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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
$43,774., as the only bid meeting specifications.
Mr. Rick Farrell explained the reasons for rejecting the two
bids.
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August 15, 1990
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Carried Unanimously
Audit Report
By Commissioner Berg: Seconded by Commissioner Connor
RESOLVED, That bills listed on the following Abstract be approved
for payment:
Abstract #15
General Fund. • .......................$ 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
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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