works, and 7 386 August 15, 1990 WHEREAS, a competitive search has been completed and the former City Electrician, City Electrical Inspector, Building Systems Supervisor, and Acting Assistant Superintendent have thoroughly interviewed and selected an individual they feel would best serve the Department, and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 5, Section 2 of the CSEA Administrative contract, the Union President has been notified of the City's intent to hire a new employee above Step 1 on the Compensation Plan; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the appointment of James L. Crandall to the position of City Electrician in the Department of Public Works, at an annual salary of $21,228, that being Step 4 of the 1990 CSEA Administrative Unit Compensation Plan, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works forwards this recommendation to the Budget and Administration Committee and to Common Council for their consideration. Carried Unanimously Executive-Session On a motion the meeting adjourned into Executive Session to discuss a confidential request. ADJOURNMENT: The Board of Public Works came out of the Executive Session and adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. No action was taken at the Executive Session. Connie J. Holcomb Senior Stenographer KI Benjamin Nichols Mayor